One is never alone, even in the most difficult of times. God is with you.

Brothers can be there for each other. And when they do, it is truly divine.

After a grueling war that has claimed the lives of far too many who were far too young to die, we once again take on the sacred task of creating a legacy for those who have fallen.

In exile, Hanukkah became a holiday of hope for Jews who dreamt of returning home, Menorah in hand.

During the last fifteen months, the Jewish people have come together like never before; and for a short time, we were all playing the role of the lonely brother, standing in the center to hold the different segments of the community together.

And there is nothing more sacred than survival optimism.

Israelis are living life without a security blanket. It is frightening. But like Jacob, they still dream of something better.

The challenge to all of us, amidst the turmoil of our own suffering, is how to be wounded redeemers ourselves.

We will never forget Amitai’s sacrifice. And we will never forget Amitai’s lesson, that in the shadow of the Akedah we must appreciate life even more.