I can’t pretend that writing anything coherent this week is easy. Nevertheless, here are some feelings. Between tears of frustration, helplessness and worry, I have enjoyed nature’s beauty in my neighborhood during my dog walks and am listening more to music and less news.
I continue to check in regularly with friends and family in Israel who are
always grateful for the contact and donations. I feel uplifted when I see a crowd in Amsterdam or Paris singing Hatikvah in solidarity with Am Yisrael.
I would prefer to focus more on the beautiful faces of our kids during Sunday morning Tefilah than catch up on the latest violence. Gathering together in prayer and song has always been healing for me, whether it’s during Religious School, a community vigil or a Shabbat service. Together, we can grieve our loss, hope for peace, and pray that the hostages are safely returned to their families.
Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam matir asurim - Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who frees the captive.
I am grateful to Rabbi Neimeiser for introducing me to and duetting with me on “Matir Asurim” by Shimon Smith, composed after the unspeakable atrocities committed by the Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs is in Israel. He's hearing about the need to keep bringing gobal attention to the hundreds of hostages being held by Hamas terrorists.
Temple Beth-El can help shine our light on the situation this Shabbat and beyond in the following ways:
Share the following text in an email or as a social post, and use the graphic below to get the message out to your community. Shine your light on the need the safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas. #ShineYourLight #BlueRibbonsforIsrael #BringThemHome.
Visit our partner, Blue Ribbons for Israel, to download social media graphics and banners that feature the names and faces of the hostages, as well as printable postcards to distribute.
Leave an empty seat at your Shabbat table or in your sanctuary and add the name and photo of a hostage. Share a photo of your tribute on social media with the hashtags #ShineYourLight #BlueRibbonsforIsrael.
You can find additional resources for supporting Israel here.
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Temple Beth-El 70 Orchard Ave Providence, RI 02906 401.331.6070
