| Dear Ohel Nechama Community, I hope this message finds you well. After the horrific events of Simchat Torah, which ushered in a painful and challenging period, Operation "Am K'Lavi" marked a historic shift. Through a precise and extraordinary military campaign carried out with what can only be described as clear Divine assistance, we witnessed moments of awe and hope. The Talmud (Pesachim 117a) teaches that we recite Hallel when a miracle occurs for the entire Jewish people, even if the redemption is not yet complete, and even if we are still in the midst of war. We are called to give thanks for the salvation we have already experienced.
When the very existence of the State of Israel is at stake, there is no greater expression of "the entirety of Israel. "The Netziv of Volozhin writes (in his commentary to She'iltot d'Rav Achai, Parashat Vayishlach) that in the very moment a miracle takes place, there is a mitzva from the Torah to offer praise and thanks. This Shabbat, as we gather for the first time since the conclusion of the operation, it is a particularly fitting moment to express our communal gratitude for the miracles we have witnessed, "b'rov am hadrat melech".The verses of Hallel express both the cry of distress during war and the song of hope and victory that follows. Even while the battle continues, exhausting, painful, and accompanied by deep loss, we must still acknowledge the miracles we have witnessed and give thanks to God. Therefore, we will recite and sing the Hallel Shalem with a bracha. Many are hesitant to recite Hallel with a bracha in the absence of an explicit ruling from a central rabbinic authority, and this caution is understandable. Yet, in my humble opinion, after what we have seen, there is a profound, spiritual, and moral responsibility to offer thanks. Let us keep in mind: this is not a permanent change to our davening, but a unique ,timely expression of gratitude to Hashem for a clear and present moment of salvation .For those who choose to recite Hallel without a bracha, simply reading its verses as Pesukei Tehillim, while internalizing their beauty and meaning, is also a deeply meaningful act. What matters most is that we recognize the goodness and give thanks wholeheartedly. For just as we add supplications in times of crisis, let us also add praise in times of joy. On Shabbat, we will also include Mizmor Tehillim 98:"Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has performed wonders…"Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat ,Rav Yosef Ote | 
