In Parshat Nitzavim we read two psukim that should be familiar to us (Devarim 30:4-5) from the second paragraph of the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel:

“Im Yehieh Nidachacha Biktze HaShamayim, MiSham Yikabetzcha HaShem Elokecha, Umisham Yikachecha. Vehaviacha HaShem Elokecha el HaAretz Asher Yarshu Avotecha v’rishta, v’Hetivcha v’Hirbecha m’Avotecha.”

“Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there HaShem your God, will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And HaShem your God will bring you to the Land which you fathers occupied and you shall occupy it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”

What is interesting about those psukim is that although they are part of the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel, they actually talk about the Jews who are still in exile. The paragraph begins with the words: “Remember our brothers, the whole house of Israel, in all the lands of their dispersion. Speedily bring them to Zion, Your city, to Jerusalem, Your dwelling place.

The ingathering of the exiles is something that we all have the power to help out with. Helping promote and facilitate Aliya for Jews throughout the world should be a goal that we should be working towards. We are fortunate to have the State of Israel which offers free flights for immigrants to come home as well as help from the government to resettle in the State of Israel. This paragraph above is not just a prayer- it is a prophecy that we can have control over.

Rivka Haut, a friend of mine once said: “Is it enough to pray for the Agunot (women whose husbands refuse to give them a Jewish divorce)? Why are we just praying that their husbands give them a divorce? Why not do something about it?”

When we stand in shul praying this Rosh Hashana, we must ask ourselves what we can do to help Israel in the upcoming year. For those already in Israel we can commit to helping our friends who are in the process of Aliya with any questions that they may have as well as help them feel comfortable when they arrive. Those inside as well as outside of Israel can help organizations that make a difference in the lives of underprivileged Israelis in soup kitchens, senior centers, group homes for people with special needs, battered women’s shelters, nursing homes or orphanages.

We do not have control over many of the ideas mentioned in the first paragraph of the prayer: “Send your light and truth to the leaders, officers and counselors and direct them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the defenders of our Holy Land; grant them salvation; crown them with victory. Establish peace in the land and everlasting joy for its inhabitants.”

Let’s pray for what is not in our hands- the safety of our soldiers, peace and happiness and let’s do what we can to work together to improve the quality of life in the Land of Israel.