Israel has made it clear that if something like that happens there will be a swift retaliation. In speaking with Israelis, the expectation is that Iran will attack through a proxy, but that it is coming and will be ugly.

In speaking with Israelis tonight, it was also sad to hear that none of the ones I spoke with think there are any more than 20 or 30 hostages still alive.

By the time you read this in the morning, things may already have changed. Every moment is in flux and the situation could shift dramatically st any time.

This may be the lesson we can all take from this volatile time:  

Life is filled with moments that are always in movement.  

If you really meditate on this statement, it has the potential to help you understand some of the deepest Jewish mystical secrets and to open your life.

In a moment, there could be an even more horrific war going on in Israel, God forbid. Over 3000 people went to work in New York one September morning, and over 3000 of then didn't make it home; and we all are aware of what happened in a moment on October 7. And in a moment, inventors came up with ideas; peace can be established between previous enemies; and in a moment, lives have been changed for good and miracles have happened. Each single moment can truly make a difference...for good or evil.

Each moment is unique, and we don't know how it will turn out. The Talmud teaches that "everything is in the hands of heaven except the awe of heaven". Each moment is moving. Each moment is precious. Only God knows... and by treasuring each moment we have the potential to feel the hands of heaven upon us. This moment could lead to war, or it could lead to peace. By the time this is read it is possible that Iran has attacked Israel and we are at war; Israel might have been attacked and retaliated so strongly that Tehran is rubble; there might have been no conflict; or anywhere in between... including a peace could happen.

Which is why our faith teaches us to live fully, passionately, and with the realization that everything may ride on our own single action or attitude. Each moment is special and filled with potential... another reason that while we must pray as if everything depends on God, we must act as if everything depends on us.

Through integrating that faith and action, we can make each moment meaningful, and moving towards a better world. May we all choose to move in that direction.