Dear Friends,
We awoke to the terrible news that, fifty years after the start of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas has launched a surprise assault on Israel. Information is still coming in, but we already know that numerous Israelis have been injured and murdered.
Dozens of Israelis have reportedly been kidnapped and brought into Gaza and the situation is not yet secure. It is a horrific situation that is continuing to unfold. Unfortunately, there is little we can do at the moment other than stay informed and pray.
Below please find one such prayer. Whether on your own or with others, we ask that you take a few moments today and offer it. In addition, you will find links to a number of the media outlets we are monitoring.
Many in our community have family and friends in Israel. Our hearts are with you. Know that we are here to support you in any way we can. We are in touch with our Federation Leadership, as well as the leaders of our own Reform Movement, and will keep you posted on ways we can help.
In the meantime,
Pray for the peace and well-being of Jerusalem; May those who love you be at peace. May there be well-being within your ramparts, peace in your citadels. (Psalm 122:6-7)
In partnership,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Bryan Bloom, President
A Prayer for the State of Israel
Please God, bless the State of Israel. Protect it in the abundance of your love. Spread over it the shelter of your peace. Send forth your light and truth to those who lead and judge it, and to those who hold elective office. Establish in them, through your presence, wise counsel, that they might walk in the way of justice, freedom and integrity.
Strengthen the hands of those who guard our holy land. Let them inherit salvation and life. And give peace to the land, and perpetual joy to all its inhabitants. Appoint for a blessing all our kindred of the house of Israel in all the lands of their dispersion. Plant in their hearts a love to Zion. And for all our people everywhere, may God be with them, and may they have the opportunity to go up to the land. Cause your spirit’s influence to emanate upon the dwellers of our holy land.
Remove from their midst hatred and enmity, jealousy and wickedness. Plant in their hearts love and kinship, peace and friendship. And soon fulfill the vision of your prophet, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Let them learn no longer the ways of war.” And let us say, Amen.
(Adapted from the Kol Haneshama siddur, 1994.)
News outlets:
Read:
Reform Leaders Respond to Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel | American Conference of Cantors
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UPDATE
Dear Friends,
As the situation in Israel continues to unfold, I cannot fully wrap my head around the extent of the ongoing atrocities being perpetrated by Hamas terrorists. The number of Israelis who have been murdered and injured continues to rise and is expected to reach levels that are beyond comprehension. Dozens, if not hundreds, of Israelis have been kidnapped and taken into Gaza and the images and videos “proudly” being shared by Hamas are horrific.
I just got off an update call from Israel with United Hatzalah who are doing incredible work to help save as many of the injured as possible. The call, which has left me more shaken than I can ever recall, was interrupted countless times as the speakers received real-time updates about new attacks. The speakers were all experienced frontline responders and each of them broke down at some point while speaking. It is a horrific situation unlike ANYTHING we have previously seen and the full extent will not be known for some time.
If ever there were a time for the Jewish people to stand together it is now.
So what can you do?
1. Donate
Federation has opened an Emergency Fund.
In addition, United Hatzalah, whose volunteers are saving countless lives today, is rapidly going through their supplies, and their emergency fund is already depleted. if you are so inclined, I invite you to join me in supporting them.
2. Solidarity Gathering at TBJ
Join Cantor Moses and me tomorrow evening, Sunday, October 8, at 8:30 pm at Temple B’nai Jeshurun for a solidarity gathering.
We will continue to update you as more information, and ways to help our community, become available.
In partnership,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen