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.
