Supporting Israel
We are shocked and devastated by the unprecedented attack by Hamas on the citizens and residents of Israel on Shabbat, which was also Simchat Torah in Israel. The attack took place on the day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War.
We know you are glued to the news, as are we. It is heartbreaking to witness the injured, kidnapped, and murdered; and the families desperate to learn the whereabouts of their loved ones. It is imperative that we continue to show our support to our friends and family in Israel, and that we make all efforts to come together as a Jewish community in solidarity with Israel. We have many Beth El members with family members living in Israel, and we have been in touch with all of them; they are scared, but safe for now, and we hope they remain safe. We are here to talk with any of you–just send us a note: rabbipaskind@congbethel.org and satterkeith2@gmail.com.
Beginning as soon as we learned of this war, we have been focusing in our services on the Prayer for the State of Israel, and we have also included the Prayer for Israel’s Defense Forces, both of which feel more alive and essential than ever before. We are also sharing a video of the song Acheinu, a prayer for returning home those taken captive. We include all of these prayers here; feel free to recite them at home whenever you feel moved.
We stand as a Beth El community with one another, with the greater Jewish community, and with Israel.
Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya-aseh shalom, aleinu v’al kol Yisrael.
May God who causes peace to reign in the high heavens,
create peace for us and on all Israel.
Rabbi Ita Paskind and Keith Satter, President
Prayers For Israel and Israelis
Prayer for the State of Israel–click here
Prayer for the Israel Defense Forces–click here
Acheinu Prayer for Returning Captives–click here
Please Click here for resources for information and donations for Israel:
1.Where to make financial contributions 2. Reliable sources for news updates 3. Virtual spaces for praying with the community 4. Tips for talking to children (and grandchildren) about this war
Rabbi Paskind was honored to join State Senator Bob Duff in raising an Israeli flag at his home.
