This Motzoei Shabbos, our incredible Bialystoker Sisterhood will be presenting a special program supporting Israel and, in particular, the "lone soldiers" -- "Chayalim Bodedim" -- who help protect it. A "lone soldier" is a soldier serving in the IDF who has no immediate family in Israel. As difficult as military service is generally, the "lone soldier" struggles without having family nearby to support him or her.

No one should ever have to feel alone. This is true, of course, not only for Israeli soldiers. There are so many people in our own neighborhood who are alone and would benefit from a Shabbos invite, a friendly word, or perhaps even more.

Let us remember not only the "lone soldier," but the "lone neighbor," and do our utmost to alleviate the loneliness of both.

With wishes for a wonderful Shabbos,