Global Event Unites Klal Yisrael In Gratitude

On Hoshana Rabbah, October 13, thousands around the world tuned in to a powerful Chazaq Global Event, expressing heartfelt thanks to Hashem for the miraculous return of the hostages to Eretz Yisrael after two long years. The virtual gathering featured inspiring words from Rabbi Paysach Krohn and Rabbi Joey Haber, along with uplifting music by Joey Newcomb, whose signature song “Thank You Hashem” perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

 

A Day of Gratitude and Celebration

Robbie Aboff, Chazaq’s Operations Manager, opened the program with a warm welcome, noting the profound significance of the moment. “This is something we’ve been davening for, hoping for, for so long. We’ve witnessed a major yeshuah, and now we come together to thank Hashem,” he said. He invited participants to join later in the program for the communal recitation of Mizmor L’Sodah (Psalm 100), led verse by verse by Rabbi Paysach Krohn.

Rabbi Krohn then delivered moving remarks, calling the day a historic Hoshana Rabbah that will be remembered for generations. Quoting Yeshayah 51:11, he connected the return of the hostages to the prophetic vision: “The captives of Hashem will return with song and eternal joy upon their heads.” He emphasized the miracle of seeing Jews dancing in the streets of Israel once again, declaring the day a “Day of Gratitude and Celebration.”

Rabbi Krohn shared personal reflections on the power of hoda’ah (thanksgiving), noting that Mizmor L’Sodah is Chapter 100 — symbolizing the need to be grateful for 100 percent of the blessings in our lives. He urged viewers to express gratitude not only to Hashem but also to their parents and loved ones. “The essence of being a Jew,” he reminded, “is to be a Yehudi — one who gives thanks.”

 

Messages of Inspiration

Rabbi Joey Haber followed with words that resonated deeply. He began by thanking the many individuals and groups who played a role in supporting Am Yisrael during these difficult years — soldiers, families, communal volunteers, and bnei Torah worldwide. He highlighted the unity that emerged during the war, stressing that the redemption we witnessed was a shared miracle.

Rabbi Haber shared a poignant reflection on appreciating family and loved ones, noting how the images of parents embracing their children after years of captivity remind us to treasure the everyday blessings we often overlook. “The love that should be permeating Jewish homes today should be inspired by the joy we’re seeing in the streets of Israel,” he said.

Finally, he elevated the message to its core: recognizing Hashem’s hand in everything. “It’s all Him. Everything that happened is from Hashem,” he stated. “Today, as we dance with the Torah, we celebrate not just the sefer Torah but our relationship with Hashem.”

 

Mizmor L’Sodah and “Thank You Hashem”

As the event reached its peak, Rabbi Krohn led participants in a heartfelt recitation of Mizmor L’Sodah. Viewers from around the globe joined together in this tefilah, uniting klal Yisrael in collective gratitude.

Joey Newcomb then took to the screen with his signature energy, lifting the virtual crowd in a spirited rendition of “Thank You Hashem.” As he strummed his guitar, he reminded everyone, “If I come up to Shamayim and they say, ‘The Thank You Hashem guy is here,’ I’ll take it.”

The program concluded with words of blessing and encouragement from Chazaq, reminding participants to continue sharing this spirit of gratitude with friends and family. “The source of all brachah and yeshuah,” Aboff concluded, “is Hashem.”

May this day of thanksgiving bring continued yeshuos and simchah to all of Klal Yisrael, and may we soon merit the ultimate redemption, speedily in our days.