|
Dear Friends,
I awoke this morning, as you did, to the horrifying news that war had broken out in Israel as Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. The quiet peace of a Shabbat morning has been shattered by violence; the holiday of Simchat Torah, a day of joy and celebration, has been marred by bloodshed.
Scores of our brothers, sisters, and friends are dead, injured, missing, or held hostage. My heart aches for all those separated from each other: parents and children, spouses, siblings, and friends; for all of those giving their lives to protect our Jewish homeland. I have family and friends in Israel, as I know many of you do, and it causes me great pain to hear the anguish in their voices as they share their experiences.
From thousands of miles away, it is hard not to feel a sense of helplessness—watching this tragedy from the other side of a screen, hearing about it from loved ones who are there. Our prayers are here to support our family and friends, bringing us together as an inseparable community of love and connection. No matter the distance that separates us, our bond as am Yisrael, the people of Israel, is unbreakable.
Those gathering at Temple this weekend will add prayers to our Shabbat and Simchat Torah services in support of Israel, and together, we remain steadfast in our solidarity with Israel as it defends and protects its citizens during this time of war.
I am reminded of the prayer for the State of Israel: Avinu sh’ba’shamayim, stronghold and redeemer of the people of Israel: Bless the State of Israel, the beginning of our redemption. Shield it with your love; spread over it the canopy of your peace.
May our prayers reach our beloved Israel, from the land of milk and honey to Jerusalem of gold. May God continue to heal the sick, free the captive, and redeem our homeland once again.
B’virkat shalom – With blessings of peace,
| 
