October 1, 2024
28 Elul 5784
Dear Congregational Family,
I am not going to write everything I want to express because you are going to hear plenty from us in the next few days. But it seems that you should hear from your rabbi on yet another surreal day amongst too many during this past year.
The images once again of Iranian projectiles roaring towards our Homeland are utterly frightening. We should all be profoundly grateful for Israeli and American defense systems that were able to intercept the incoming fire. All the news hasn’t unfolded yet, but I imagine other allies stepped up as they did last spring. We owe all of them our thanks.
In the meanwhile, there was a random terrorist shooting attack in a popular area of Tel Aviv, indeed, one where my family and I stayed twice this past year. At least seven are dead and many more seem to be wounded. As well, thousands of Israelis from reserve units have been called up to fight against Hezbollah up North. Many of us have dear connections to those young men and women. Make no mistake, we are at war on a new front.
I pray we don’t get used to these kinds of days. We all hoped by this time, things would have calmed down. But they haven’t and that means we can’t stop lending our steadfast support to our brothers and sisters in Israel. They are scared and determined, and they need to know that we are doing everything we can from here, as they protect the Jewish People there. In that regard, please do take a few moments to click the link listed below that advocates for full support from our representatives.
This will not be the easiest of Holy Days for our People, but let’s come in sacred defiance together to pray, learn and be impelled to act in perhaps the most consequential period of our living history.
I never stop believing in our sense of perseverance, resilience or devotion. It is in us to overcome, and we will indeed do so.
I will see you in the next days to make sure we bring in the New Year with purpose and communal connection.
In the meanwhile, on behalf of Lauren, Jake, Talia and Sadie, I wish us all a better year, one of health, fulfillment and even some sweetness.
Love,
Matthew
