Sacred Letters from Heaven

 When people leave this world, we mourn their passing and grieve their loss. When people die suddenly and tragically, we’re left wondering how they died and in what state of mind.

During the  war in Gaza, families have received some degree of comfort by hearing voices of fallen soldiers speaking from heaven. Letters they wrote and left behind in the case that they should fall in battle tell us their final thoughts. These heartbreaking voices of the heroes who left us too young tell us much about our world, our culture, our value system, while reminding us about everything that is good and honorable about our people.

For the families of those fallen soldiers, these final thoughts provide solace and comfort; for the rest of us, they provide inspiration. What do these letters say about our soldiers and our society?

Celebrating Life

First and foremost, the letters celebrate life rather than glorifying death. They were written with uncommon poise and remarkable courage given the risk of death. The soldiers encouraged their families to celebrate their lives rather than sink into despair over their deaths. While we aspire to life, and hope to live long lives based on our values, we are prepared to die for them if the situation demands. Jewish martyrdom doesn’t worship death, but ennobles life.

The Historical Moment

Second, many of the letters acknowledge the magnitude of this historical moment. Fallen soldier Rabbi Elkanah Weisel, z’l, expressed a similar historical vision when he wrote, “We are a redeemed generation, and we are composing the most dramatic moments of Jewish history.” The exquisite letters exude a lofty transcendence, recognizing that the war and their tragic deaths are a small part of a larger, more eternal historical narrative.

Living In Two Worlds

None of the letters, even those written by religious soldiers, mentions the afterlife. Judaism envisions a delicate union between this world and the next. We build our spiritual identity in this world and maintain spiritual experience in the next world without the obstacles this world poses. We build Heaven on Earth and take it with us when we die. Viewing afterlife as a “result” rather than a “reward” fastens us to this world. These heartfelt letters, composed by people on their way to the next world, are still firmly grounded in this world.

Selfless Letters

Finally, the letters are completely selfless, providing comfort for the families who may be facing a crushing loss. Chillingly, the soldiers explicitly forbid any prisoner exchange should they be taken hostage. Well aware of the horrific treatment of hostages, the soldiers put the welfare of their country above their own.

These are sacred letters of life, historical consciousness, and selflessness. May the memory of the heroic martyrs be a merit for our people and may we endeavor to make them proud.