Bereaved Father Connects Rosh Hashanah Prayers to Fallen Soldiers' Sacrifice

Yehoshua Shani, father of Uri Mordechai, who fell in battle in Kisufim, shared his personal reflections ahead of Rosh Hashanah, drawing a poignant connection between the biblical story of Isaac's binding and the sacrifices of Israeli soldiers since the October 7th attacks. Shani recalled his last Rosh Hashanah, Tishrei 5784, when he saw his son Uri praying in synagogue, unaware it would be their final time together.

Just days after that prayer, Uri joined his comrades in fighting Hamas terrorists and was killed. Shani described his son as running "into the fire to save his people" and being "bound on the altar of the nation's and land's defense." Since then, hundreds more soldiers have fallen, adding to the circle of bereaved families.

For Shani, the traditional Rosh Hashanah prayer, "And with the bound son, may You end our strife," now carries a deeply personal and painful meaning. "For us, these are no longer just words from the prayer book. These are the faces of our children," he wrote.

As the new year approaches, Shani prayed for remembrance of Uri, his friends, and all those who have fallen. He also prayed for the wounded, the grieving families, and for a year of renewal, victory over enemies, and the safe return of soldiers. He expressed hope for a year of unity, faith, love for fellow Jews, and rebuilding the land.

Shani concluded by emphasizing that they do not wish to forget the sacrifice, but rather to ensure it was not in vain. He prayed that the nation's sacrifice would be remembered and that they would be inscribed in the book of life, blessing, peace, salvation, and comfort.