Baruch Dayan Emet, Blessed is the True Judge.

NJOP joins the world Jewish community in mourning the loss of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali.

May their memories be a blessing for us all.

 

On June 12, three teenagers, including an American citizen, were kidnapped in Israel. These boys are 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach, 16-year-old Gilad Shaar, and 16-year-old Naftali Frenkel.

We are hoping and praying for the swift and safe return of the boys. I know many feel distressed, and we are all concerned.

I want to encourage all those who are worried to remember: We do not need to feel powerless in the face of such a challenging situation. There is much we can do, from helping raise awareness and contacting your local politicians and the White House, to adding one small mitzvah, a good deed, to your day with these boys in mind.

Please share your photos and messages of solidarity with us on social media @JewishTweets with hashtag #BringBackOurBoys.

Additional actions you can take (excerpted from Jewish Treats):

1) Recite T’hillim (Psalms) 121 and 130

2) Light Shabbat candles (see below). If you already light Shabbat candles, try to light early as a means of extending Shabbat.

3) Tweet or post on social media using the hashtag #BringBackOurBoys.

Prayers of Shabbat

Candlelighting How-to (excerpted from Jewish Treats)

The Shabbat candles are generally lit 18 minutes before sunset to ensure that they are not lit on Shabbat. To know what time to light candles visit http://hebcal.com and search by zip code for your local candle lighting times.

Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu l’hahd’leek nayr shel Shabbat.

Blessed are You L-rd, our God, Ruler of the world, Who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us, to kindle the lights of the Sabbath.

You can also add your own prayer — ask God for whatever you wish. Now, uncover your eyes, enjoy the soft light of the candles, and feel the holiness of Shabbat descend upon you and your household