Another Day Unfolds

A Day in the Life of an Israeli MOM: Esti Weisz Guedalia
9/11/2023

In the midst of the Israeli MOMentum, another day unfolds.

I am Esti, a mother of nine, and I wear my pride for my children like a badge of honor.

I have four boys who are serving in the army, two sons and two sons-in-law.

Each of my children carries a unique story of how they navigate these challenging times we find ourselves in. Today, however, I’d like to share the tale of my son, Judah, who will be turning 13 this week.

This Thursday was meant to be a day of celebration, marking Judah’s bar mitzvah. For months, we’ve been planning and anticipating this significant milestone in his Jewish journey. Regrettably, three weeks ago, the shadow of war descended upon Israel—a battle for survival and battle of good against evil.

As a mother, I’m torn. I was looking forward to celebrating Judah’s bar mitzvah as it marks a significant milestone in his life. But as a mother with sons in the army, engaged in a battle not of their choosing, how can I revel when they are not here, when they are in the thick of the fight?

In consultation with Judah, a young man of remarkable wisdom and sensitivity, we are firmly resolved to press forward with the torah reading but postpone the party celebration. He’ll stand before the Torah, reading his parasha, a moment of profound pride as he joins the esteemed ranks of the Jewish people in their shared mitzvahs.

I couldn’t be prouder of all my boys, both those valiantly battling on the world stage against evil and my 13-year-old Judah, who is standing tall taking his role among the Jewish people in this crucial moment.

As we navigate this difficult path, my deepest wish is for the safe return of my sons and all those who are fighting this war of good against evil. May their dedication and courage be a beacon of hope to us all.