Bereishit 5784 ~ Oct. 13, 2023

God asks the question that so many people across the world are asking this week. As we begin to read the Torah once again from the beginning stories of creation, God turns to Cain after Abel went missing and was murdered by Cain and asks: “Where is your brother?” In other words, take accountability for your actions as a human being. To which Cain responds: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” As we continue to witness the horrific aftermath of the attack on Israel by the terrorist Hamas, the mass murders, the kidnapping of innocent civilians including mothers and children, Cain’s answer is what we have come to expect from these terrorists. It is no different than many of us remember when we were much younger, when planes and cruise ships carrying Jewish and Israeli citizens were hijacked by PLO terrorists. The thought of then and now is no different, and it pains us all. I stay awake at night simply worrying and crying for those in Israel and for those held as hostages in Gaza, or wherever they may be held at this moment. As many of us continue to say, this is the worst tragedy for Israel and the Jewish people since the Shoah. I know I am not alone.

As a religious Jew in America, each morning I put on my kippah and don my tallit and tefillin (on weekdays). Many of you might have noticed that my kippot match my clothing, but at this moment I have changed from fashion to wearing only kippot that reflect a commitment to Israel. One cautious person said, “Rabbi, aren’t you bringing attention to yourself?” And I responded that I always wear a kippah; I’m simply expressing my commitment and solidarity with Israel.  And it is interesting to note that I have only been stopped once, and that was by a retired Navy intelligence officer, while I was at CVS in Mystic, to express his solidarity with Israel. It was interesting to watch how others simply sat where we were and said absolutely nothing. I clearly took note of it. Many of my colleagues have noticed that very few, if any of the non-Jewish clergy in our communities have emailed, texted or called to express their thoughts.  Most of our neighbors are just as quiet. Some say that perhaps they do not know what to say, so better to stay quiet. I’m hoping that is the truth. (But I guess, we know from previous history that quiet is not necessarily good. And I am hoping that is just not the case.)

As a second practice, I now only gather three of my tzitzit together on my tallit, rather than the four. It is a sign that there are Israeli hostages and that until they are reunited, we as Jews cannot be together. (This is my personal shtick.) It might be that only I am aware, but I am hoping that perhaps the One Who is the Shomer (Protector) of Israel notices as well.

A third practice is to once again read out loud in our services the reading reflective of the splitting of the sea. Some have objected to its reading, stating that how can we actually recite a reading that incorporates our “Amen” to Pharaoh’s troops drowning in the sea. As some have said, “Don’t we spill out wine from our cups during the Passover Seder!” As I shared with some at minyan this past week: simply change the thoughts of the words from Pharaoh and Egypt to Hamas. It was interesting to listen to those who were asked to read this selection and how they internalized Hamas while saying Pharoah and Egypt. They understood the message.  

In the same light, I will continue to make mention, just before we recite the Amidah, that in the opening section, Mechalekel Chayim section, we are asking Hashemas Somech Noflim to lift up those who are bent down. We, emotionally, have become so tragically demoralized. And, if we are so pained, then how much more so are Israelis? So, in stating these words, we are asking Hashem to provide courage to Israel and all Israelis who are bent down in anguish. We go on Rofeh Cholim, Who heals those who have been wounded both psychologically and physically in Israel, and then we conclude U’matir Assurim, Who frees those who are captive. We pray for that reality… dear God, free the hostages.

We have, unfortunately, congregants and friends whose families are amongst those held captive by Hamas. We can only imagine your pain and hope, both at the same time. Several of us have family and friends who have been called up to serve in the IDF, we pray for their safety.

Lisa and I have also decided to hang blue Magen Davids on the front of our home, together with signs that state “Stand with Israel.” This graphic can be downloaded at: https://www.ajc.org/news/stand-with-israel-social-media-profile-graphic.

I encourage you to join us, once again, on Saturday evening as we join as two congregations together for Havdalah and the opportunity simply to share our thoughts and feelings, as we did last Saturday evening. Additionally, and needless to say, we need a major turnout at the solidarity Call for Action for Israel on Sunday evening in Norwich at Beth Jacob Synagogue, as news stations and public officials will be joining our community.  We encourage everyone to attend.

Israel is in our hearts and our minds. We pray for the safety of those taken hostage, the healing of those wounded, the comfort of those who have lost loved ones, the safety of the men and women of the IDF, the safety of civilians, the security of Israel and all Jews throughout the world, the end of this conflict brought about by the terrorist Hamas, and the obliteration of Hamas.

As we recite in the Amidah, Hashem is Somech noflim (uplifts the bent down) Matir asurim (frees the captives), Rofeh choleiamo Yisrael (Healer of those who are wounded), and Oseh shalom (Creator of peace). Keyn yehi ratzon, May that be our desire, and Your desire.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi K