Israel, awareness and our job as American Jews

Most of you have heard the news from Israel. For those of you who have sent me emails asking about our family - thank you. All is well. Talia and Moti and the girls were home in the northern part of Israel, Shiri had just left work in Tel Aviv and though Ilan was at that bus stop an hour before the explosion, he is safe at his base. Nevertheless, today’s attack is personal because we all have a stake in Israel and her welfare. We grieve for the victims and join with Israel, a nation resolved to live a life in security and peace. 

Today’s attack is part of a difficult couple of weeks. We have all been focused on Libya and Japan, so I wanted to make sure that you have the current information about events in Israel:

We have just put away the noisemakers of Purim. It is the Jewish holiday that reinforces that we must resist against evil and the threat of violence. Hamen and Esther are archetypes – evil and good battle throughout the centuries. Terrorism is evil and therefore absolutely wrong. There can be no reason or justification for the murder of a child sleeping in his crib or the explosion of a commuter bus at rush hour.

The eternal prayer for peace is on our lips. We also pray for the strength of good people everywhere who seek to live lives of freedom and quiet. And remember, it is our obligation to stay informed. Visit the links above periodically.

Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar