Question
What does a father say to his son going to war? He is only 19 and I love him so much. Please help…
Answer
Bless him with the blessings of Numbers 6:24, 25, and 26 (i.e. “May God bless you and guard you… and grant you peace”). Even better would be to take him to the local Orthodox rabbi and ask him to give that blessing. You can then add any fatherly advice that you deem appropriate.
Additionally, your son should say the Traveler’s Prayer as his flight leaves US soil. (The prayer can be found in a Jewish prayer book, or ask the rabbi for a copy of it when you see him regarding the blessing).
Please tell him that I wish him a safe tour, and that God should restore him to you both healthy and victorious.
Rabbi Michael Katz