What to Do in Times of War: Strengthening Faith, Prayer, and Unity

In times of uncertainty and fear, many people search for clarity, comfort, and direction. Jewish tradition offers timeless guidance on how to respond during periods of crisis, not only through action, but through strengthening our inner world. The words of our great sages remind us that even in the most difficult moments, we are never without purpose, meaning, or tools for growth.

Strengthening Our Faith and Perspective

In the past, during times of fighting in southern Israel, Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, of blessed memory, head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, addressed the situation with a powerful message. He emphasized that nothing happens by chance. Everything is guided by Divine Providence.

As the Ramban explains in Parashat Bo, all events are decreed from Above. When we have merit, we experience blessing and success. When we lack merit, the opposite can occur. Therefore, the true response is not relying on our own strength, but turning inward through repentance and improving our actions.

Ending Division and Strengthening Unity

Another essential message shared by Rabbi Edelstein was the need to strengthen our relationships with one another. In times of danger, internal division weakens us, while unity protects us.

A young man once asked Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach what people should focus on strengthening during difficult times. He replied with a striking insight: the Angel of Death can only be held back when we improve how we treat one another. When respect, kindness, and consideration define our relationships, there is no room for harm to take hold among us.

Increasing Prayer and Torah Study

During another difficult period, a joint letter from Rabbi Gershon Edelstein and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky called upon the Jewish people to return to the ways of our ancestors. They urged us to increase prayer, deepen our Torah learning, and strengthen unity.

They wrote that we must storm the gates of Heaven with heartfelt prayer. At the same time, they encouraged increasing Torah study to the greatest extent possible. Yeshiva students were specifically urged to remain focused and not be drawn into distractions outside of their learning.

Above all, they emphasized strengthening unity between people, reminding us that we must strive to be as one.

A Prayer for Times of War or Crisis

One of the practices brought down is the recitation of Psalm 20 with intention, said twelve times. This chapter has long been associated with seeking Divine help in times of distress.

After reciting the psalm, a special prayer is said asking Hashem for protection, mercy, and salvation. The prayer asks that compassion be awakened for all of Israel, that we be saved from enemies, fear, and suffering, and that those who rise against us be subdued.

It recalls how Hashem answered Jacob in his time of distress and how King David prayed during times of war. We ask that just as they were answered, we too should be answered today.

The prayer continues by asking Hashem to redeem His people, to see our suffering, and to act with mercy. It calls on Hashem to perform miracles, protect all of Israel, and accept our prayers with compassion.

It concludes with a heartfelt request that our words and thoughts be accepted before Hashem, our Rock and our Redeemer.

Where True Strength Comes From

In moments like these, we are reminded that our strength is not only found in physical protection, but in the spiritual foundation we build within ourselves. Through faith, through unity, through prayer, and through Torah, we reconnect to the Source of all strength. Even in times of fear, we are not helpless. We are called to grow, to strengthen, and to draw closer to Hashem, trusting that He hears every prayer and guides every step.