Rabbi's Chayva's Chat

NOTE: Originally emailed on October 11, 2023.

On Yom Kippur morning, I spoke about Israel. I expressed my sense that we are part of one big, complicated family, with relationships that endure forever. I feel that sense of family more strongly than ever. Many of us are experiencing shock, pain, and grief over the daily heartbreaking stories from Israel.

As we face such horror this week and in the weeks to come, remember that we each hold this situation in different ways and react differently in different moments. We must lean into the solace of community, the opportunities to help, and our own methods of self-care. We will continue planning ways to come together to care for one another, and remember that you can reach out to me to talk (rabbi@amtikvah.org). I encourage you to donate to American Friends of Magen David Adom, SFJCF Emergency Fund, and the New Israel Fund Emergency Action Plan, and we will inform you of new ways to contribute as the situation evolves. And please, avoid the most horrific images and videos; some of these are tools of psychological terrorism, and as Jews we try to preserve the kavod, the honor, of those who have fallen victim to horrific atrocities. Finally, if you feel the dissonance between your daily life and the agony on your screen, remember that the living must go on living, and the war will be long. Let us cultivate the care and strength that we will need.

You are invited to join a day of communal fasting with congregations around the world in response to the war in Israel. Fasting together connects our physical and spiritual experiences of this moment and creates space for prayer and action. For more information, click here.

With prayers for peace and safety,
Rabbi Chayva