Every day, we have been praying for peace between Israel and Hamas. We have been watching and reading the news, reaching out to Israeli family and friends, and worrying about the State of Israel and the state of war, the nature of peace and the certainty of hope.
These past 11 days of conflict within and around Israel have been frightening, challenging, confusing and concerning. During the conflict I have been asked many questions such as: how did it start; why did innocents have to die, or live in fear in bomb shelters; how would it end? Has Hamas been damaged enough to keep the terror organisation at bay for years to come? There have been, and will continue to be, many different answers and points of view to these questions.
Regardless of what comes next, we are relieved that a ceasefire is in place. Yesterday afternoon, I was checking in again on Adirchai Haberman Browns, our hazzan in Jerusalem. He looked and sounded worn out and strained. Suddenly, he looked up and said, ‘A ceasefire, they just called a ceasefire!’ He looked incredulous and I could see him loosen. We are grateful to be able to celebrate peace just as Shabbat is arriving. We are relieved that children in Israel and Gaza can finally sleep through a quiet night on the holy days of Friday for Muslims and Shabbat for Jews.
After Shabbat, Israel, and Jews across the globe, will begin healing. Traumatised Israelis will no longer have to count how many steps to a bomb shelter. At the same time, Israel will need to look deep within her society to analyse the internal tensions that arose during this conflict. Relationships between Israeli Jews and Arabs will need rebuilding, and interpersonal connections that existed between Israelis and Palestinians will need repairing. Jews who have disagreed on social media will need to learn how to overcome their hurt. Antisemitism will hopefully calm down around the world.
In this week’s parasha, Naso, we read about the census taken for each tribe. This Shabbat, ordinary families all over Israel, and Gaza, will be counting their children and relatives to make sure they are safe. Both sides will be mourning their dead and caring for their wounded. Congress will soon be adding up how much money America will spend on military defense for Israel. Congressional lawmakers will be counting how many emails they get supporting the expenditure. I hope yours will join mine among them. Email your Congresspeople and encourage them to continue to support Israel’s ability to defend herself.
This Shabbat we offer thanks for peace, and prayers for healing. May your Shabbat be filled with joy and gratitude.
