Jewish Relationships Initiative

Category: Am Yisrael

  • Lean In

    I am reeling from the attacks on my fellow Jews here in the United States. I struggle to understand the apparent fight against anti-Semitism by targeting institutions like Harvard, which seems to provoke a backlash. It appears that Jew-hatred has been normalized enough for these miscreants to heed the words that sanction violent acts. Recent horrific attacks on Jews leave us wondering if we are safe. What should we do?

    LEAN IN

    I take pride in my heritage, the values of my tradition, and the prophetic call to make the world a better place. I connect with people who share my beliefs, and I also reach out to those who do not. I stand up for what I believe and engage in conversation with others.

    I will proudly defend my identity, including that of an American who upholds the aspirations of our founding documents and the struggle for equality, justice, and liberty.

    Now is not the time to cower in fear but to realize that many others are like me, seeking a safe and secure world for our children, believing in something greater than myself, and understanding that the “other” is not a threat; they are just someone I have yet to know. It can be scary and difficult to do.

    I attend my synagogue.  If you haven’t done so recently, now is a great time to find community.  And there are so many causes that demand our attention, for our charge is to make the world a better place.  It is more important than ever to fulfill our mission.  There is strength in numbers, and besides our Jewish community, we have many allies.

    I am a Jew; I am an American.  I fight for the causes I believe in because they are righteous and good.  Join me and Lean In.

  • Shabbat Shalom

    We approach Shabbat with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of two young people, Sarah and Yaron.

    Sophie Milman performs Eli, Eli, the poem of Hannah Senesh.  May we find peace this Shabbat, for us and everyone.

    Shabbat Shalom

    #BringThemHomeNow

  • Baruch Dayan HaEmet

    We mourn the tragic deaths of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky

    murdered outside last night’s AJC event.

  • 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

     

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Shabbat Shalom

    Matisyahu and Alex Clare team up to share the words of the Lubuvitcher Rebbe.

    The words are simple, the thought profound:

    Spread Out

    Spread light

    Spread Love

    All Around the world.

    Its never been more critical to Spread Light.

    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

  • Z’man Cheruteinu

     

    Nissim Black delivers his rap Zman Cheruteinu for us to get ready for the message of Passover.

    Enjoy and 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