Clergy Blog

Dear Friends,

We write to you this morning with a mix of emotions. Proud of an Israel that tries to make the world a safer place; anxious for what the response of Iran and the rest of the world will be and heavy-hearted for the innocents that have been and may be hurt in today's strikes and their aftermath. Early Friday morning, after escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Israel launched a wave of strikes across Iran early Friday morning that targeted its nuclear program and military sites, killing at least two top officers. Iran’s supreme leader has said Israel “must expect a severe punishment” for its attacks. The situation continues to develop rapidly, and we hold our breath for de-escalation.

In these moments of uncertainty and fear, we turn to our ancient wisdom for guidance. In Psalm 121, we find words that have comforted our people for millennia:

I turn my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?

My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot give way; your guardian will not slumber;

See, the guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps!

We are grateful that the guardians in Israel do not slumber and are watchful for threats. We also know of the need to ask the Lord for help in uncertain times. This psalm was recited by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem who faced uncertain dangers along the way. Like those pilgrims, we too face an uncertain path moving forward. In moments like these, our community may feel a range of emotions - fear, anger, hope, helplessness, and more. Part of gathering in community this Shabbat will mean creating space for all of these feelings while we seek wisdom and comfort together. Even as synagogues in Israel have closed for safety, we recognize the privilege and responsibility of keeping our doors open here, providing sanctuary for prayer and mutual support. We will continue to be in touch as the situation develops and will offer opportunities for gathering as appropriate. 

Our help doesn’t only come from God, as the psalm says, but from gathering with each other, checking in on our loved ones in Israel, and prayer. Shabbat gives us a natural pause from stepping away from news and social media, allowing ourselves a sacred pause from the constant stream of updates and compounding worry. While there will be time for supporting our loved ones on the ground in Israel, for now, we can model the peace we wish to see in the world by praying together this Shabbat. We will still celebrate this Shabbat, we have B’not Mitzvah and a speaker after kiddush in honor of Pride Shabbat, not because we ignore the gravity of this moment, but because these celebrations affirm life, resilience, and our commitment to joy, even in dark times. As Jewish people, we have always understood that maintaining sacred rhythms of celebration is itself an act of resistance against despair. We will stand in fear, solidarity, and hope together.

We will remain vigilant and in communication with all of you as further events develop. We hope that one day soon we will experience a true Shabbat of peace, until then, we will continue to demonstrate our support as our community gathers in prayer.
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky and Rabbi Lilli Shvartsmann

For those who are interested, JFNA is hosting a briefing from 1:00-1:30 this afternoon. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251633046308957