When soldiers are called to duty in the Israel Defense Forces, they are told to write a letter to their families that will be delivered to them only in the event of the soldier’s death or if taken captive. I read one of these tear inducing letters during my Rosh Hashana sermon: October 7: What we Have Learned, What the Nations of the World Should Know, What Israel Should Mean to Us. The reading of the letter begins at the 16 minute and 25 second time mark.
Rabbi Daniel Gordis notes that a common theme in many of these letters is that the soldiers felt they were giving their life for a greater purpose; “…defending my people, the Jewish people. There’s nothing more important to me.” They also frequently tell their families, “not to mourn forever,” but to live fully writing, “That’s what I went to fight for, so this nation can fully live.”
Rabbi Gordis suggests we ask our children (I would add grandchildren and ourselves): What is more important than life itself? What do you believe in more than a desire to stay alive?
These questions reflect the importance of having meaning—a sense of purpose higher than life itself.
While Israeli soldiers often risk their lives, most of us will never be in that situation. Nevertheless, the question remains: Is there something for which I believe that is more important than life itself? It’s a most appropriate question to discuss and ponder during these days of introspection and on Yom Kippur.
— Rabbi David Woznica