5 Heshvan 5784

October 19, 2023

Dear Friends:

“There are no words.” 

“I don’t know what to do.” 

These are two sentiments we’ve heard over and over in the past 10 days in regards to Israel. But remaining silent and unmoving is not an option. Each of us is called to be part of a response team for our brothers and sisters in Israel. 

Here are four things every one of us can say or do to make a meaningful difference at this time.

Listen: Stay informed with credible sources about the crisis in Israel. Make sure you read and watch the news from Israel from Israeli sources. Be in close touch with friends and acquaintances in Israel. Listen to their stories of what they're going through. It means so much to them to know that you are thinking of them and that you care about them.

Speak: Advocate for Israel. You must make your voice heard now. Whether on social media, at your child’s or grandchild's school, among your friends, in your local publications, or in your workplace, be a voice in support of Israel and her right to defend herself. 

Give: Tzedakah is needed in Israel. The root of the word is in tzedek, justice, and it is an act of justice to financially support Israel at this time. Some worthwhile and trustworthy places to give your tzedakah dollars are:

Associated Emergency Campaign

Invest in Israel Bonds. (View flyer PDF here)

Do: Ritual mitzvot like study and prayer are not just Jewish acts that bring us comfort. They are ways we express our values and our unique Jewish identity. Come to synagogue and pray in community. Go to Sefaria and study one Jewish text. Read Psalm 130 or any other Psalm you find compelling. Mitzvot are the currency of Jewish life and we embrace them and proudly proclaim our Jewish identity.

While only some of our brothers and sisters have been called up by the IDF, every single one of us has been “called up” to be a part of a global Jewish response to this crisis in Israel. Please join us in Listening, Speaking, Giving, and Doing.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg

Rabbi Debi Wechsler

אחינו כל בית ישראל הנתונים בצרה ובשביה…המקום ירחם עליהם ויוציאם מצרה לרוחה ומאפילה לאורה…

“Our family, all of Israel, mired in sorrow and captivity…

May the Omnipresent have mercy on them and bring them from confinement and darkness into open spaces and light…”