I am pleased to share that I am traveling to Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is sponsoring a small group of rabbis to witness the situation first-hand. I look forward to sharing with you what I learn so we can better understand the issues and how we constructively engage. 
Stay safe and secure; find ways to support our people here and in Israel. Let us pray for peace.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi David
It is a difficult time in Eretz Yisrael. Our Israeli brothers and sisters need to know we stand together, with them and with each other. With every $36 donation, we will send you this beautiful Israel Flag Kippah. $36 is twice $18 (and 18 means “life” in Hebrew). All net proceeds go to World Central Kitchen and the Magen David Adom.
The inside of the Kippah are the words:
Proudly identify who you are and support the important humanitarian work so desperately needed.
Thank you
Praying for the safety of Israel, Praying for those protecting Israel, Praying for Peace
Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom
The death and destruction of war are terrible, and it has never spared civilians. It cannot. The objective is to defeat the enemy, and that is done by breaking things and killing people.
The victims are innocent civilians, and the people in the hospital in Gaza are among them. Everyone bears responsibility regardless of who fired the missile that caused the bloodbath. This kind of tragedy will continue to happen as long as the war lasts.
As terrible as war is, moral wars need to be fought when you face an existential threat. Hamas has proven that it is an existential threat to Israel and, therefore, must be eradicated.
For anyone needing proof of their barbarity beyond the vicious brutality unleashed on Israeli civilians, look no further than the keeping of the hostages. These hostages include the 200 kidnapped from Israel but also the civilian population of Gaza trying to flee the carnage. They have not permitted humanitarian aid into Gaza, and what little has gotten in has been stolen.
Hamas must be eliminated. There is no choice.
It is time for all nations to find a way towards peace in the region. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi must join the United States and others to create a new Marshall Plan to rebuild in the aftermath of war, providing physical and governmental infrastructure to finally give the Palestinians the opportunity to live in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel. Whoever cares for the region’s people must come to the table and start the work.
Every decent person is appalled by the loss of human life.
We pray for peace.
Celebrating Sukkot with Joy
and welcoming Shabbat
Shabbat Shalom
Shake your Lulav and
Shabbat Shalom!
As Shabbat Shuva approaches, I share Cantor Azi Schwartz’s Sh’ma Koleinu-
Please God hear us.
G’mar Chatima Tova
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom
As we approach the holiday, I am sharing something a bit unorthodox.
Jackson Browne has done a new version of My Eyes with the people from Playing for Change. It has always been a beautiful piece filled with emotions and reflection, and therefore keeping with our special time.
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom and L’Shanah Tova uMetukah, A good sweet year!
