Jewish Relationships Initiative

Category: Am Yisrael

  • Tisha b’Av

    Tisha b’Av

    On Monday evening, August 12, we begin the solemn remembrance of Tisha b’Av, the Ninth day of the Month of Av in the Jewish calendar.

    This day marks the great disasters that have befallen the Jewish people: the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other catastrophes.  It is a sad day, often a fast day, with prayers of lament, including chanting the Book of Lamentations known as Eicha.

    As a people of history, we know persecution too well.  AntiSemitism has become more out in the open and widespread.  The current war has complicated our relationship with the world even further.  There is even speculation that Iran will launch its reprisal attack on this date as a cruel, ironic twist to the ongoing hostilities.

    It is a time to acknowledge and share in the sorrow and the martyrdom of so many of our brothers and sisters whose only crime was to be Jewish.

    As we reflect on this somber moment, we also take heart in knowing that Am Yisrael Chai, The People of Israel, lives through it all.

    You can listen to the chanting of Eicha with its haunting melody here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8RBrOiCy40

     

     

  • Shabbat Shalom Bring them Home

    This Shabbat we continue to pray for peace.

    My friend and colleague, Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, shared this prayer, Ein Milim- There are no words, hoping that the hostages will come home so they would enjoy the peace we envision every Shabbat.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • May you be protected

    To all of my friends and family in Israel, I wish you safety.

    We all understand the certainty of this uncertain situation. Iran’s response to the Haniyeh assassination could be on Tisha B’Av, or it could be tomorrow, but regardless of the date, it will be.

    May you be protected by the IDF and all the defensive systems. May the United States stand shoulder to shoulder, and may many others seeking to limit the destruction also step into the breach.

    This is a difficult time, and I wish I could do more than pray, but that is what I have to offer for now.

    Chazak v’umatz

    May the Divine spread Your canopy of Peace over us, over all the people Israel, and over Jerusalem

    Baruch atah Adonai, ha-poreis sukkat shalom aleinu v’al kol amo Yisrael, v’al Yerushalayim

     

     

     

  • Waiting for the other shoe to drop

    Israel made it clear that it was prepared to engage in a broader war.  Targeted attacks, particularly the one that assassinated Haniyeh in Tehran, sent an unambiguous message.

    The recent barrage from Iran in the conflict’s latest phase serves as a stark reminder that Iran and its allies are equally committed to intensifying the fight.

    We sit on the edge.  The words of reprisal portend a substantial response intended to be punishing.

    Despite the current turmoil, the potential for peace is not lost.  Coexistence, though distant, is not unattainable.

    As we enter Shabbat, let us find solace in this sacred moment and fervently pray for the peace of Shabbat to soon embrace us all.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • erev shel shoshanim

    Erev Shel Shoshanim-Evening of the Lillies is a song of love poetry, a way to understand the beauty of Shabbat. This version is Jane Bordeaux’s.

    We welcome Shabbat. As tensions run high and hot, we are praying for peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    In preparation for the Amidah, we share V’Shamru.

    The Wilson Thicket Band shared this version at Temple Israel, West Bloomfield Mi.

    Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom.

    And pray to #Bring Them Home!

  • Shabbat Shalom

    This Shabbat, peace seems as elusive as ever.

    We pray for peace for all seekers of peace and to bring the captives home.

    Oseh Shalom bimromav Hu ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yoshvei teiveil, v’imru Amen.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Especially in times like these, we must embrace the hope of peace.

    Bring them home

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom -Where there is love

    Where there is love; Something different for this Shabbat, an upbeat song from Playing For Change in Dayton,OH.

    Where there is love, let love be.

    Where there is hate, let love grow.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Cantor Azi Schwartz and Bat Ella join to bring us “Little Gifts,” the special small things that make life worthy of our gratitude and, of course, Shabbat.

    Shabbat Shalom