Another week of anxious anticipation. In Israel, it is peaceful but tense as the Iranian reprisal waits for its moment.
Israelis traditionally use the phrase ‘Laila Tov’ to wish each other a peaceful and restful night.
Many have started using the phrase ‘Laila Shaket,’ wishing for a quiet night.
May this Shabbat be quiet and good and of Peace.
Shabbat Shalom
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
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-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
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
Listen as Malinda shares her song with Israeli and Palestinian artists
and together we welcome Shabbat.
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
As 2023 ends, I pray for the hostages to come home and we can find a way to peace.
To a better 2024.
The situation is fluid, and things are different from what we thought. We have come to an inflection point, and what happens next depends entirely on how boldly we are willing to consider acting.
It is relatively easy to kill people but almost impossible to kill an idea. Hamas has shown it knows no limit to the extent it will go to achieve the dual goals of killing Jews and eliminating Israel.
Israel thought it could manage the situation, lulling Hamas through what are essentially bribes and occasionally “mowing the lawn,” that obscene notion that periodically Israel engages in a military action to repress the militants. This is similar to blowing on the boiling pot of pasta to keep it from boiling over.
The pot boiled over, and the ensuing pogrom was devastating.
Furthermore, Hamas retains substantial control. The delay in releasing hostages on Day 2 of the truce showed their continued capacity to manage the situation psychologically. Equally distressing was the celebration in the West Bank because the jubilant welcome home to the released prisoners was met with Hamas flags instead of only Palestinian flags. A weak Palestinian Authority is losing control, and Hamas is ascendant.
And an uncontrolled group of Jewish right-wing extremists is engaging in violence against Palestinians that could only be understood as ethnic cleansing of the territory.
The situation is dire and requires bold action.
Strangely, a scene from The Godfather movie keeps running in my mind. As Don Corleone grieves his murdered son, he looks up and, from the depth of his pain, declares the killing has to stop. Peace is required even though vengeance courses through the blood. For us, this is that moment.
The killing must stop. Recognition by each side is required, and we must forge a way forward. Is Israel able to do this, and if so, who is courageous enough to make that declaration and commitment?
We’ve learned that ignoring the other side and building walls is not a solution. Walls cannot be high enough or thick enough to provide security. We also cannot do it alone.
Many are vested in maintaining the status quo of hostility, hatred, and turmoil. But others have a clear interest in seeing peace in the region. These nations need to join in the effort to work with Palestinians and Israelis to build trust and an infrastructure of hope. Together, we can realize a vision of dignity and security for both people who claim a right to the region. And those who envision a future for their children to live in a world without violence must be convinced we are all committed to their future. Building trust out of the rubble of destruction and pain that now exists will take time. But now is the time to start.
The killing must end, and now is the time to start on a path forward.
