News

For many mothers and wives of combat soldiers, sleepless nights and constant worry are their companions. For chareidi women in this position, it is often spoken in isolation. As the majority of chareidim do not serve, these families often feel like outliers in their communities, alone and unsupported. This was the experience of Chavy Erenfeld, a resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh and mother of four—until she decided to do something about it.

Buzz! Buzz! The 8:15 a.m. warning seemed longer this time – and louder. Not exactly what I remembered from the previous war with Iran, but the message was clear. Go! Fast!

Masa Kumta (Beret Journey) is the march IDF combat soldiers complete before receiving their brigade’s unique beret in a ceremony that marks their readiness for battle. The event is filled with pride, music, and celebration. But for participants in the Gedolim B’Madim (Special in Uniform) program, it represents something deeper: a declaration of belonging.

More than 1,200 residents of Beit Shemesh are currently living in hotels in Yerushalayim after a tragic missile attack. Evacuations like this are not new to Israel; families from the north and south have been moved to the center of the country on several occasions. But this time, it is the residents of Beit Shemesh—who once hosted evacuees from other areas—who have had to leave their homes. The Beit Shemesh municipality is doing its utmost to support the evacuees, as well as the city’s remaining residents, during this challenging time.

Osot Chayil, an organization that supports chareidi women whose family members have joined the army, continues to encourage those who turn to it. This week, they invited me to join them for a Day of Appreciation with Michal Herzog, wife of President Isaac Herzog.

Our son and daughter-in-law welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the family the week before Pesach. Mazal Tov! We were thrilled to be blessed with a new grandchild and to hear good news, especially during this unusual time. But after trying to stay as close to home as possible for the duration of the war, I realized I would now have to venture far beyond my comfort zone.