They arrived one after the other.

We spent Shabbat in Ra’anana at the home of our children. Our grandson Eli had come home from his base in the middle of the week, only to be called back on Thursday and then released again just before Shabbat.

The messages from our daughter-in-law Dahlia reflected the emotional roller coaster. First she was elated, then disappointed, and finally relieved and happy once again when Eli walked through the door.

I suppose it is like a wildfire among a circle of friends when word spreads that Eli is home.

His best friend J. did not need an invitation. He simply walked in and sat down at the table. He is considered family.

For the past three years he served in a tank unit. During the war he often appeared on Shabbat carrying his heavy weapon. He would eat a little of the Shabbat meal and then collapse on the sofa, his gun resting beside him, exhaustion serving as his blanket. He was a........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)