FAITH UNDER FIRE

Many of us are familiar with the story of the cow and the chicken who pass by a restaurant with a sign: “Today’s special – steak and eggs.” The chicken remarks to the cow, “Look, we’re both on the menu!” The cow responds: “True — but we’re not the same. For you, it’s simply a contribution. For me, it’s total commitment!”

The daily barrage of missiles from Iran takes this story to another level. Despite the remarkable success of Israel’s Iron Dome and other defence systems, some missiles still get through — resulting in injury, trauma, and tragic loss of life. There is a world of difference between watching this unfold from afar and living it in real time. When the siren sounds at 2 a.m. and you must scoop up your children and run to the miklat (shelter), faith is not theoretical. It’s not passive. It becomes a lived, urgent, visceral conviction — that Israel has a mission, that Jewish life is sacred, and that our story is rooted in Divine purpose.

This was precisely the test facing the Israelites in this week’s parasha. G-d had promised them the Land — yet the report of ten of the twelve spies planted fear and doubt. “We cannot go up there,” they said, “for they are stronger than us.” The people lost faith in themselves and, tragically, in their destiny.

Only two voices — Joshua and Kalev — remained faithful. “The land is very, very good,” they urged. “If G-d desires us, He will bring us there.” They saw what the others could not: that faith is not blind optimism, but the clarity to trust in purpose even amidst danger.

Today, we must ask: Are we chickens or cows? Do we offer concern and commentary — or do we, each in our own way, live with total commitment to our people and our shared future? Diaspora Jews may not be under missile fire, but we are called to stand firm in solidarity — through prayer, advocacy, support, and above all, faith.

Faith under fire is the deepest faith of all.