Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Reflects on the Miracle that is the Iron Dome

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This morning, on our current AIPAC trip to Israel with Rabbinical students, we met at the northern border with one of the chief engineers behind Iron Dome. America had tried to invent a missile intercept system with no success and didn’t fund Israel’s research and development effort because they thought it couldn’t be done.

The Israeli team that ultimately created this extraordinary system never imagined it would have the success rate that it does. In over 1,700 events, Iron Dome has had an over 92% success rate shooting rockets down and protecting the people of Israel.

When I asked how he explains it, the engineer answered, “If Iron Dome had a 40% success rate, we would be tremendously proud and impressed. The only way to explain an over 90% success rate is the hand of God. People constantly look for miracles and stories of the supernatural. If you want to see a miracle,” he said, “look no further than the existence and success of Iron Dome.”

גם כי אלך בגיא צלמוות – לא אירא רע כי אתה עמדי.

“Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I have no fear because You are with me.”

The Slonimer Rebbe explains, when can I have no fear? When You are with me. If we walk with HaShem, see Him behind even what seems natural, lean on Him, talk to Him and have a genuine relationship with Him, then we have nothing to fear because we can handle anything that comes our way.

(Photo and video credit: R’ David-Seth Kirshner)

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is the Senior Rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS), a rapidly-growing congregation of over 800 families and over 1,000 children in Boca Raton, Florida. BRS is the largest Orthodox Synagogue in the Southeast United States. Rabbi Goldberg’s warm and welcoming personality has helped attract people of diverse backgrounds and ages to feel part of the BRS community, reinforcing the BRS credo of ‘Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity.’

Rabbi Goldberg came to Boca Raton in 1999 as a member of the Boca Raton Community Kollel, where he founded the BRS Lome Explanatory Service and initiated many learning and outreach programs. In 2001, he became Assistant Rabbi of BRS, in 2003 he was named Associate Rabbi, and in 2005 he was appointed Senior Rabbi.

In addition to his position at BRS, Rabbi Goldberg plays a leadership role in many vital components of the greater South Florida community, and in 2010 he was recognized as one of South Florida’s Most Influential Jewish Leaders. He serves as Co-Chair of the Orthodox Rabbinical Board’s Va’ad Ha’Kashrus, as Director of the Rabbinical Council of America’s South Florida Regional Beis Din for Conversion, and as Posek of the Boca Raton Mikvah. He is also on the Board of Directors of Hillel Day School, Hadar High School for Girls, and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Additionally, Rabbi Goldberg is involved in a number of national organizations and projects. He served for 8 years as an officer of the Rabbinical Council of America and now sits on its Executive Committee. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Beth Din of America, is on the Editorial Committee of Tradition and is a member of the AIPAC National Council. In 2011, Rabbi Goldberg was invited to deliver the invocation to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rabbi Goldberg has been actively engaged in Outreach efforts in South Florida since joining the Community Kollel and continues to be deeply committed to inspiring Jews of all backgrounds throughout Palm Beach County. BRS sponsors a comprehensive Adult Education Program for adults at all levels of background and observance, as well as programs for teenagers, young children, and college students on their campuses.

Rabbi Goldberg personally leads numerous weekly learning opportunities for large and small groups, as well as individualized study. Many of his classes are available to listen to online. He has been involved in producing videos aimed at providing instruction and inspiration (such as here and here). In 2011, Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Broide were recognized by the National Jewish Outreach Program for BRS’s commitment to outreach.

Rabbi Goldberg is the author of a popular blog and is a frequent contributor to Aish.com and OU.org. His writings have appeared in Mishpacha, Klal Perspectives, Mosaic, Jewish Press, Jewish Link, Jewish Life, Jewish Action, Times of Israel, Sun Sentinel, Forward, YU to Go, and have been quoted by the New York Times.

Rabbi Goldberg is passionate in his support and love of Israel and has been a tireless and forceful advocate for Israel. He has been part of a small delegation of rabbis invited to the White House for meetings with the Administration about the U.S.-Israel relationship. In 2011, Rabbi Goldberg received the Star of David Award from Israel Bonds in recognition of his support. In 2014, he was presented the Pillar of the Community and Israel Award by Friends of the IDF.

Rabbi Goldberg is married to Yocheved and has seven children, Racheli, Atara, Leora, Tamar, Estee, Temima and Shai.

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