The TAA community was shocked and devastated at the heartless attacks of October 7, 2023. Our grave concern over the state of things in Israel is informed by many points of view, as befits our diverse congregation. More important than one-sided slogans is our commitment to one another, here and abroad, and to our beloved ancestral homeland.
Our support for Israel does not negate our care for all who are suffering, nor vice versa.
It is in our nature and our culture to ask, “How can I help?” Each of us will answer this according to our own values and priorities. Below are some suggestions:
Volunteer your Time
With many Israelis called up for active military duty and with many foreign workers having fled following the massacre, there is a tremendous need for volunteer energy for harvesting crops, supporting the troops, and other kinds of work. A trip to Israel to volunteer is a meaningful way to get involved.
Hold Complexity
Resist the idolatry of simple answers and bumper-sticker-length statements. This is a conflict that has persisted over the course of millennia; shouting matches are not productive. Challenge yourself to consider viewpoints and statements that make you uncomfortable. You don’t have to change your mind, but it’s always a good idea to reflect on what you might have missed. If you always read left-leaning news sources, check out some right-leaning ones, and vice versa. Allow yourself the gift of being a learner.
Support Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue and Peace Work
Groups such as Roots and Standing Together begin from the position that neither Israelis nor Palestinians are going anywhere, so we must find a way to live together.
Lobby for Pro-Israel Policy
Join with other supporters of Israel to advocate for Israel’s military and political strength. Make sure the people who represent you in the government are aware of what Israel means to you.
Learn more about Life in Israel by Centering Israeli Voices
Podcasts such as Israel Story are a window into the lived reality of the people from many backgrounds and cultures who make Israel their home.
Join Forces with the Boston Jewish Community
Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies has established an Israel Emergency Fund to lend support to all who are affected by the unfolding horror.
Pray
In Jewish tradition, we look to the Psalms for comfort and strength in times of sorrow and dread. This practice has come to the fore since the terror attack of October 7, with many communities establishing groups to read a few Psalms per day (in English or Hebrew as they choose) in support of the safe return of the hostages.
Many have also gravitated to the song Acheinu, based on a prayer in the weekday Torah service. Listen here.
אַחֵינוּ כָּל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל
הַנְּתוּנִים בְּצָרָה וּבַשִּׁבְיָה
הָעוֹמְדִים בֵּין בַּיָּם וּבֵין בַּיַּבָּשָׁה
הַמָּקוֹם יְרַחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם
וְיוֹצִיאֵם מִצָּרָה לִרְוָחָה
וּמֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה
הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב
Our people, the whole House of Israel
Who are given over to suffering or captivity,
Whether on the sea or on dry land
May the Holy One have mercy on them
Bring them out from suffering to well-being
From darkness to light, from enslavement to freedom
Now, quickly, and soon
Reach Out
If you are in need of a community to pray with, TAA is here for you. If you are in need of rabbinic support, please don’t hesitate to contact Rav Naomi to set up a time to speak.