Shalom from Jerusalem!

It was a hasty and difficult decision to travel in time of war, but since we went to the El Al counter on Monday, it has been a whirlwind of emotions. At LAX I meet a friend who's brother, serving in the IDF, has been missing since Saturday. We hugged and prayed together.

We weren't sure how useful we woud be, but Hashem has guided us and there is non stop activity.

I'm blessed with access to the army bases where I spend most of the day and part of the night, Dini and the kids travel around finding much needed supplies.

When I hug and bless the soldiers, they ask for blessings to forget the horrors that they saw, yet they remain very positive and see the hand of HaShem in combat with open miracles. The morale is high Baruch Hashem!

The Chayalot want Tehillim and the Chayalim, Tzitzit. It's amazing that I made the appeal Shabbat for men to wear Tzitzit for their protection, and this is what they want as well.

Today, Dini, the kids and I (a miracle that we all had access) went to cheer the soldiers that notify families of deceased Chayalim. It was a tough mission, but the girls bonded with Dini beautifully.

When we tell them that we came to encourage them and show our appreciation, it's embarrassing that they thank us so much.

After finishing our supplies the first day, today we bought 5,000 Psalm books and much more. We came without a clear plan or budget. Only thanks to your generosity we can provide for our dear Chayalim.

We learned what the Chayalim want and need and tomorrow, besides the spiritual articles and with our new budget, we are bringing them large amounts of cold drinks, fresh borekas and rogelach for Shabbat.

I have so many stories to share. Near the Gaza border I met a 78 year old man driving large trucks for the IDF along with many of his septuagenarian friends because Israel needs them. So many past the age of Miluim, are at the base anyway, and so many came before being called.

I cannot stress enough the importance of pampering the Chayalim, to those that contributed, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts, and for those who didn't yet, please use THIS LINK and Hashem bless you!

I heard that some are afraid to go to Synagogue this Shabbat, PLEASE DON'T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN!

We will have services as usual with increased security.

Women, please light Shabbat candles before 6:00 pm.

Men, please use Tefilin daily (except Shabbat).

Be PROUD, STRONG AND LOUD JEWS! 

With prayers for all the captive to return to Israel, all the wounded to heal, and all Jews to gather in Jerusalem to build the Bet Hamikdash with Mashiach right Now!

Shabbat Shalom with much love and appreciation.

Rabbi Mendel & Dini Polichenco

Please watch and share these videos:

Shalom from the IDF base in the Negev

Be Strong

Joy of the IDF

Report from Israel at war

Blessings with an IDF Rabbi