Shabbat Shuva Shalom

Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, is the Shabbat between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur.

Nesshama Carelbach’s beautiful rendition of her father’s song is a wonderful way to welcome us to this special time.

Close your eyes and become a part of this meditative experience.

G’mar chatima tova, May you have a good seal- May it be a year of health and blessing.

Shabbat Shalom

During Elul, we include Psalm 27 in our prayers.  Line 4 is most familiar, performed by the incomparable Chava Mirel and translated by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat:

Only one thing do I ask of You, Yah:
Just this alone do I seek, I want to be at home with you, Yah,
All the days of my life.
I want to delight in seeing You.
Seeing You when I come to visit You in Your temple.

Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shalom

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

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