Rabbi's Message

We awoke this morning to the devastating news of the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim at the Capital Jewish Museum. Yaron and Sarah were to be engaged next week in Jerusalem. Our hearts go out to their families, and once again, we are reminded of the tragic consequences of the Jew hatred that has become all too prevalent in our world. 

We stand together against this hatred and violence, and remain vigilant in our own community. We do this not only with appropriate security measures for our buildings, but even more importantly, by enhancing our spiritual security, committing ourselves to Jewish education, so that we, our children, and grandchildren know who we are, our values, and our story. We also do this by coming together to celebrate Shabbat, holidays, and simhas, just like we will do again this week. 

When we gather in shul this Shabbat we finish reading the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) the third book of the Torah with the portions Behar and B’hukkotai.  These portions both focus on the land. We read about letting the land lie fallow during the shemittah (sabbatical) year, sharing our harvest with the poor, and also challenges that can come from a land that doesn’t get enough rain, among other things. 

Land and its blessings are often taken for granted until there is a crisis, such as drought, severe weather, or violence. The land the Torah is talking about here is the land of Israel, which continues to be on our minds this week. Today is day 594 of the war, which has taken an incredible toll.  

One group that has been especially impacted are Israeli Defense Force soldiers who have been injured in combat.  This Shabbat, we will welcome a group of IDF soldiers who are part of the White Sail Leadership program.  They are disabled veterans who have shown extraordinary resilience, rising from trauma and adversity to become the next generation of committed leaders of Israeli society.  These IDF veterans have spent this week in our community, speaking at programs, to leaders, and students, and we are honored that they will be with us this Shabbat.  

Their visit is the culmination of an eight-month journey of growth, healing, and leadership training, and it is our privilege to host them, offer our hospitality, and learn from their experiences.  I hope you can join us, in person or livestream, to hear their stories.  It is moments of uncertainty like these that we are reminded not to take Israel for granted, and to do what we can to support and sustain its safety, security, and values.  If we can do that, then we will work towards fulfilling the verse we will read this week from B’hukkotai for Israel and for us:  “I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone; I will give the land respite from vicious beasts, and no sword shall cross your land.”  
Kein yehi ratzon – so may it be in our days.