I have had an electric candle burning in the window of my study as a way to publicly share my prayers for the return of the hostages. 
With the return of the 20, I initially unplugged the candle but quickly realized we cannot forget those who died in captivity. We want them back and hope that this cynical act by Hamas is not the last word. The agreement was to return everyone. We still wait for the return of the rest, and my candle will burn to help remember.
#BringThemHomeNow
As we enter Shabbat, a ceasefire is holding, and hostages are on the verge of coming home. May this Shabbat bring the first steps to peace.
Shabbat Shalom
#BringThemHome
I am overjoyed that the Gaza War may be ending and that the hostages will return home soon. May peace finally come to this region and both peoples find their way to peaceful coexistence.
As we remember the horror of October 7 and the aftermath, the words of Menachem Rosensaft bring us a somber resonance. Let this day of remembrance stir us to mercy for the child, not because we doubt our cause, but because we cherish our conscience.
“the dead child
in gaza city
khan younis
rafah
is cried over
with the same tears
by the same God
the same Allah
the same Adonai
as the dead child
in kfar aza
nahal oz
be’eri
…
and it is
for the not yet dead child
palestinian child
israeli child
muslim child
jewish child
that the killing must end
the war must end
the terror must end
the hatred must end”
—Menachem Rosensaft, from Burning Psalms: Confronting Adonai after Auschwitz (Ben Yehuda Press, 2025)
On this Shabbat, the day after Yom Kippur, 
we mourn the tragic loss of life in Manchester. Every murder tears at our Jewish hearts. But knowing this was done because they were Jews is particularly heartbreaking.
Zichronam Livrachah.
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat.
#BringThemHomeNow
A timeless bit of Jewish humor from Rabbi Jonathan Kremer
L’Shana Tova u’Metuka!
#BringThemHomeNow
As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, let the prayer of Joey Weisenberg help lift you up.
Shabbat Shalom
#BringThemHomeNow
With the increasing violence in public spaces, maybe the answer is yes. What should I do about it? I could cower; many people have said they remove their Jewish symbols, like a Chai or Magen David, because they fear being targeted.
I have been wearing a kippah for many years, and since the war started, I wear a kippah with the Israeli flag and the words “Am Yisrael Chai” stenciled inside. I am proud to show who I am and what I stand for. But does it come with any risks?
My kippah has actually been an invitation for people from all walks of life to approach me. At a Costco, on a turnpike rest stop, or while walking on the street, people offer words of encouragement and support. Most people are decent folks. Most are not looking to harm others; they are living their lives and caring for their loved ones, just as I strive to do.
We must not allow acts of violence from uncontrolled radicals to control us. Those responsible for protecting us face a significant challenge, and a system based on freedom rather than repression often leaves them a step behind in safeguarding our rights and safety. They require additional support to perform this vital work. We can help.
We need to get out, gather, socialize, and connect with others. We don’t have to agree, but we must show we care. We need each other. The hateful rhetoric shouldn’t be fought with more hate, but by reaching out, creating, and living in the society we believe in.
My kippah is a symbol and a call to the people I meet that our humanity continues to thrive. That is the kind of target I strive to be.
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