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Dear B’nai Israel Community,
I am writing to you upon the conclusion of what was supposed to be a joyous conclusion to our fall holiday season. Instead, the horrific, surprise attacks on Israel early Saturday morning marred our celebration of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. In the synagogue, we hastened to insert the recitation of Psalms into our service and this morning we tried to hold it together so our children could experience the joy of dancing with the Torah, but our hearts were clearly elsewhere.
I know that for us, Israel is not a news story. Israel is our homeland. Even if you yourself don’t have friends and family who live in Israel, you know someone who does. We are inextricably connected.
We’ve heard statements comparing yesterday’s events in Israel to 9/11 or Pearl Harbor in the United States. It’s not hyperbole. The terror rained down by Hamas on our Israeli sister and brothers is inexcusable. And now, Israel has declared war on Hamas. The road ahead will not be easy, and we can expect that over time, some will come to question Israel’s tactics and, indeed, its right to defend its citizens. In that regard, we cannot be more clear. We stand with Israel – not just because Israel is justified, not just because Israel is right, but because Israel is us. This is our homeland, and these are our people.
I share your heartbreak and also your deep concern, and we are not helpless. Here are important things we can do right now to take action:
- Be in touch with friends and family in Israel to let them know we are thinking of them. They are not alone; and our prayers will bring needed strength and courage.
- Attend the DC Area Vigil for Israel: Prayer, Song and Solidarity on Tuesday, October 10, 7:00 PM, at Adas Israel Congregation. Together, we will draw strength from one another as we mourn those we’ve lost, stand with those in peril, and pray for Israel’s peace, safety, and security. We are expecting to announce soon that there will be another vigil in Montgomery County on Thursday, as well as a rally in DC on Friday; but those details are still pending. We will share more information soon about how we will stand together in solidarity this Shabbat at B’nai Israel.
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Donate. Our Jewish Federation has opened an Israel Crisis Fund to raise essential dollars for those in need, which will be distributed swiftly through our partners on the ground, including through the Fund for Victims of Terror. We know our community will donate generously to this important cause.
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Stay Informed. Our Jewish Federation and JCRC are hosting a webinar conversation with Dennis Ross on Tuesday, October 10, at 12:00 PM. You can register for that here, and/or participate in other sessions taking place throughout the community.
- Speak up for Israel. Write to our elected officials and encourage them to stay strong and unequivocal in their support for Israel’s right and responsibility to defend its citizens against terrorist attacks. Forward and repost statements from B’nai Israel and other organizations to family and friends. Our voices need to be heard.
The safety and security of our synagogue community remains our top priority, as always. We are closely monitoring the situation and are maintaining continuous contact with local and regional security authorities, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington security desk and the Secured Communities Network, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and other partners. While there is no specific threat in our area or to our synagogue at this time due to the war in Israel, we continue to implement comprehensive security measures and are constantly evaluating needs with our Security Committee.
Even after this relatively long email, we know there are many questions that remain unanswered. You can expect to hear more communication from our clergy and leadership throughout the week. Please know that we are, as always, available to answer questions or engage in counseling. Please do not hesitate to be in touch.
I conclude with the prayer God offered to Joshua in the Haftarah we chanted during Simchat Torah services: Rak hazak v’emtatz, be strong and courageous in your efforts to complete a just and righteous mission. Am Yisrael hai, The people of Israel lives.
Shalom,
Rabbi Michael Safra
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