Due to a Rabbi’s Book, a Former Hostage Grew Spiritually While in Captivity

Accompanied by her mother, Mira, and leaders of the Hinenu Forum, Agam Berger – one of the kidnapped border observer soliers – who was freed from captivity in Gaza, met last week (Thursday) with the family of Rabbi Chaim Druckman, in Central Israel.

The meeting took place following reports that Agam received the book With Strength and Spirit while in captivity, which was distributed to soldiers before entering Gaza. Berger shared that the book helped strengthen her spirit and assisted her in making halakhic (Jewish law) decisions under extreme life-threatening conditions.

 

Fasted for Two Days on Esther’s Fast

During the meeting, Agam recounted that she had refused to eat non-kosher meat while in captivity until she read the book and understood that it was permissible to do so due to the life-threatening situation. She also revealed that she fasted on ‘Esther’s Fast’ before Purim from the evening before, mistakenly believing it was a full 25 hour fast (rather than a fast only during daytime hours), and continued to observe mitzvot (commandments according to Jewish law) even under the difficult conditions.

 

“Faith is the Spring from Which We Draw Strength”
One of the most emotional moments of the meeting occurred when Rabbi Druckman’s great-granddaughter, who happened to be celebrating her bat mitzvah that day, also arrived at the Rabbi’s house. The great-granddaughter read a speech she had written, connecting the character of Queen Esther with Agam Berger’s story. The speech was written without knowing that Agam would also arrive that very day, and the spontaneous gesture moved everyone present.

Emotional Meeting – God’s Presence Could be Felt

Yaniv Sofer, head of the Hinenu Forum, stated: “Today’s meeting was an amazing closure of the circle. To see Agam sitting in the house of the rabbi who gave her strength moved us all to tears. She taught us a lesson in faith and mental resilience.” Rabbi Druckman’s family presented Agam with a copy of the book With Strength and Spirit. “Rabbi Druckman always taught that faith is the spring from which we draw strength,” Sofer added, concluding, “And Agam is the living proof of this.”