A year has passed but First Lieutenant M. has not forgotten the Second Lebanon War or his visit to Migdal Ohr.
"I remember the two weeks of near face-to-face combat, the confused orders and insufficient combat gear, the intense hunger, physical and emotional exhaustion and toughest of all, the self-imposed silence and disassociation with our surroundings. ‘Now is not the right time to complain, but when it is over,' we thought to ourselves, ‘when the air raid sirens stop and we are out of these fatigues, we can talk and the truth will be known.'"
When the news came that we were receiving a day off, our hearts soared. We suffered so much stress and hardship. Where would we go? How should we take full advantage of this gift?
Rumors begin to circulate that we were going to some school in Migdal Ha'Emek. "This must be a joke! Who ordered ten buses to bring us to some yeshiva with some Rabbi who is just going to try and brainwash us?"
Then a few of the guys remembered. "Rabbi Grossman, that's the Disco Rabbi right? The guys all give him great respect." But what do they know? He is still some rabbi.
Tired and emotionally drained, we got off the buses and stood face to face with an old-world looking Jew, complete with a white beard, side locks and long jacket. "So here it comes," I thought, "the push to put on tefillin or to say prayers together. Some day off."
"Boys," the rabbi's words thundered, "I suggest that first thing you do is take a dip in the pool and freshen up. In the meantime, we will make you something to eat."
"What's the problem? 600 soldiers? They should all come, of course we have room!"
In amazing simplicity Rabbi Grossman heard in passing that the brigade was looking for a home for a day, and he immediately volunteered his campus. "What's the problem? 600 soldiers? They should all come, of course we have room!"
With the echoes of war from the battlefield still in our ears, it seemed like a mirage or hallucination. Soft music came from everywhere and flowing water and greenery surrounded us. Within minutes the tables were set with cold refreshing watermelon, cakes, and beverages, followed by cheeses, fresh vegetables, and soft rolls.
Then we heard, "Out of the pool, get dressed and eat something." We saw piles of new undergarments. 600 new undershirts and underwear appeared as if out of nowhere, laid out on tables for our choosing.
Rabbi Grossman sat with us and laughed, "Have a good time boys! Have a great time! This evening, I will put on the most spectacular performance you have ever seen."
I am not a religious person by any means, but I can't help but envision the first Jew, Avraham, standing and personally serving his guests perfectly naturally and without the slightest hint of condescension. He respected each individual and cared for all their needs. Like Avraham, Rabbi Grossman saw in this an obvious act of kindness, a mission of a mitzvah that had fallen into his hands. As the evening continued we learned quickly that this was the essence of who Rabbi Grossman is and what he is all about. He loves everyone and accepts everyone as they are with all his heart and soul.
"Tell me friends," Rabbi Grossman said, "I heard you are lacking different pieces of equipment. Do me a favor. Here is a pencil and paper, just write down everything you are missing and leave the paper on the table."
That night, we enjoyed the entertainment and afterwards, slept in soft beds and air-conditioned rooms. Like in a fairytale, we awoke in the morning and could not believe our eyes. Mounds of gear which we so desperately needed had arrived at Migdal Ohr. Attached was a small note from Rabbi Grossman, "To my dear soldiers, from all my heart!"
Rabbi Grossman had personally raised over $60,000 worth of equipment from friends literally overnight! The essential equipment included ceramic bulletproof vests, helmets, canteens, knee pads, backpack water canteens, night vision goggles, toothbrushes, socks and more.
A few months before the war began Rabbi Grossman had been offered a new Torah scroll for the main Midgal Ohr study hall by a generous friend of his in France. For some reason Rabbi Grossman requested to postpone the event until an unspecified later date. Rabbi Grossman immediately made arrangements and in an early evening ceremony, we participated in the completion of writing the Torah. While the scroll was carefully laid on the table next to a special pen and ink, Rabbi Grossman addressed the soldiers.
"Each one of you should pray that the merit of the letter he has completed in this Torah scroll will protect him in battle."
"My holy ones! I am going to bestow upon you the merit of a holy mitzvah, which can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Each one of you will complete a letter in the Torah scroll. While you are executing this holy task, each one of you should pray the prayer of his heart and request from God that the merit of the letter he has completed will protect him in battle. Holy sparks will emanate from these sacred letters and disperse around you, creating a protective shield which will keep you safe and bring you home safely."
