What’s new:

In a rare religious response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager, the Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz, has publicly recited a historic prayer for the safety and victory of Israeli soldiers engaged in battle. This event marks an unexpected move from a Hassidic leader whose community traditionally does not serve in the IDF nor actively support soldiers.

Why it matters:

The prayer is not just any supplication but one that predates the well-known Prayer for the IDF Soldiers, emphasizing the belief that victories are achieved through divine intervention rather than military might alone. The Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s action is particularly notable given his community’s general stance on military service and their focus on spiritual practices.

The big picture:

The Rebbe’s prayer comes after a significant event known as the Simchat Torah massacre, highlighting a moment of unity and concern for the soldiers among diverse segments of the Jewish community. While this move was extensively covered by religious and nationalist media, its long-term impact on communal practices and attitudes towards the IDF remains to be seen.

Between the lines:

The prayer recited by the Vizhnitzer Rebbe was crafted by Rabbi Menahem Mendel Reuven Gefner, an earlier figure who staunchly believed in the power of prayer over armed conflict. This text was originally composed during the tense period of Israel’s fight for independence in 1948 and was later recalled during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Yes, but:

Despite the historic and emotional weight of the Rebbe’s gesture, it appears to have been a singular occurrence. The following Shabbat saw no repetition of the prayer, suggesting that it may not signify a lasting change in the Vizhnitz Hassidic approach to the State of Israel and its military conflicts.

What’s next:

Observers are left to watch and wait to see if the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s unprecedented prayer will have any enduring influence on the community’s relationship with the IDF and the broader Israeli society, particularly in times of conflict.

The bottom line:

While the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s public prayer for Israeli soldiers is a unique and bold step within his community, it is unclear if this represents a shift in attitude or a one-time event driven by the extraordinary circumstances of the recent conflict.

This story was first published on jpost.com.