In a miracle equivalent to those of Biblical times, Israel stunned the world this week by targeting Hezbollah operatives via their beeper and walkie-talkies in an incredible and daring operation.
It was an operation unprecedented in scale—genius, calculated, and obviously with G-d’s help—devastating Hezbollah’s capabilities.
The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, taught that everything we see or encounter contains a lesson for us in our service of G-d. Here are 7 lessons from the pager operation we can apply to our own lives:
1. Strike your enemy when they least expect it! Utilize the element of surprise. In our personal battles against the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination), we often face challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable. Surprise yourself by donning tefillin or by keeping Shabbat “just because” – when even you expect it the least!
2. Identify where your enemy feels most secure and strike there. Hezbollah terrorists were outfitted with beepers because they believed the old technology was more secure and couldn’t be hacked. In our lives, we need to stay vigilant with our mitzvah observance. Don’t become complacent with what you did this year—add something new!
3. Pulling off an operation like this requires a tremendous amount of planning and patience. Plans had to be constructed months—maybe even years—in advance. Likewise, in life, nothing good can be accomplished without hard work and detailed planning.
4. From when the idea was conceived until this week when it was realized, the operation required a huge amount of courage and determination. With courage and determination we can succeed in our lives!
5. In order to facilitate the attack, many many people had to learn to work together. There were teams in Europe, teams on the ground, all coordinating and working together towards one goal. As Jews, only by being united can we overcome all the odds stacked against us!
6. When evil stares you in the face, make no mistake: it must be destroyed. There is no room for error or ambiguity; terrorists and evil can only be dealt with in one way, which is exactly what happened here!
7. Even with meticulous planning and effort, so many things can go wrong at the last second. Faith in G-d played a crucial role here. Let us place our faith in Him now and always! He will certainly help us.
May these lessons inspire us to confront our personal battles with courage, determination, and faith.