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A Message from Rabbi Zimmerman
This week has been unlike any other. It has been nearly a week since we first received news of the devastating attack on Israel, and the list of those killed, injured, missing, and taken hostage only continues to grow.
As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, know that disturbing details of the attacks will continue to surface—along with many rumors. Please know that Temple leadership, including our security team, are in close, regular contact with security experts. This includes a vast network of local, state, and federal law enforcement officials. Safety is and has always been at the forefront of the decisions we make, and we will communicate with you if there will be any disruption to Temple’s scheduled programs and services in the days and weeks to come.
I want to remind you that Temple Israel is here for you—a strong and thriving Jewish home with a team of clergy who are ready to provide the support and love we all need, now more than ever. Many of us have friends or family who are in Israel, and we continue to hold them in our hearts. Back at home, many of us have received messages of love and support from those outside the Jewish community; others have experienced interactions that have left us feeling hurt or misunderstood. Some have experienced both, leaving us with mixed emotions. I would like to invite you to attend one of two opportunities to participate in Share Our Voices, facilitated, small-group conversations on Israel. I welcome you to share your thoughts in a supportive environment.
Please join us:
Tuesday, October 17
6:00 p.m.
Temple Israel
Wednesday, October 18
11:00 a.m.
Temple Israel
There have been many other opportunities for our community to process how the events in Israel have affected us and our loved ones. As we continue to navigate this crisis, we have included the prayer for the State of Israel during each service where we have gathered. We have processed with our JEWL students throughout the past week, singing Hatikvah together. We have modeled that we discuss even the most difficult of topics by joining together as a community. Additionally, many of us gathered this past Tuesday for a community-wide event that brought us together in grief and in solidarity.
We are told in the book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), a threefold cord is not quickly severed. There is great strength—and great comfort—in community. I invite you draw strength from your Temple community at this time.
B'virkat shalom - With blessings of peace,
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