The prayers of Israelis and Jews the world over will have a different dimension from ever before. The State of Israel is under threat.

Our bretheren there, particularly in the north and south, have been unable, in thousands of cases, to return to their homes, while others live in constant fear of terror attacks.

Other families are spending the first Yom Kippur without loved ones who were massacred by Hamas on October 7 last year, or during captivity in Gaza, while others wait agonisingly for news of those who are still being held as hostages, not knowing whether they are alive or dead.

Elsewhere in this edition, columnist Rabbi Jeremy Rosen asks whether God should be atoning — and it must be difficult for Israelis at this time to retain their faith when they feel that the Almighty has abandoned them. But for most, it is faith that offers hope.

After all, despite the massacre of October 7, 2023, Israel has miraculously warded off the barrages of rockets from Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran and Yemen without serious consequences.

Jews throughout the world will be praying for an end to the agony and the restoration of something like normality — although nothing in Israel or the Middle East region will ever be quite the same again.

The Editor and staff wish readers a meaningful fast and pray for the speedy release of all the remaining hostages in Gaza as well as the safety of all Israel’s citizens.

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