The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

The situation in Israel seems to get more frightening by the day.

Although we believe B'Emunah Sheleima (with complete and total confidence) that Hashem has everything in His plan book, we daven that all should go as quickly and safely for our brothers and sisters in harm's way.

As the war continues and we hear about more holy soldiers being killed and wounded, our hearts break as we continue to pray to Hashem to have mercy on His people.

However, when the war arrives at your doorstep and enters your home, the feeling of pain intensifies as suddenly there is a face and name that you know of the wounded soldier.

Such was the reality with me today.

My father, born in Yerushalayim, was very careful about keeping up with the family.

Besides his parents and siblings, he was particularly close to his first cousins; they and their children are my family.

When they visited the States, they stayed in my home.

Today, I was informed that my cousin, Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, was critically injured fighting the enemies of the Jewish people in Lebanon.

His parents, who I grew up with, are more like siblings than cousins.

Yishai Netanel, who is 39 and a father of four, is now fighting for his life.

He needs tremendous Rachamei Shomayim and our Tefillos.

We must storm the gates of Shomayim for him as he stormed our enemies' forces to protect us.

His name for Tehillim and Tefillos is

Yishai Netanel ben Sarah Tovah.

I have known his mother since we were children and remember how his parents were always so proud of him as he made his own home.

Please include him in your Tefillos as you pour out your heart for those who give their hearts and bodies that we may live.