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I read an interesting line on social media after Saturday night:
"To understand the connection that diaspora Jews have with Israel and with each other, ask them how they slept on Saturday night."
Six months after the horrific massacre of October 7th, Israelis were again attacked in a wide-scale offensive, this time by air, but thankfully, with no significant injuries and damages. Nevertheless, it was a significant event as it marked the first time Iran has attacked Israel directly from Iran, and it was a terrifying evening not knowing what would happen, especially seeing videos of Iranian drones flying over the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Like many of you, I was on the phone, texting friends in Israel, many of whom were in their safe rooms, up at very late hours.
Thankfully, the threat of 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles passed, due to an unprecedented defense by Israel, and her allies, the Americans, British, and Jordanian forces.
We know the Iranian threat remains, and just like Bnai Israel who were waiting during the plagues, we do not know what the future holds, but we hope and pray for the best.
Let us hold Israel particularly close at this time, especially our family and friends. We pray for the safety of everyone impacted and the healing of those injured.
We condemn Iran’s attack in the strongest possible terms. We thank the United States, the United Kingdom, Jordan, and other allies for their support and defense of Israel at this difficult time.
Our congregation stands in solidarity with Israel and her military as they fight to defend Israel against these continued attacks, and we pray for their safety. As we prepare for Pesach, we gain strength from our people’s history of overcoming adversity. As we say during the seder, “In each and every generation, a person is obligated to see oneself as if he/she/they left Egypt.” We stand with the hope that we too will be free from despotic dictators who seek to annihilate us.
During the Hashkiveinu, the prayer for peace at night, we ask God to ‘spread a Sukkah or Shelter of Peace over us'. We pray that the Iron Dome and other weapons from our allies continue to protect Israel, and may God spread a Sukkah of peace over Israel and the whole world.
Please join us this Shabbat for Shabbat HaGadol, the special Shabbat before Passover, when we focus on the hope for a brighter future on the steps of the holiday of freedom and redemption.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi David Baum
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