Blessings for those who protect the Jewish people

Over the last few days, I have been reflecting on the lessons of the final book written by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, Morality.

Rabbi Sacks taught that strong societies are built on responsibility. When people dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others, they carry part of the community’s burden. Recognizing their sacrifice is reflected in the Jewish value of Hakarat HaMesirut, acknowledging the devotion and selflessness of those who serve others.

This recognition does more than express gratitude. It strengthens the moral fabric that holds a society together and elevates the daily work of those who keep us safe from an occupation into a sacred endeavor.

Since the current conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and other nations in the region, I have been thinking about American military service members, Israeli Defense Forces, and the service members of other nations, along with the sacrifices they and their families make to ensure our safety. To be clear, this is not a political statement about the war. Rather, it is an expression of gratitude and recognition that the choice or responsibility to serve should not be politicized but honored as a sacred commitment.

Then when the attack occurred at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, I also thought about the law enforcement officers and first responders who arrived in support within moments, and about those who were immediately dispatched to synagogues, JCCs, and other Jewish institutions across the country as soon as the incident became known.

As I read more about what transpired, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the security officers who stand at the doorways of Jewish institutions and synagogues around the world and right here in our own community. The Jewish community locally invests more than $10 million each year to secure our institutions. The response of the security team in Michigan reminds us that this investment is not a luxury but a vital element of communal safety.

Many of these security officers are not Jewish. Yet every morning when they put on their vests, strap on their weapons and stand watch on behalf of our community, they become part of it. Through their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way if necessary, they help weave the moral fabric that sustains our society.

Jewish tradition provides blessings for military service members and for first responders as expressions of Hakarat HaMesirut. But I could not find a blessing specifically for the security officers who stand guard at our institutions each day, who are deeply embedded in the life and safety of our community. So I wrote one.

As Shabbat fades, I ask you to join me in offering these blessings of gratitude for those who serve and protect us. May we recognize their sacrifice with the holy intention it deserves.

Blessing for the IDF

He, who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May G-d cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Blessing for American Military Service Members

May the One who blessed our ancestors bless and protect the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who defend our country and safeguard freedom throughout the world. May God guard them from danger, grant them courage and strength, and return them safely to their families and homes.

Blessing for Law Enforcement and First Responders

May the One who blessed our ancestors bless those who serve and protect our communities, the police officers, firefighters, and first responders. Grant them wisdom, courage, and compassion in the face of danger. Guard them from harm and help them bring safety and peace to the communities they serve.

Blessing for Security Officers

May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless and protect the security officers who stand watch over our Jewish institutions and our community.

Day and night they guard our doors, not only protecting our buildings, but safeguarding the life, learning, prayer, and connection that happen within them.

With courage and vigilance, they place themselves between danger and the people they serve.Through their dedication and willingness to stand in harm’s way on our behalf, they become woven into the very fabric of our community.

May the Holy One grant them strength of body, clarity of mind, and steadiness of heart. May they be blessed with wisdom in moments of decision and calm in moments of challenge.

May the One who makes peace in the heavens grant protection to them in their service, watch over them in every moment of their duty, and return them safely each day to their families and loved ones.

And may we, as a community, honor their devotion and elevate their service, remembering that those who protect the community help sustain the sacred life within it.