Jewish Journeys

I don’t know about you, but my heart is so heavy every day with the tragic news from Israel.  I’d like to share with you again the opening words I offered at our TBS Vigil in Solidarity with Israel during the first days of the war, words that I believe are still very relevant a few weeks later. 

Vigil in Solidarity with Israel:
Prayers of Hope and Strength, Healing and Release, Grief and Peace 10-10-23

We come together this evening as a Jewish community following the horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel during this past Shabbat, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.  Tonight, we mourn the dead, pray for healing for the wounded, and offer up our deepest pleas to heaven for every effort to be made for the return of those held hostage by Hamas inside Gaza. As our hearts our broken, we pray for strength and victory for Israel.  We hold our Israeli mishpachah, our Israeli family and friends in our embrace.  We stand with Israel in one of its darkest hours and we have compassion for all the innocent lives that are being lost.  This week we return to our regular cycle of Torah readings following the holidays, reading Parashat Bereishit, the beginning of Genesis.  Our Torah begins with the universal story of creation of all humankind, all of us made in the image of God.  We are reminded, yet again, of the precious nature of life, and we are taught to hold tight to our values.

Many of us are heartened by the support of President Biden and other government officials—Lt. Governor Denny Heck brought the regards of the governor and along with Senator Maria Cantwell and a representative from Patty Murray’s office, all spoke of their connection to Israel at the Vigil at Temple DeHirsch-Sinai last night. Their commitment lends us an extra measure of safety and security in the face of this terrorism. We are supported by friends and neighbors, as well as nations around the world. You might also have seen images of government buildings from the White House, to the parliaments of Australia, and many European nations, including the Balkans, all lit with blue and white lights yesterday evening.  Look for those online if you haven’t already seen them—they are beautiful.

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, the bravery and resilience of the Israeli people is tremendous.  As Israeli Rabbi Naama Kelman-Mizrachi put it, “The mobilization of civil society is inspiring…the Jewish people at its best.  Not to mention that IDF is reporting a 100% call-up response,  and beyond. The protest Movement and its umbrella of organizations have morphed overnight to a full range of home front emergency services…”, and she continued, “This is what I need from you: A vibrant… beautiful Judaism, committed to our shared future.  Do not lose faith.”

On a webinar on Monday, I heard Amir Tibon, the diplomatic correspondent for the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz, tell his story of this past Saturday.  He and his family live on Kibbutz Nachal Oz, very near Gaza.  He was locked in their safe room in his home for 8 hours with his wife and two daughters, aged 3 and 1 years old, no food or water, while hearing the terrorists attacking outside.  The kids were utterly quiet, and they spent the final hours without cell service, not knowing what was happening.  Ultimately they were rescued by Amir’s father, retired General Noam Tibon, who drove down with his wife from Tel Aviv, stopping terrorist attackers, and saving other lives on the way to bring their family to safety. You can read it on several news outlets if you choose. Among the images and stories of violence, and brutality, this is an important one to recount—of the bravery, strength and hope that keeps us alive.

In speaking to an audience of Jews all over the world, Amir reminded us that we here in America are not powerless.  He urged us to reach out to friends and family in Israel if you haven’t already.  Let them know they are not alone. As I listened to Israeli radio in the middle of the night, I was struck by the intensely communal nature of Israeli society.  The announcers offered anyone to call in who wanted to express themselves and find connection.  The explicit message: You are not alone. Amir urged us to speak up that the priority of this moment is to urge our government to demand the release of hostages immediately from Gaza. 

We can also donate, of course—there are so many organizations. Among them, the Jewish Federation of North America emergency Israel fund, which among other places, is collecting donations for both the Reform and Conservative Movements in Israel, and Magen David Adom, (Israel’s red cross).  Maybe one less obvious one, not an immediate act, but a long term goal to help Israel—study Hebrew!  It is a fundamental means to connect with the State of Israel, with modern Israeli culture, with Jewish history, text, and peoplehood. We stand strong together when we speak the same language.  Again, as Rabbi Kelman-Mizrachi put it, what Israel needs from us is a vibrant, beautiful Judaism, and to be committed to our shared future. 

We are also a politically diverse community. We know in future days that our discussions will be challenging.  But I urge you in this vulnerable moment, to be compassionate towards one another, and not to let the fear, anger and grief we have to keep us from feeling our connection above all, from knowing that Ahavat Yisrael, love of Israel unites us. Tonight we pray and sing, bringing our voices together in hope, strength and unity.  

עם ישראל חי
Am Yisrael Chai
The people of Israel lives.