All You Need is Love

July 22, 2024
Flowers bloom in the Ramon Crater

Gal Goeta, a young widow in Israel, faced unimaginable loss when her husband Amit, a soldier in the Maglan commando unit, was tragically killed while serving his country. As their first wedding anniversary approached, Gal chose to transform her grief into a powerful message of hope. She shared her story with the world, aiming to inspire others to cherish and nurture the connections with those they hold dear.

Gal recalls how, when Amit returned home from the army, “we would detach ourselves from everything and focus on ourselves.” This wasn’t an act of selfishness but a profound recognition of the preciousness of their time together and the value of their relationship. In honor of what would have been their first wedding anniversary, Gal suggests that everyone spend an hour with their spouse, friend, or family member – free from distractions – to sit, talk, and connect.

This wisdom, born from personal experience and loss, echoes the teachings found in the Hebrew Bible. Enter the story of Jacob and Rachel. After agreeing to work seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage, the Torah tells us:

This verse beautifully illustrates how profound connection can make years feel like days. Jacob’s perspective teaches us that when we truly value a relationship, the time we invest in it – or even the time we spend apart – doesn’t diminish our connection. Instead, it can deepen our appreciation and strengthen our bond.

But how do we cultivate such deep connections in our own lives? There are so many “distractions” that get in the way of true connection, it’s often hard to imagine a moment where our brains and hands aren’t constantly busy and full. The concept of Shabbat, our weekly day of rest, however might just be the answer. While Shabbat is specifically a day of spiritual renewal, its principles can guide us in creating meaningful connections any day of the week.

In Exodus 20:8-10, we read:

Just as Shabbat calls us to set aside our daily work and focus on what’s truly important, we can create “Shabbat-like” moments in our relationships. These are times when we intentionally set aside distractions and dedicate ourselves fully to connecting with our loved ones.

Here are some ways we can apply this wisdom to create intentional connections:

  1. Create sacred time: Just as Shabbat is set apart as holy, designate specific times for undistracted connection with loved ones. This could be a weekly date night, a daily phone call, or even an hour of quality time each day, as Gal suggested.
  2. Unplug to connect: On Shabbat, many refrain from using electronic devices. Similarly, during your designated connection times, consider putting away phones and turning off notifications to give your full attention to your loved one.
  3. Engage in meaningful activities: Shabbat often involves shared meals, learning, and spiritual discussions. In your relationships, engage in activities that foster deep conversation and shared experiences.
  4. Practice presence: The observance of Shabbat requires mindfulness and presence. Bring this same quality of attention to your interactions with loved ones, truly listening and engaging fully.
  5. Cultivate gratitude: Shabbat is a time to express gratitude for our blessings. In your relationships, regularly express appreciation for your loved ones and the joy they bring to your life.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember that true connection transcends time and distance. Like Jacob’s love for Rachel, our connections can remain strong and vibrant even through periods of separation. And like the sacred time of Shabbat, we can create intentional moments of deep connection in our daily lives.

These moments of connection have the power to transform not only our personal relationships but also our communities. When we invest time and attention in our relationships, we create a ripple effect of love and understanding that extends far beyond ourselves.

May we all have the wisdom to prioritize what truly matters, to be fully present with those we love, and to cultivate relationships that stand the test of time. In doing so, we honor both the painful lessons of recent loss and the timeless teachings of our tradition, strengthening the fabric of our communities and creating a legacy of love that can endure through generations.

Widows of IDF soldiers have not just lost a husband, but their partner in raising their family. Your help means they’re not alone. Click here to learn more.

Sara Lamm

Sara Lamm is a content editor for TheIsraelBible.com and Israel365 Publications. Originally from Virginia, she moved to Israel with her husband and children in 2021. Sara has a Masters Degree in Education from Bankstreet college and taught preschool for almost a decade before making Aliyah to Israel. Sara is passionate about connecting Bible study with “real life’ and is currently working on a children’s Bible series.

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