Those moments were the most exciting and emotional ones of my life. Shaking from the intensity of the immeasurable experience, still not believing, we held the edges of the Torah scroll while we felt our hearts beat rapidly. There was complete silence all around. One after the other, we dipped the quill in the ink and completed a letter in the Torah scroll.
A bystander would have seen a breathtaking scene of incredible elation and spiritual exuberance. The world seemed as if shrouded in silence. The strings of our hearts felt strummed and the tears flowed freely down our cheeks.
After the completion of the Torah, the ceremony continued. Leading the procession was a decorated car with multi-colored lights strung all over it and with a crown of lights spinning around on its roof. Following the car, bearers of a decorated canopy marched while people danced around it. Under the canopy, others held the Torah scroll, which was clothed in white and crimson with a silver crown at its top.
600 soldiers and thousands of the town residents marched and danced in the procession, a loudspeaker accompanying them, playing traditional Jewish music.
As the ceremony came to a close Rabbi Grossman approached every soldier and kissed him while placing a half-shekel coin in his hand and said "Messengers of a mitzvah are not harmed." Rabbi Grossman concluded, "When you return, God willing, healthy and unharmed, you will fulfill this mission I am placing upon you, and you will donate this money to charity."
A moment before they returned to Lebanon Rabbi Grossman told us, "In the merit that you said Shema and put on tefillin, wrote a letter in the Torah, and are messengers of a mitzvah, I promise you, that you will all return safe and sound. None of you will be wounded or killed."
Rabbi Grossman told the soldiers that the first place they must come back to -- before they go home -- is Migdal Ohr. "We will thank God together and from there we will say goodbye," he said. "Think of this as an emergency call-up. Do you accept?" the Rabbi asked and the commanding officer replied in the affirmative.
The night came. Twelve buses made their way atop the Galilee Mountains. Heavy darkness engulfed us, yet behind, in the growing distance, a bright flame pierced the night sky. In the midst of war and violence, we found love and unending human compassion at Migdal Ohr in the welcoming arms of Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman.
Footnote
Two weeks later around midnight, Rabbi Grossman received a phone call. "Rabbi, your blessing has come true!" exclaimed the commander over the phone. "Everyone is safe and we are on our way to you. We will be there by two in the morning." Rabbi Grossman immediately contacted the kitchen staff and asked them to prepare a meal while he worked to organize a band.
"I felt as I had never felt before," recalls Rabbi Grossman. "Each one told me his personal miracle."
At 2:30 a.m. the soldiers disembarked from the buses, each one carrying 60 kilo of equipment on his back. The band started playing music and the soldiers approached Rabbi Grossman, each one lovingly received with a hug and a kiss. This continued for two hours. "I felt as I had never felt before," recalls Rabbi Grossman. "Each one told me his personal miracle."
After the warm reception, the soldiers recited a prayer of thanksgiving said by someone whose life has been saved, and together with Rabbi Grossman, they sang and danced until daybreak. "To this day," says Rabbi Grossman, "we maintain contact with each soldier and have become one family."
Rabbi Grossman is a recipient of the "Award of Recognition" for his Actions on Behalf of Soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces and the Second Lebanon War.
(58) Anonymous, August 25, 2015 2:40 AM
If everyone was like this, mashiach would be here
I think this is one of the biggest kiddush hashem's you can make. Forcing Judiasm down their throats would not help, but looking out for them, asking what they need, helping them, are all ways to build unity between Jews. If we look out for each other and help them that is what build unity, We should all look out for each other like Rabbi Grossman.
(57) Judith Forsgren, June 21, 2009 10:49 PM
Each Letter is Precious
It has been said that each letter of Torah has meaning and power. To write a letter of a Torah scroll is to do a holy Mitzvah. One letter. Written. Is never forgotten in the person that writes it or the person that reads it. Each soldier carried his letter in his heart from that day forward.
(56) michael, August 17, 2008 3:57 PM
a Jew for all seasons
This story captures the true essence of the qualities that a rabbi should possess.Rabbi Grossman exudes such warmth for his fellow man,on a par with the tzaddk Rabbi Arye Levin z"l. No coercion,just giving so much love and concern for his soldiers but especially the bitachon that every Jew should feel,knowing that Hashem is taking care of him.Such a beautifully told story of a beautiful human being. May we all emulate him in our daily activities so Hashem can be proud of his treasured nation.
