A CALL TO ACTION

As these lines are being written, the hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel;

With the kidnapped Israeli soldiers being held by cruel and vicious terrorists;

With their families and loved ones anxiously awaiting word of their fate;

With the residents of southern and northern Israel, living under a deadly rain of fire on their kindergartens and shopping centers. Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

With our soldiers, risking their very lives to eliminate the terrorist threat hanging over our people.

At this time, every Jew is asking him or herself: What can I do to help?

Is there anything we can do? Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away, in our own communities; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

The Rebbe has taught us that, yes, there is something we can do.

The Rebbe taught us the power of a mitzvah. The power of a G-dly deed to reach deep into the core of our being--where we are all one, and the physical distance between us is of no consequence. At this core, a positive deed on our part will help bring salvation to a brother and sister in distress.

During past conflicts in the Land of Israel, and during times of danger for the Jewish people, the Rebbe made practical suggestions of mitzvot that would elicit G-d's blessings and protection (see insert).

Let us not underestimate the power of good! With a single good deed on our part, here and now, we can each contribute toward the victory and safety of our fellow Jews in Israel.

Take a minute to do one or more of the following. You can make a difference!

• Torah study (suggestion: our Daily Study page contains selections from the Torah)

• Say a prayer for the safety of Gilad (ben Avivah) Shalit, Eldad (ben Tovah) Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser; for the soldiers of the IDF, and for all residents of the Holy Land (suggestion: Psalm 20 is traditionally said in times of distress)

• Charity and acts of kindness: Put a coin in a charity box, give a gift of money to a fellow in need or to a charitable cause, or extend a helping hand to someone who needs it.

• Tefillin: If you already put on tefillin every day, encourage a friend to do so. If you don't yet, now is a good time to start! Click here to find out how to put this important mitzvah into practice or contact your local Chabad center for assistance.

• Mezuzah: If you don't yet have a mezuzah get one now! If you already do have one, it may be time to have it checked to ensure that the words on the parchment have not faded. Click here for more information about this special mitzvah.

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