The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, which officially represents the widows and orphans of the Israel Defense Forces, announced today (Sunday) the enthronement of Rabbi Shmuel Bistritzky of Savyon as the organization's rabbi.
The organization's announcement states: "We are happy and excited to announce that, starting this year, Rabbi Shmuel Bistritzky, the rabbi of the Savyon community, will serve as the organization's rabbi and as our advisor in spiritual and halachic matters. Rabbi Bistritzky will provide a halachic-spiritual response to those who desire guidance and advice in these aspects, and he promises to be available to us 'almost' 24/7.
""For 20 years, Rabbi Bistritzky has been working to bring hearts closer and unite all parts of the people, in a series of personal and public projects, and behind him is also the series of books 'Yahudoton', about Judaism for the people, and a similar series of videos.".
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Rabbi Bistritzky, who serves as Chabad emissary in the town of Savyon, began accompanying the IDF and Security Forces Widows and Orphans Organization on October 7.
""His appointment as the organization's rabbi is now a natural continuation of the significant contribution he has made to us over the past two years," said the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization.
Rabbi Bistritzky said: "A great privilege has fallen to my lot, to give all the time in the world to the widows and orphans of the IDF and the security forces, who are the heart of the people of Israel. It is very moving, and I pray that the circle will not grow larger.".
""I am here to help the organization, and to help the organization's friends and members - and I really hope that I can help with all kinds of questions that arise; from a child asking 'Where is Dad now' to halachic questions, everything related, for example, to situations in which a mother steps in for a father and leads personal moments such as the weekly Torah reading or Kiddush.".
""These children don't have a father to wrap them in a tallit, to help put on tefillin, and all of us, the entire Jewish people, step into the role and try to fill his place. These fathers sacrificed their lives for all of us, and the least we can do in return is to be with their sons and daughters in these moments. Both in the significant stages of life and in routine days, it is important to give them the best feeling.".