(55) Morty, January 18, 2008 3:09 AM
Excellent translation of a beutiful Hebrew narrative
Excellent translation of a beutiful Hebrew narrative
(54) yoel, November 27, 2007 9:30 AM
amazing
This is probably the most amazing story to come out of the futile Second Lebanon war. It should receive international coverage-should even make it to the Reader's Digest
(53) Mark Scull, November 4, 2007 4:05 AM
Merciful Kindness for Israel
Rabbi Grossman has reached out in action, showing G-ds Mercy and love to his people. Let this be an example to all Israel of the power of Prayer and acting in Faith.
(52) suzy, October 30, 2007 1:17 AM
excellent
beautiful heartwarming story
(51) Shari Saylor, October 29, 2007 10:08 AM
LEBANON WAR MIRACLE
This story gave me chills. I believe it is totally true. Rabbi Grossman brought light and joy into a very dark world. Thank you for sharing.
(50) ramon m. del campo, October 28, 2007 10:45 AM
God bless you Rabbi Grossman,you really are a light in this world.
(49) Hinda, October 27, 2007 2:07 PM
We need more Rabbi Grossman
May Israel and the Diaspora have more Rabbis and mensche's like Rabbi Grossman. We need them more and more. May the appeasers to our enemies no longer be Rabbis but may they be forgiven for embracing the evil that is upon us all being paraded as "proponents of peace."
(48) Anonymous, October 27, 2007 12:58 PM
very satisfying
(47) Reb. Doris Feinstein, October 26, 2007 1:43 PM
A Kiddush Hashem
May Hashem grant you, Rabbi Grossman
ad meah v'esrim. Your work for Hashem
is truly a kiddush Hashem.
(46) Regina Brenner, October 26, 2007 10:39 AM
Fantastic and very moving!
Two weeks ago I saw Rabbi Grosman at Madison Square Garden at tne basketball game between Tel Aviv and the Knicks. Duting half time, he led the large crowd of Jews who had come for the game in singing Am Israel Chai. It was magnificent.
What a person!
(45) Renata, October 24, 2007 6:07 PM
Beautiful story!
I was blown away by Rabbi Grossman's love and generousity!
(44) Melanie, October 24, 2007 1:44 PM
Great article
I was also very moved and got tears in my eyes. Thank you very much for sharing this experience by writing this article!
(43) meir m. naim, October 24, 2007 12:16 AM
i cried like a baby reading this
i, a 55 year old war veteren, was so moved reading this amazingly uplifting lovin & caring "ordal"
(42) Steven M Lukens, October 23, 2007 8:54 PM
Great article! Uplifiting! A great soul!
This is one great Rabbi!
Israel needs more like him!
With his help Israel will prevail, and win every war, G-d willing.
(41) Kuppel Lindow, October 23, 2007 1:49 PM
Rabbi Grossman is filled with love.
I remember when Rabbi Grossman came to my yeshiva about 12 years ago. He didn't lecture one bit, he sang. What we felt when he sang was pure unadulturated love. He loves his fellow Jew without any judgment whatsoever. I'd follow him to the ends of the earth. I pray that we can all feel this unconditional love for our fellow Jew and this would be a true Tikkun Olam.
(40) pam, October 23, 2007 4:05 AM
A Tzaddik in our time
My husband and I were first introduced to Migdal Ohr about five years ago. The more I learn of Rabbi Grossman, the more I am amazed. He is truly a tzaddik, a righteous person who holds up this world.
(39) Anonymous, October 22, 2007 8:26 PM
Help and answers to prayers and needs are found in unexpected places.
This was so moving, just like a fairy tale. It was supernatural. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(38) Anonymous, October 22, 2007 6:07 PM
What can one add to such an inspiring story?
Mike Cherry
Telford, Pa.
(37) Martin, October 22, 2007 3:40 PM
Good man that rabbi. Good man. G-d bless him. G-d bless the IDF. May your faith be like a shield as you confront your enemies. May the weapons of your enemies crumble in their hands when they raise them against you. Be strong and courageous!
(36) Gavriela, October 22, 2007 3:29 PM
wow...
A wonderful story! It made me cry. So moving. Thank you!
(35) Jordan, October 22, 2007 3:08 PM
purpose
We can all use this story to build on what we are all doing in our lives, both Jewishly and otherwise.
In terms of Judaism, I think it adds a whole new weight to the mitzvah of tefillin for instance - which sometimes is hard to see why we wake up early in the morning to wrap a strap around us and put boxes on our arm and head. All the mitzvot are there to teach us important messages, and if any of us can reach half the level or even a quarter of the level that Rabbi Grossman has reached in this heart-warming episode, then the world is an infinitely better place.
