Support for Israel
Dear Bet Shalom,
I write to you today in such sadness, anger and disbelief. I am feeling so many things. I feel helpless. And I feel love and desperation for Israel and our friends and family who are there in the shadow of danger. I pray that quiet soon come upon the Land, but I also fear in my heart that it will be some time before quiet returns. And Israel needs our support now.
If you don't read any further, one thing everyone can do immediately is to help financially. We know that supplies are tight already and they will need to help the victims and feed the soldiers and so much more. I suggest that all our donations right now be to the Minneapolis Jewish Federation Emergency Fund which through the Jewish Agency For Israel is the fastest route to get help to where it is needed quickly. You can get there by clicking here.
For parents who are looking for approaches to addressing the situation in Israel with your children at various developmental ages, see this article on Kveller.
Tonight, at 7pm, I invite you to join members of the Reform Movement from across the world in Our Hearts are in the East: A Musical Event in Solidarity with Israel. "Join us for a gathering of solidarity featuring music, poetry, and prayer from musicians, clergy, and friends. Click here to register for the event
Tomorrow night (Tuesday) we will join with the entire Twin Cities Jewish community in solidarity for Israel. The gathering will take place at Beth El in St. Louis Park. Doors open at 5:30pm and the program will begin at 6pm.
The images that are being shown on social media are horrifying and I truly suggest that you limit your own consumption of these images and to be sure your children and teenagers are protected from it too. Repeatedly watching the carnage and hostage footage is not necessary in order to be informed and to express support. I know from far too many previous experiences that the images are very traumatic for me. Give yourself permission to not overindulge the horror on screen. Consider the JTA.ORG, https://www.jewishfederations.org, timesofisrael.com, and ARZA.ORG, WUPJ.ORG, Haaretz.com for fairly accurate mainstream reporting.
To help teens process what they are seeing and hearing, I invite all our 9th-12th grade students to join me on Wednesday (10/11) at 6:45pm for dinner and discussion at Bet Shalom.
And on Friday night, let's all come together as a Kehilah Kadosha, a supportive, and caring community, at Shabbat Services. (Services are at 6pm with a light nosh at 5:30).
Please continue reaching out with support to those you know in Israel as well as those you know who have family there. Continual support is so important.
Cantor Havilio and I are both available this week if anyone would like to schedule a few minutes with one of us to check-in. This is a very difficult time for everyone in our community. We are here for you. We are all here for each other.
All my best,
Rabbi David Locketz