Author: Rabbi David Levin

Difficult and loving conversations about Israel

I had the honor of moderating a conversation for the New Israel Fund (NIF) at Beth Am Israel, located on the Main Line in suburban Philadelphia.

Our speakers, Rabbi Noa Sattath and Libby Linkenski are dedicated to fostering a shared society that upholds our Jewish values. Our values endure, even in challenging times like these, when they are stressed and tested as rarely before in our history. Indeed, our values are more important than ever for maintaining perspective. Libby shared three points to remember as we navigate these difficult times:

  1. People are not their governments. 

Palestinians are not Hamas. Israelis are not Benjamin Netanyahu. Americans are not Donald Trump. We are more than the actions of our extremist leaders and are not directly complicit in their worst acts.

  1. Don’t defend the indefensible. 

The conflict didn’t begin on October 7, and October 7 itself was indefensible. So is the ongoing assault on the people of Gaza. We can’t lose our moral clarity, regardless of politics.

  1. Two peoples, one land. 

Two peoples have always existed between the river and the sea, and both will continue to exist. Any vision that erases one side is a vision of unimaginable violence. The question is not whether we coexist but how. That’s where the conversation begins—and where it must end.

We must continue working to lay the foundation for a future where both people can live with dignity and security.

 

Shabbat Shalom

The Shvesters bring Yiddish music alive as they sing “Tell Me Once Again.”  (For those of a certain vintage, you may remember the Barry Sisters version of this song.) It is a delightful, upbeat welcome to Shabbat.   I have posted a translation of the lyrics below the video.  The message is apropos for Shabbat on a couple of levels.  Enjoy!

Shabbat Shalom

#BringthemHome

I feel my heart now bursts

This day, from great joy

That at last I hear your  words I long for

Tell it to me again

My only love, sent from above

Tell it to me again.

As we continue our trek from Egypt to Sinai, to Redemption and the gift of Torah,

I am moved by ‘Redemption Song,’ knowing our story is sadly not ours alone and is still unfulfilled for too many.

Last night we gathered for Yom HaShoah, the second while our people remain prisoners, held hostage.

Wishing for Shabbat Shalom

#BringThemHomeNOw

 

We mourn the loss of Pope Francis

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.  He was an extraordinary and holy man. At the age of 88, it is difficult to consider his death untimely, yet indeed, it feels that way.  His pursuit of love remains a lesson unfulfilled despite his tireless efforts to lead the world toward such a place.

Naomi and I had the privilege of an audience with the Pope while in Rome a few years back.  The charismatic presence was matched only by the exuberance of a faithful crowd. The encounter was memorable and moving.

His work on behalf of the poor and the suffering in the pursuit of peace and love was incredible, a mixture of Herculean and Sisyphean.  But as our sage, Rabbi Tarfon shares in Pirkei Avot, although we may never complete the task, we cannot desist from it.  Pope Francis leaned into the daunting, hard work of bringing a voice to the voiceless and the best values of the Church as a beacon into the darkness.

May his soul be bound in everlasting life.  May he rest in Peace.