In times of war, the moments when a community can simply gather together become incredibly precious. This past Shabbat was one of those moments for our Beit Hallel family in Ashdod—a time when faith, unity, and God’s presence felt especially real.
Because of the ongoing situation here in Israel, our congregation gathered in two places at the same time. One group met inside a neighborhood bomb shelter, while another gathered in our new community building, which also has two bomb shelters built into its floors. It may sound unusual, but this has become part of our rhythm of life right now. Worship continues, fellowship continues, and we remain ready to move quickly when the sirens sound.
There was a special sense of warmth in the room that evening. Families arrived, friends embraced, and the sound of worship filled spaces that were originally built for protection. In Israel today, that is often how faith looks—people gathering wherever they can, turning even a bomb shelter into a place of prayer and community.
This particular Shabbat was also unique for another reason. Our senior pastor, Pastor Israel Pochtar, is currently overseas and temporarily “stuck” due to flight cancellations and the closing of airspace in the region. While he is thousands of miles away, a pastor’s heart is always with his flock. So through technology, he joined the congregation live and led the service from abroad, speaking into the room through a screen while his community gathered here in Ashdod.
It was a powerful reminder that distance cannot separate a shepherd from his people. Even across continents, Pastor Israel prayed, shared the Word, and encouraged the congregation just as he always does. We began the service with a declaration from Psalm 118, words that seemed to carry even deeper meaning in these days:
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.”
Psalm 118:24-25
In Hebrew we call out the ancient prayer: “Ana Adonai Hoshi-na.” – “Lord, please save.”
There was something deeply moving about speaking those words together. Outside, the reality of war continues. Sirens can sound at any moment. Yet inside that gathering, hearts were lifted in gratitude and trust. Choosing to rejoice in the Lord—even in uncertain times—is a powerful act of faith.
The service continued with worship, prayer, and encouragement as people simply enjoyed being together. In a season when many nights are interrupted by alarms, these gatherings become a place where weary hearts can breathe again. Then something happened that captured the reality of life in Israel today.
As the service was coming to a close, Pastor Israel said, “This is the last scripture for tonight.” Just as those words were spoken, the sound everyone here knows too well suddenly broke through the evening—the sirens. Within moments, everyone was making their way toward the bomb shelters.
And in that moment, the scripture that had just been introduced suddenly felt incredibly alive:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
Standing there as people moved into the shelter, those words were no longer just a verse at the end of a message. They were a reminder for each and every one of us. In moments of need—whether during quiet prayer or the urgency of a siren—we are invited to come boldly before God. His mercy is present. His grace is real. His help is available.
This Shabbat reminded us again that even in the middle of war, the community remains a family. When we gather—whether in a sanctuary, a shelter, or through a screen connecting us across oceans—God meets us there.
Here in Israel, our path sometimes looks different. Worship can take place underground. Pastors may lead services from thousands of miles away because the skies are closed. And sometimes the final “amen” of a service is followed by the sound of a siren. Yet through it all, the message remains the same. “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
And even in times like these, Shabbat still brings peace to our hearts.