By Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
A Shabbat Shock: The Start of the Israel–Iran War
During Shabbat Zachor, rumors began circulating about a significant pre-emptive strike against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Without access to news or updates during Shabbat, many of us waited anxiously until nightfall to understand what had actually taken place.
When Shabbat ended, reports confirmed that the United States military and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had carried out targeted operations that eliminated key leaders of the Iranian regime in Tehran.
For many, the news brought a brief sense of relief. It felt as though the “head of the snake” behind Iranian-backed global terrorism had finally been struck.
But that feeling did not last long.
By the following morning, devastating reports emerged: a direct ballistic missile strike hit a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, as well as an adjacent bomb shelter. Civilians were killed and many more were severely injured — including children (HaShem Yerachem).
Soon after, hundreds of ballistic missiles were launched toward Israeli population centers. Israel’s defense systems, alongside U.S. military support, worked tirelessly to intercept incoming missiles while simultaneously targeting Iranian military installations and missile launch sites.
As these events unfold in real time through news broadcasts and social media, communities across Israel continue to experience significant casualties, injuries, and structural damage.
Global Jewish Response: Prayer, Unity, and Concern
In response to these horrific events, Jewish communities worldwide immediately turned to tefillot (prayers) and Tehillim for the safety of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael — our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Watching this conflict unfold from more than 6,000 miles away, it is impossible not to think about the hundreds of thousands of Jews who have chosen to build their lives in Eretz Yisrael.
These individuals are more than residents — they are the first line of defense for the Jewish people.
Many of us have children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends currently living or studying in Israel. Each missile alert brings fear and uncertainty. Every report of an attack sends hearts racing as we pray that there are no casualties.
War During Purim: Historical Echoes
As this article is being written, the Jewish world is marking Shushan Purim.
While missile attacks have decreased somewhat in the last 24 hours (Baruch HaShem), Israel remains under serious threat. Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon have begun launching attacks, leading to the deployment of IDF ground forces in Lebanon — placing soldiers in even greater danger.
Adding to the chaos, thousands of Israelis abroad are trying desperately to return home, while many Americans currently in Israel are unable to leave. The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to depart Israel and neighboring regions, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Interestingly, Israelis are doing the opposite.
Rather than fleeing danger, many are actively trying to return home to Israel, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to their homeland.
How Jewish Communities Abroad Are Coping
For Jews living in the United States and around the world, the war has created a profound emotional burden.
Fear, anxiety, and helplessness are common feelings.
Many of us cope by maintaining constant communication with family and friends in Israel — sending texts, making phone calls, and checking in multiple times a day.
These “Chizuk calls” — calls of encouragement and strength — are essential. They provide emotional support not only for those living in Israel but also for the Jewish diaspora trying to process events from afar.
Yet the question remains:
What else should our communities be doing during this crisis?
The Impact of the Israel–Iran War on Jewish Education
Throughout Jewish history, the Jewish people have paid a heavy price for survival.
From ancient Persia to modern-day Iran, threats against the Jewish nation have persisted. The parallels between the story of Purim in Megillat Esther and the current geopolitical situation are difficult to ignore.
Haman, a descendant of Amalek, sought to destroy the Jewish people in Persia.
Today, the Iranian regime openly calls for the destruction of Israel.
For Jewish day schools and yeshivot, these moments create profound educational responsibility.
Educators must help students process the crisis through the lens of:
- Emunah (faith)
- Bitachon (trust in God)
- Ahavat Yisrael (love for fellow Jews)
- Chesed (acts of kindness)
Supporting Students Emotionally During Wartime
Many students, teachers, and administrators have family members currently living in Israel.
The psychological toll of war affects classrooms across the Jewish world.
Schools must therefore take proactive steps to support students emotionally.
This includes:
- Bringing in trained counselors and mental-health professionals
- Creating safe spaces for students to discuss their fears
- Helping students process the constant stream of news and social media
Teachers themselves may also need guidance.
Professional development opportunities should help faculty learn how to speak with students about war, trauma, and uncertainty.
Strengthening Jewish Identity Through Action
Beyond emotional support, Jewish schools have a unique opportunity to transform crisis into powerful learning experiences.
Schools should encourage students to:
- Organize Tehillim gatherings
- Increase focus on meaningful tefillah
- Perform acts of chesed in their communities
- Dedicate Torah learning for the safety of Israel
Special assemblies, guest speakers, and community service projects can help students channel their concern into constructive action and Jewish unity.
This is also an ideal time to teach students about:
- The centrality of Israel in Jewish life
- The historical resilience of the Jewish people
- The power of collective responsibility
Turning Crisis into Teachable Moments
Every member of the Jewish community has a role to play.
Moments of crisis often become the most powerful teachable moments for the next generation.
For educators, parents, and community leaders, this is an opportunity to help students deepen their connection to:
- Eretz Yisrael
- Jewish identity
- Torah values
- Collective responsibility
As we continue to pray for peace and protection, we hope that the violence will soon end and that families around the world will gather together in safety and joy at their upcoming Pesach Sedarim.
May HaShem continue to bless, protect, and watch over Acheinu Bnei Yisrael.
About the Author
Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick is a senior executive coach and organizational consultant. He previously served as President and CEO of the Central Agency for Jewish Education in Baltimore and Miami, as well as head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot.
Dr. Botwinick has lectured and published extensively on topics related to:
- Jewish education
- Strategic planning
- Resource development
- Leadership development
He is the co-founder of LEV Consulting Associates, producer and host of the Chinuch Horizons podcast, and author of Think Excellence (Brown Books, 2011).
