From the Bima Blog

To our Temple Shalom Community, 

We write to you with heavy hearts. 

Just last night we gathered for our first joyful Shabbat B’Yachad of 5784. Across the generations, we danced around the sanctuary with the Torah; we read the final words of Deuteronomy and the very first words from Genesis; and we celebrated Simchat Siddur with our 5th Grade students who received their prayerbooks and BMitzvah Dates with such excitement. And as always, we prayed Oseh Shalom - to the Maker of Peace - for peace in Israel and all the world.

And then this morning, we woke up to heart shattering and horrifying news of terrorism and bloodshed in our beloved Israel. Echoing the traumas of the Yom Kippur war almost exactly 50 years ago, Hamas militants infiltrated Southern Israel from Gaza by land, air, and sea today in a surprise attack. 

As the news continues to unfold, we grieve. We grieve for the more than 200 individuals who have been killed in Israel; we pray for healing for the hundreds of injured and we pray for the release for those held captive; we pray for the work of the hands of the skilled medical professionals and emergency responders; we stand in solidarity with those in active duty and reservists serving in the Israeli army; and we pray for those living in tremendous fear, pain and grief throughout the land. We lament, too, for the innocent in Gaza and all who seek peace everywhere.

We know that these devastating events are not just headlines in a distant land. In our community we have among us those born and raised in Israel, those with loved ones living in Israel, or who are traveling or studying there right now. Our Reform Movement leaders have shared that all of our students in study programs have been accounted for and are safely sheltered. Hillel International has shared a similar message. Please reach out to us to share if and how you or your family are impacted by this war. Your clergy are here for you.

This morning in Shabbat minyan, our community offered words of blessing for the State of Israel. Tomorrow, Jewish Federations of North America will host a gathering at 12 p.m. Learn more here.  As we continue to monitor the news, we, too, offer our hopes and prayers for a halt to violence and war. 

AVINU SHEBASHAMAYIM, O HEAVENLY ONE, Protector and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel which marks the dawning of hope for all who seek peace. Shield it beneath the wings of Your love; spread over it the canopy of Your peace; send Your light and truth to all who lead and advise, guiding them with Your good counsel. Establish peace in the land and fullness of joy for all who dwell there. Amen. 

Our hearts are in the East,
Your Temple Shalom Clergy