The Adams Street Shul

I began this article before my trip to Israel. Like so many others, I was glued to the television as rockets continued to rain down specifically on civilian targets, be they Jewish or Arab. I wondered how the people of Israel were responding to this latest outrage upon their security and very lives.

As soon as the plane started its descent over Tel Aviv, I began to feel more relaxed. The “magnet’’ was pulling me with all its strength. I was home! I have been in shuls, in stores, at the beach and the zoo. Wherever I go, Israelis are taking this situation as much in stride as possible. Life is going on in every way and there is absolutely no doubt that we will again prevail.

As has been the case for the past thousands of years, the merchants of death and hatred will be destroyed and disappear, and we will continue to be a “beacon of light unto the nations.” This prophecy, however, is not fulfi lled cheaply. Every day, the names of the casualties, their hometowns, age and place of burial are announced on the radio. Their sacrifi ces are heart-breaking.

In the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayers which we will soon be reciting, we pray that G-d will cause his “dominion to come upon all peoples.” This is such an important prayer. It is not enough that we pray for G-d's help and protection. We must hope that all the nations of the world will come to their senses and utterly destroy the evil infection of hatred and barbarism which has affected so many.

Despite everything, we continue to be strong in our hope and faith. Let us doubly rededicate ourselves to leading more meaningful Jewish lives, strengthening our synagogue and our ties with Israel and the Jewish people.

“HaShem will give His people strength and bless them with peace.”

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CONGREGANTS AND FRIENDS.

— Rabbi Norbert Weinberg

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