Category: Am Yisrael

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

 

Z’man Cheruteinu- The Time of our Freedom

Passover asks us hard questions about what it means to be free and what our obligation is to those who are not.

Passover celebrates the redemption of our people from bondage. It is at the center of what it means to be Jewish. But it is a paradox. What does it mean to be free, particularly when our brethren are held hostage under deplorable, cruel conditions when fighting for freedom against an enemy that comes at the cost of innocents caught up in the battles?

As we gather around the Seder table this year, we celebrate. However, our celebration requires us to commit to helping those who are still not free. Break the middle matzah and hide the Afikomen for dessert later. Share the other piece as a symbol of sharing even this meager bread with those who are hungry.

No one is truly free until all are free. Whether we quote Fannie Lou Hammer, Maya Angelou, or our sacred tradition, we still have work to do to help others find their way to freedom.

Chag Pesach Sameach

#BringThemHomeNow

at the Cusp of Shabbat and Pesach

Shabbat is approaching and Pesach follows immediately thereafter.  I am taking a moment from the preparations to share the beautiful rendition of Stand By Me.  It is a fitting prayer seeking Divine connection.  Enjoy Music Travel Love as they share their beautiful rendition.

Shabbat Shalom

#BringThemHome

Why is this Passover different from all others?

As we gather around the Seder table, we find ourselves in a moment that feels uniquely challenging. While previous generations have confronted serious issues, the current landscape is unlike anything we’ve encountered in recent memory. The ongoing war is relentless, with no end in sight and no plan for what follows. Hostages remain trapped, seemingly without hope for redemption. Furthermore, we are witnessing a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, along with a resurgence of Antisemitism not just abroad but right here in the United States. Fear and anxiety permeate our lives, and rather than coming together to confront these threats, we often find ourselves at odds with each other. This moment in time is fraught with tension.

However, we have the power to respond constructively, with unity and compassion.

By gathering at the Seder table, we embody the spirit of inclusion with our declaration: “Whoever is hungry, come and eat!” This Passover, our hunger for spiritual and emotional support is palpable. Let us set aside our differences to share and celebrate the profound story of our people’s redemption, recognizing that each of us connects to this narrative in our own distinctive way. Our tradition highlights four individuals asking different questions—a reflection of our diverse perspectives. We ought to welcome one another, fostering an environment of understanding even amidst spirited discussions. The Shalom Bayit, the peace of the Seder table, and our unity must prevail. Now, more than ever, we need each other. This Passover, let us cherish our time with family and community, share the powerful story of redemption and freedom, and be grateful that we have one another in these trying times.

Wishing you a Zissen Pesach!