peace – Page 2 – Jewish Relationships Initiative

Stop the Genocide-Sue for Peace!

Although there is not a Genocide happening in Gaza, there is devastating suffering and death.

It can be stopped immediately. Declare peace. Accept the existence of Israel and Return the hostages. You can immediately focus on building a State of Palestine, and most of the world’s nations, including Israel, will support the enterprise. Outside forces of hegemony and oppression (Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah) that have imposed themselves are back on their heels, allowing Palestinians an opportunity for self-determination that has not been seen since 2000 at Camp David.

This is a pragmatic solution. Israel exists. Whether you question Israel’s legitimacy will not make the nation go away. Remaining belligerent only continues the harm to both Israelis and Palestinians. Negotiations are fraught. Negotiating requires leaving some things behind in exchange for other things we determine are more critical. Peace and a Sovereign State would be two extraordinary wins for the Palestinians. Peace is the only way for our children to know something beyond hatred and death.

It is time.

It is time for Peace

I was sitting with someone recently. He is a Muslim and active in the causes of his people. I am a Jew and active in the causes of my people. We are part of a dialogue group that builds bridges and develops relationships with people we usually do not get to know. But we are engaged, and through this process, a friendship has ensued.

The war in the Middle East is deeply painful for us both. We both know people we deeply care about who are direct victims of this war.

My friend recently celebrated the birth of his child. Mom and baby are doing well. He is so excited to be a father. Like most fathers, he wants to provide for his family and nurture his child with love and a bright future filled with opportunities. I recently celebrated the birth of a grandchild. We are overjoyed to have a new addition to our family and cannot wait for the next opportunity to shower our love. But in this beautiful moment was something chilling; it was an epiphany of sorts. How different would this be if we did not all live here.

If the war between our people never ends, what would become of our children? With the birth certificate, effectively, a death warrant would have been issued as well. Whether warriors or innocent victims, they would be the fodder for hostilities between two warring nations; we bring them into a killing machine. Birth should represent hope- the idea that there is a future and tomorrow promises something good. We do not have children so that they may be offered up, sacrificed on an altar of hate.

My friend and I shudder at this, as do many other mothers and fathers here and there. Birth is a miracle, and peace is no less. It is time to find a path forward together.

Shabbat wish

We need to pause and take a breath.

Let Shabbat give us time to breathe.

There will be time to organize our thoughts, prepare, and respond to the reality of the elections. There is much to do.

But for now, it is Shabbat. Take the time to breathe.

Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shalom – For all these things

Naomi Shemer is the poet who created Al Kol Eleh, All These Things, a bittersweet and timely song. As Yonina shares her music, let us continue to pray for the hostages to come home and for peace.

Shalom

As we approach Yom Kippur and Shabbat, may we receive forgiveness and forgive.

W all pray for the hostages to return home and for peace in 5785.

Gmar Chatima Tova and Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shalom

As we prepare to enter Shabbat, I pray for the Peace of Jerusalem,

A place and time where we can live together, honoring the humanity in all of us.

Thank you Cantor Rachel Brook for this moving rendition of our prayer.

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

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

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