#117: Machshavah
As we learn about the halachot regarding the mitzvot related to the beginning of the Shabbat meals, it is worth noting a powerful anecdote from the current situation. Recently, one of the freed hostages related that one of the hostages still in Gaza (Omer Shem Tov), though not fully observant, was always careful to recite kiddush and hamotzi every Shabbat. Below is an excerpt: [based on https://www.shabbatoct7.com/content/itay-regev%3A-we-made-kiddush-in-captivity, ]
Itay stated in the interview that he and Omer came from traditional homes where they make Kiddush on Shabbat evenings. "There was an incident when we said to each other how are we going to find wine to make kiddush? Soon after, the guard (who apparently) came to us with a little grape juice, and Omer and I looked at each other. There is a saying that says, 'The ways of G-d are hidden.' He heard us, that we want to make Kiddush each Friday night, so he sent us grape juice. We had some pretzels (leftover in a bag in my pocket from before we were taken to Gaza), we used to take the salt from the pretzels, from the bottom of the bag, to make Hamotzi (blessing over bread dipped in salt). And the grape juice came with us each Friday. Each time we would fill the cup until the top, take a small sip, and return it to the bottle. And after that we would give each other a hug and say: ‘With the help of G-d, next Friday we’ll be home.' After long days and nights in captivity, Maya and I returned home. Omer has not returned yet.”
It is our fervent hope that their sacrifice to fulfill the mitzvot of Kiddush and Seudot Shabbat to the best of their ability, and our hishtadlut to make our Shabbat meals a meaningful experience, will stand as a zechut to give each hostage, as an individual, and Klal Yisrael, as a nation, the salvation and redemption that we need.
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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.
