Dear Friends,

 

In our continued effort to support one another during this time of crisis in Israel, here are a few more suggestions of things you can do:

 

• Pray  - I confess I don't know exactly how prayer "works," but I believe it does. Even though our prayers may not end the violence, they can help us articulate our values and express our deepest hopes for peace. Perhaps you'll consider adding a special prayer for peace that no more innocent lives be lost, or for the safety of Israeli soldiers during this time. Think about using ritual to ground yourself amidst the chaos. Here is one example of a prayer you might want to say in your home as a family to welcome shabbat and a ritual for lighting an extra Shabbat candle.
• Be Kind to One Another (and strangers) - When tensions run high, it can be easy to misdirect our anger at the people we love. Consider how you might go the extra mile to be kind and caring to those around you. We also recognize that as Jews, we're ambassadors of the values of our tradition now more than ever. How might you model what it means to be part of a holy people committed to love, caring, and peace with those who you encounter in your day-to-day?
• Observe Shabbat - Give yourself one day a week to separate from the bombardment of news and social media. Take it as an opportunity for prayer and reflection. Sing a song. Rest. Rejuvenate. Renew. We need Shabbat now more than ever.

 

I pray that this will be a Shabbat Shalom for us and all of Israel.

 

With love and warm wishes,

 

 

 

Rabbi Ari Lucas