As Jews especially, we have a special responsibility to ensure that G-d's kindness is brought down into the world, and that we seek to eliminate, as much as it is in our power to, evil from our midst. Even simple things like speaking positive words when you know people who just swear, shout, get angry, speak terrible words about others helps correct the world and we are one step closer to messiach coming, vimru AMEN!!
(34) Eric Jacobson, October 22, 2007 3:03 PM
The light of Israel
Rabbi Grossman performed another mitzvah he may not be aware of, but it hit me deep and beyond the limitations of my heart: He became a light to the nations, showing the World the true heart of the children of Israel. No curses upon the enemy, only love and compassion for those in difficult circumstances, devotion and pure faith in Israel's G-d. May HaShem reveal this, the true nature of the Jew, to all of us of the nations! Then, I believe, shall we have peace.
May you all be blessed with abundance of HaShem's Shalom. Your friend, Eric, Stavanger Norway
(33) Natalie Bral, October 22, 2007 1:14 PM
Rabbi Grossman, You remind me Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Herman Z"L. May Hashem gives strength to you and every single Jew to become a true solider for the Boss. May we all have a merit to do kiddush Hashem.
(32) Barbara Himelfarb, October 22, 2007 11:35 AM
A Blessing
We visited Migdal Ohr and met Rabbi Grossman in 2005. It's a privilege to be supporters of an organization that practices the mitzvah of true giving.
(31) yossi, October 22, 2007 11:21 AM
To Michael re: qualification for writing a letter
Michael,
The standard procedure is for the scribe to write only the outline of the letters at the end of the Torah. At the time of the celebration, the participants are then invited to fill in the outlined letters under the watchful eye of a qualified scribe. I hope this answers your question.
(30) chana rosenblum, October 22, 2007 10:48 AM
Kindness and pure love is what Hashem wants
As I am reading this event, my tears are flowing for the warmth Rabbi Grossman gives and for the soldiers that are so hungry for Hashem.
(29) Dottie, October 22, 2007 10:10 AM
Heartwarming
What a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing this story that is an encouragement to so many.
(28) Michael, October 22, 2007 9:17 AM
an inspiring story
This story reminded me of what a mitzvah is and why we do them.
(27) Anonymous, October 22, 2007 8:55 AM
This article moved me to tears. it amazes me what a world of a different true kindness and true giving can make- and accomplish.
(26) Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D., October 22, 2007 8:08 AM
Wonderful
I read this with wonder and two eyes flowing with tears, I had to stop a few times so I could continue reading.
Abraham avenu, and his servants served his guests without complain although they had all just been circumcised. After reading this I know avnu is still with us.
(25) Anonymous, October 22, 2007 5:34 AM
A different level
I experienced something on a different level and was saved..cccccccame bak from a mission..forget to say Thank you to Ha Shem, but will do so..
(24) michael patchen, October 22, 2007 3:03 AM
Baruch Ha'Shem
Truly wonderful.It is what all of us in Israel should be.Where can donations be sent to the Rav.
(23) Dorothee, October 22, 2007 2:22 AM
Thank you
also my tears were flowing freely by reading this report.
Thank you so much!
Dorothee
(22) J.Jacklin, October 22, 2007 2:13 AM
I don't think I have ever been so moved upon reading any report, May the Rabbi and all soldiers remain in the loving Presence of God. A Catholic grannie.
(21) lynn finson, October 22, 2007 1:15 AM
touching beyond words
This story should be read in every school and Yeshiva. It exemplifies the only way in which the hearts of the many will come closer to Hashem.I intend to teach it today in my Bein Adam L'Chaveiro\between man and fellow man class. Thank you so much for printing it.
(20) Suzanne Lieberman, October 21, 2007 11:35 PM
Thank you for printing this
This story has profoundly touched everyone who I have passed it on to. It is like a beacon of light in the darkness; when the going gets tough and we think that no-one cares, stories like this remind us that there are people out there who care. May H' bless Rabbi Grossman with long life, health and the ability to continue in his Holy work.
(19) Volvi, October 21, 2007 10:07 PM
Oh My
What a wonderfull and uplifting story, truly beautiful. Thank you for publicising it.
(18) Donald, October 21, 2007 9:14 PM
Beautiful
b"H
So beautiful and heart-warming. The modern day, how-to, example of the mitzvah of hospitality. May I learn to become this sort of person.
