"An eternal nation does not fear the long journey." These are the words that hang on the door of the Frankel family as they sit Shiva for their son, Naftali.

How morally strong are the parents of the three boys who were abducted and killed in cold blood? How morally weak are the perpetrators of this heinous crime and those who support them?  How morally weak are the people of a nation who uses a tragedy amongst their own to slander a nation in mourning?

What is happening in Israel today is no less than a blood libel of old. As we say at the Seder "In all generations there are those who arise to destroy us" and instill fear in us. The Frankel family reminds us "An eternal nation does not fear the long journey", G-d will save us from their hands!

But we must not stand idly by either. We must not be defensive and prove to ourselves and the 'world' that we are a moral nation. We already know it and the 'world' will not admit it.

Actually the only moral response is to do whatever it takes to never allow such a thing to happen again.

My appreciation goes to Rabbi Linden who facilitated the community memorial which was very moving. There are things we can do in our personal lives as a memorial for the boys. For starters, please light Shabbat candles before sunset tonight to usher in Shabbat. Together we will illuminate the world and make it a more G-dly place.

This was a week of mixed emotions for me. In addition to the sadness and pain, it was also a week of tremendous inspiration. On Tuesday, Gimmel Tamuz, I stood on line for close to three hours with thousands of people, waiting to pray at the Ohel (the Rebbe's resting place). During the two minutes that each group was given in the Ohel, I prayed for our community. During my stay in NY I also spent time with family and friends, sharing Torah and inspiration in connection with this auspicious day. On Wed, the last night of my trip, I danced at my nephew's wedding in Lakewood, New Jersey. There is nothing more joyous than a wedding and I'm always so happy to celebrate with family. May G-d give us many joyous occasions in the coming week and most of all the ultimate joy that the whole world will experience with the coming of Moshiach. 

Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Yossie