Matir asurim

Tradition tells us that HaShem is "matir asurim," the One who sets the captives free/loosens the bound/releases the confined (depending on your translation). But He's subcontracted the job to us human beings.

"Eleh sh'mot . . . , these are the names . . ."--These are the soldiers of the Israel Defense Force (IDF, or Tzava Haganah L'Yisrael, Tzahal) currently being held captive:

Gilad ben Aviva Shalit

Ehud ben Malka Goldwasser

Eldad ben Tovah Regev

Please add these names to your prayers and/or keep them in your thoughts.

(I probably got these names from Jameel, but, at this point, what with jumping from one live blogger to another, I'm not sure. Thanks to all of those who are keeping us apprised of the situation.)

A number of psalms have been recommended on various websites and in various newspapers as being appropriate to recite under these frightening circumstances. I've chosen one that's relatively short and easy, since I have limited Hebrew skills: Psalm 70. "3 Let them be ashamed and abashed that seek after my soul; let them be turned backward and brought to confusion that delight in my hurt."