Jewish values compel two-state solution, president says, hailing contribution of American Jews, denouncing rise of anti-Semitism, defending Iran nuke deal
Source: Palestinians have right to be free in their land, Obama says at DC synagogue | The Times of Israel
Israel’s fate will not only be determined on the country’s southern or northern borders, but on the quads of American campuses.
Source: Israel has abandoned young U.S. Jews in fight against BDS – Opinion – Israel News | Haaretz
Hillel’s Eric Fingerhut Withdraws From J Street Conference.
The announcement was the Mr. Fingerhut withdrew from speaking entirely.
I believe this is a very unfortunate decision and a missed opportunity to engage a substantial number of our young people who are engaged in a serious relationship with Israel. Mr. Erekat’s appearance is neither an endorsement of his personal point of view nor that of the Palestinian Authority. But his appearance before JStreet is an act of courage on the parts of JStreet and Mr. Erekat. Hillel International is an important voice in the conversation. Mr. Fingerhut would have espoused an important viewpoint that the attendees should have heard. It is a shame they will not.
It has been a busy week.
But now it is time to put stuff away and prepare for Shabbat.
Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom~
Incisive thoughtful commentary by Nicholas Kristof on the future of Remembrance
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/01/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-heroes-and-bystanders.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fnicholas-kristof
This Shabbat brings to a close a sorrowful week. The tragic deaths of five were senseless and all the more so that they were in synagogue when the assailants struck. We are left with our grief and profound sadness and a fork in the road, a choice for us to determine how we react and how we move forward.
A prayer to God in this moment is not sufficient. For I am sure God’s Will is for peace. Now, my prayer reaches out to humanity. May we find it in ourselves to refuse to succumb to blind hatred. May we have the strength to resist the temptation for sadness and grief to devolve into blind hatred and we not seduced by the desire for revenge. May we take the proper time to mourn our loss and support the grieving families. Then let us arise and find ways to move forward along a path that brings peace and compassion. May our leaders help to bring calm and not incite or place blame with incendiary rhetoric.
There has been enough hate this week to last us a lifetime. Hate has only brought us despair, distrust and deep loss. May the time of hate come to a close and a new chapter rise from the ashes of this tragedy. May we find the way to peace.
Shabbat Shalom
Tradition asks us to recite Psalm 27 during the month of Elul as we prepare for the High Holidays.
I share the following beautiful translation of the psalm by Rabbi Yael Levy, on Congregation Mishkan Shalom, Philadelphia
TO THE BELOVED,
THE INFINITE PRESENCE is my light and expanse, whom should I fear?
The Infinite Presence is the strength of my life, what shall I dread?
When forces come close
Seeming to devour me
When narrowness threatens
And opposition attacks
All that is menacing stumbles and falls
EVEN AS AN ARMY of mistrust besieges me
My heart does not fear
Even as thoughts and desires rise up against me
I still have trust
ONE THING I ASK of the Infinite, One thing I seek
To dwell in the Presence all the days of my life
To awaken to the beauty of each moment as I pass through this world
THE INFINITE shelters me as I encounter difficulty and pain
The Infinite holds me close in deep and hidden places
And lifts me high upon a rock. Now I can see through to what is true
And I will offer my gifts of thanks
And I will sing and make music to the Eternal
Please, Infinite One, Listen to my voice, hear my call
BE GRACIOUS WITH ME
Answer me
You call to my heart, “Seek my presence”
Your presence I seek
Please don’t hide from me
Please don’t let me turn away in anger
I long to serve
You are my help
Do not let me feel abandoned
Do not let me turn away
In You I am safe
For my Mother and father have left me
And it is you who gathers me in
Teach me Your ways. Guide me on the path of integrity
THERE IS SO MUCH to lead me astray
Don’t let me give in to all that torments me:
the lies, the illusions, the menacing threats
I MUST HAVE FAITH that I can see through all of this
I can see the good, the blessings, the ways of life
CULTIVATE HOPE in the Infinite Presence
Let your heart be strong and filled with courage
CULTIVATE HOPE
– Translation by Rabbi Yael Levy
Wishing everyone a Shabbat of Peace and Rest
with a little help from Listen Up’s a capella version of Adon Olam
An interesting article written by Yasmine Hafiz posted on the the Huffington Post. Muslims are speaking out against extremism.
‘Muslims Condemning Things’ Tumblr Answers A Question That Should Be Obvious.