(17) Sarah Berger, October 21, 2007 8:31 PM
with love anything can be accomplished
The tears flowed freely as I neared the end of the article. The lesson of love and caring is loud and clear. Hashem runs the world. All we need is to open our eyes to see it. Thanx for the lesson. We all need it.
(16) Marilynn Ahlin, October 21, 2007 7:10 PM
This story so gladdened my heart - thank you!
In a world where there is so much sadness and especially in Israel, where I live 6 months out of the year, I can only say that such stories of such good news are so much needed. I too write "good news from Israel", a part of a radio program aired in America from Israel and how much I appreciate hearing about the "good news" and not just that which is so disheartening. Thank you Aish.
(15) ilana, October 21, 2007 5:34 PM
Thank G-d
There is a bridge between the secular and the religious! I always like these sorts of stories!
(14) david ginsburg, October 21, 2007 4:56 PM
putting humane back in human
A truly uplifting story. May I be piviledged to do a fraction of such chesed.
(13) Yossi, October 21, 2007 4:27 PM
Thanks !
Rabbi Grossman is a great CZADIK!
(12) Michael, October 21, 2007 4:25 PM
clarification
"One after the other, we dipped the quill in the ink and completed a letter in the Torah scroll." It is impossible that everybody could have been qualified to write one letter. Do you mean that everyone participated by dipping the quill in the ink, and then the qualified person completed the letter? Please clarify this issue, because I think it stands out to many people who read this.
(11) Mary C., October 21, 2007 3:51 PM
Iwept this is so precious
This is so like Rabbi Grossman. He really hears from God and is filled with His love.
(10) Dena, October 21, 2007 3:32 PM
beautiful
What a special story. I can't believe I never heard this before!
(9) Jimmy, October 21, 2007 3:03 PM
IF ONLY THIS ALWAYS HAPPENED
If what we heard about here happened over and over and there was no infighting. We would have no enemy who could stand up to us and few would dare try.
(8) Eva Baumann, October 21, 2007 2:31 PM
Rabbi Grossman
What a beautiful and inspiring story. I to would love to meet this wonderful Rabbi myself one day. I am not Jewish, I am a Christian living in America. I love America and I also love the Jewish people and Israel. I would call what Rabbi Grossman did for these brave soldiers a "Miracle from God."
(7) Bobbye, October 21, 2007 2:23 PM
Thank you
What a wonderful, inspiring story. Thank G-d for your safe return, and thank G-d for Rabbi Grossman! If we could all follow his example, what a wonderful world this would be!
(6) Anonymous, October 21, 2007 1:20 PM
rabbi grossman is a disiple of aron hacohen....loving peace and pursuing peace..and bringing jews closer to torah...he is a source of holiness and kiddush hashem.bless him and all am yisrael o lord.
(5) Laya, October 21, 2007 12:15 PM
You can learn more
Every story about Rav Grossman is amazing. I've seen how his school transforms kids. You can learn more at the website of Migdal Ohr:
www.migdalohr.org/
Thanks for a very moving article. May we all merit to bring such kindness into the world.
(4) Linda, October 21, 2007 12:02 PM
I was thrilled to see this
article about Migdal Ohr, and Rabbi Grossman. I have been a supporter of the orphange monthly for some time now.
When I think of what he does, for the children and everyone else, I am humbled, and am ashamed of the unlovingness I have sometimes toward people. Israel is in my heart, and when I hear of them going to war or defending themselves, I pray for the soldiers involved, for their protection and victory. The God of the prophets still lives, and protects Israel. Just as the Rabbi prayed for each one, and they were saved. God is no respecter of persons, he will answer when we ask Him.
I'm so happy that I helped in a small way to get the things they needed.
Thank God for the Rabbi, and the Love of God, he has shown to the world.
(3) Grace Fishenfeld, October 21, 2007 11:19 AM
Continued Mitzvahs
This remarkable story by Shuls Weissfer restores the faith Israel had with their past connection to devine power.Let us hope that this connection continues to serve Israel in their need to survive.
(2) Anne, October 21, 2007 10:25 AM
Thankyou
Thankyou for sharing this beautiful story. Rabbi Grossman is truly an inspiration for us all.
(1) Anonymous, October 21, 2007 9:10 AM
A spiritually uplifting p.s. to last summer's war
I know about Rabbi Grossman and his special gift for kiruv, but this story was extraordinary in conveying love, generosity and chizuk for klal yisroel.