A Drop of Light from Zion

Update #52

Blessing of the New School Year, Light for the Children of Israel

Shalom and blessings to you, our beloved brothers and sisters around the world.
On the first of September, as the official school year began in Israel, we – the Sabra team – had the privilege of joining a very moving event at the local school.

The school principal invited us to take part in the opening ceremony of the year. The little first graders, wearing small crowns on their heads as a symbol of being the “crown of the future” of Israel, entered the school gates full of excitement, accompanied by their parents and, in some cases, also by their grandparents, many with tears of joy. In my heart arose the verse: “Children’s children are the crown of the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6).

The principal and the teachers spread a large tallit and blessed the children with the priestly blessing:
“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26).

I too was asked to give a blessing on behalf of Sabra to all the children. I said that they are the future generation of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that they must be careful not to become a “generation of the desert,” but rather a generation of faith, blessing, and holiness. As it is written: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).

I blessed the parents that they may have the wisdom to raise their children in the way of the Lord, fulfilling what is written: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” (Psalm 34:11). I also blessed the teachers and educators that they may guide the children of Israel in the path of truth, in learning to do good, and in drawing closer to the God of Israel. As it is written: “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” (Isaiah 54:13).

At the conclusion of my words, the principal, filled with emotion, came up to me, hugged me, and thanked me. And then came the greatest surprise: his voice was heard blessing not only the State of Israel and the IDF, but also “all the friends around the world – those who love the God of Israel and the people of Israel, who support and pray for Israel and for this school.”

After the ceremony I immediately decided to share this same excitement with you and bring to your hearts the good deeds that you are full partners in – through action, prayer, and encouragement. For you know our Father, our King, our Lord – without Him we are nothing.

Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for the children who begin a new year of learning with joy. Bless them with wisdom and with the love of truth. Bless their parents with the understanding to raise a faithful generation, and their teachers with the strength and spirit to instill a path of kindness and holiness. Protect them from all harm, and may they grow to be “a light to the nations.” AMEN.

And especially we pray for our believing friends around the world – strengthen their faith, fill their homes with peace, and let all their prayers for the new year be fulfilled for good.

As the new year begins, we bless you: may this be a good and sweet year, a year of prosperity and success in all the work of your hands, a year of unity between Israel and all who love her, a year of joy and blessing in every home and community.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your families, and your communities.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in Israel,
Mordechai (Moti) ben Yaakov