The Beracha on Bombing Iran

As Yogi Berra said, “It’s Deja vu all over again.”

Just ten days ago, I wrote, “Friday, June 13, may be a turning point in history.” Now, it’s happened again. We have another historic moment with the United States bombing Iranian nuclear installations.

THIS IS HUGE!

We need to acknowledge the enormity of the moment for Israel and the entire world. And, as Jews, we need to respond religiously and thank God.

Yossi Klein Halevi summed it up well. A nuclear Iran would be an existential threat not only to Israel but to the Arab world and beyond. It would be wonderful if Iran would simply agree to a deal that would prevent it from ever getting a nuclear weapon, but that wasn’t happening. The US has the capability to stop Iran, and what good is power if it is never used? There will be consequences, but fear of those consequences cannot prevent acting and doing what is needed.

Today, we should be as proud as we’ve ever been of Israel and grateful to the Jewish State's truest ally, America. We should thank President Trump by contacting the White House and encourage our Congressman and Senators to speak out in support of this action and then thank them when they do. You can write a message to the President HERE and to elected officials HERE.

And we must give thanks to Hashem.

Recite Tehillim 100 – Mizmor l’todah – A song of thanksgiving.

Recite the beracha of “Ha-tov v’ameitiv.” The Shulchan Aruch states there is an obligation to recite a blessing when we hear good news that is positive for us and for others: 

Barukh atah a-donay e-loheynu melekh ha-olam ha-tov v’hameitiv.

“Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, Who is good and bestows good.”

Some are reluctant to express this sentiment since there are still dangers and risks. Maybe we should withhold such a blessing at this time. Jewish law (OC 222:4) anticipated such situations:

“One recites the blessing of Ha-tov v’hameitiv even though he is fearful that bad might still come from.”

Each of us must recite this blessing at this time and continue to be grateful for the blessings while praying and striving for complete victory.

We are living in incredible times. We see miracles every day. We see the heroism of the IDF and the strength and resilience of Israel’s citizens on display daily. At the same time, we see pain, suffering, and death. 50 hostages remain in Gaza.

We must respond with gratitude to God, to Israel, to America. We need to continue to pray for the hostages and all those in harm’s way. We need to be responsive, generous, and kind to anyone and everyone we can.