Israel & Our Community Edition

Over the past few weeks, our community has found comfort in the words of our area clergy through Federation's new Al Kol Eleh series. "Al Kol Eleh, The Bitter and the Sweet" is a song of prayer and promise written by Israeli singer-songwriter Naomi Shemer in 1980. The first few words of the song, "Every bee that brings the honey needs a sting to be complete. And we all must learn to taste the bitter with the sweet," help us to simultaneously hold and acknowledge the complex feelings of hope and heartache, Al Kol Eleh -- all of it.

As we navigate this trying time of the negotiated ceasefire deal and drawn-out hostage release, our community clergy are here to lend support. We are thankful for their sage and comforting words during these difficult and uncertain weeks. Together, let's hold one another's hands as we hold our collective breath.

Federation will be adding a link on the ShalomCt.com website homepage to all Al Kol Eleh messages. Following is the translation of the song and two versions of it in performance by the Israel Philharmonic with the IDF Orchestra, and by The Maccabeats.

AL KOL ELEH

Al hadvash ve'al ha'okets

Al hamar vehamatok

Al biteynu hatinoket shmor eyli hatov.

Al ha'esh hamevo'eret

Al hamayim hazakim

Al Ha'ish hashav habayta

min hamerkhakim

Chorus:

Al kol eleh, al kol eleh,

Shmor nah li eyli hatov

Al hadvash ve'al ha'okets

Al hamar vehamatok.

Al na ta'akor natu'a

Al tishkakh et hatikvah

Hashiveyni va'ashuva

El ha'arets hatovah.

Shmor Eli al ze habayit

Al hagan, al hakhoma

Miyagon, mipakhad peta

Umimilkhama.

Shmor al hame’at sheyesh li

Al ha’or ve’al hataf

Al hapri shelo hivshil od

Veshene’esaf.

Chorus:

Merashresh ilan baru'akh

Merakhok nosher kokhav

Mish'alot libi bakhoshekh

nirshamot achshav.

Ana shmor li al kol eyle

Ve'al ahuvey nafshi

Al hasheket al habékhi

ve'al ze hashir.

Chorus:

Al kol eleh, al kol eleh,

Shmor nah li eyli hatov

Al hadvash ve'al ha'okets

Al hamar vehamatok.

FOR ALL THESE THINGS

Every bee that brings the honey

Needs a sting to be complete

And we all must learn to taste the bitter with the sweet.

Keep, oh Lord, the fire burning

Through the night and through the day

For the man who is returning

from so far away.

Chorus:

Don't uproot what has been planted

So our bounty may increase

Let our dearest wish be granted:

Bring us peace, oh bring us peace.

For the sake of all these things, Lord,

Let your mercy be complete

Bless the sting and bless the honey

Bless the bitter and the sweet.

Save the houses that we live in

The small fences and the wall

From the sudden war-like thunder

May you save them all.

Guard what little I’ve been given

Guard the hill my child might climb

Let the fruit that’s yet to ripen

Not be plucked before its time.

Chorus:

As the wind makes rustling night sounds

And a star falls in its arc

All my dreams and my desires

Form crystal shapes out of the dark.

Guard for me, oh Lord, these treasures

All my friends keep safe and strong,

Guard the stillness, guard the weeping,

And above all, guard this song.

Chorus:

For the sake of all these things, Lord,

Let your mercy be complete

Bless the sting and bless the honey

Bless the bitter and the sweet.

Schoke JFS Offers Crisis Support to Community

Are you or anyone you know experiencing anxiety about the latest news coming out of Israel? Schoke Jewish Family Service will be hosting Drop-In Counseling via Zoom from 1-4 PM on Thursday 2/20 and 2-4 PM on Friday 2/21 to support all members of the community. Please call 203-921-4161 to be connected with a licensed professional who will listen to your concerns and help you better deal with this ongoing crisis.

@Humans of Judaism Reminds Us

How Great It Is to Be Jewish!

How wonderful to take a break from all the antisemitism and negativity the Jewish community is facing, and celebrate Jewish life! Join Federation as we welcome Nikki Schreiber, founder of Humans of Judaism, to talk about all of the positive things the Jewish community is doing to make a difference in the world! Moderated by Emily Eisen Bierman and Samantha Moore, attendees are sure to walk away feeling uplifted and proud to be Jewish!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, headquartered in Bridgeport, CT is seeking an Executive Director. This dynamic leader will guide the organization from strength to strength. This role requires a visionary leader who can balance strategic oversight with tactical execution, foster a culture of philanthropy, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Please CLICK HERE for details and a complete job description.

Click Here for Additional Upcoming Community Events

Monday marked 500 Days in Captivity.

The Jewish people have experienced 500 days of winter, 500 days with our loved ones still held in captivity, 500 days feeling our nation broken apart, 500 days confronted with the worst antisemitism we've seen in a generation, 500 days since our world was shattered.

In these trying times, we have also seen the very best of our communities flourish. We have seen extraordinary generosity, moving acts of kindness, and heartfelt efforts to support each other. We have seen political mobilization, a historic emergency campaign for Israel, and a surge in renewed interest in participating in Jewish communal life. We have seen extraordinary levels of support and backing from the United States government to fortify Israel.

As we look to the future, Jewish Federations will keep fighting every day to ensure that the remaining hostages come home, that Israel can rebuild, that antisemitism is pushed back to the fringes of society, and that our Jewish communities can once again flourish in safety.

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Click on the links below to reach out to your congregation. If you are not affiliated with a congregation but would like to connect with a Jewish clergyperson, please email info@shalomct.org.