War items

Some brief war news updates:

Jameel and crew are still liveblogging the whole thing, making The Muqata the most comprehensive new source for the war...As well, Aussie Dave has been liveblogging the war as well, giving The Muqata crew a run for their money...

Jack is up to War Update #10 in his roundups.

If you are a reader from the South and wish to get out of the zone for a bit, or if you are reader from other parts of Israel and are able and willing to host people from the south, check out this website that pairs potential hosts with potential guests.

Today is the 10th of Teves. A fast day commemorating the commencement of the siege around Jerusalem that eventually led to the destruction of the First Temple. Rav Metzger, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, has issued a psak that soldiers in battle are not allowed to fast today. Soldiers in support positions who technically could fats should fast - as long as their work will not be affected by their fasting. if their work might be affected, which could possibly lead to the front line soldiers being affected, then they too should not fast. (I cannot find the article I saw on this yesterday)

Yesterday, adjacent to the grave of Choni Ha'Ma'agal (the Jewish RainMaker) in the town of Chatzor HaGlilit, 3000 people participated in an assembly to daven for both rain 9the reason why it was held at the site of Choni Hamaagal) and for the success of the soldiers fighting in Gaza. The assembly had the support and encouragement of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (who should have a refuah shleimah). Hopefully both aspects of what they prayed for will materialize, and hopefully the rain will not make it difficult on the fighting soldiers. (source:YNET)

Rav Ovadia Yosef has announced that everyone should pray for the welfare of the soldiers fighting in Gaza. Every Monday, Thursday and Shabbos the "mi she'beirach" for the soldiers should be said. The various Haredi groups have called for today to be a day of prayer for the soldiers and the situation in the south. There will be various assemblies in different parts of Jerusalem and other cities for mass prayer. (Source: YNET)