Support Israel
Never since the Holocaust have so many Jews been murdered on one day.
The Simchat Torah War of October 7th puts Israel in danger as she struggles for lasting peace.
The initial attack, which began as Jews in Israel were celebrating Simchat Torah, took the lives of at least 1300 civilians and soldiers, as terror organizations in Gaza infiltrated Israeli towns and sent thousands of rockets into Israel. In a nightmarish reality, more than 200 Israelis and other nationals were taken as hostages into Gaza including babies, women, the elderly, and soldiers, and we do not know their fate. The situation in Israel is very dire right now. We don’t know how long this war will last, how much the death toll will rise, or how it will end. But we do know the only way forward is together.
Temple Beth El Stands with Israel
Your TBE community is here to support Israel and to support you.
Donate to Support Israel
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and reservists are working hard to defend Israel from terrorists. The organization "Yashar Lachayal" provides basic needs (i.e. knee pads, black duct tape, socks, underwear, protein bars, etc.) directly to Israeli soldiers in the field. Approximately $5,000. will provide supplies to one unit of 125 soldiers. Temple Beth El is raising money for this fund by donating directly to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's Israel emergency fund.
Donations can be made by clicking here.
Upcoming Services, Classes and Events
News
It is crucial to stay up-to-date on news from Israel and about Israel. Avoiding misinformation is part of that process. The following are news sources, curated by Rabbi Re'em, and are considered reliable for information about the war (click on each to be taken to their respective webpages - some sites have paywalls):
Having Conversations
Conversations are Difficult and Necessary
The war of Israel and Hamas has created situations of solidarity, but also of strife and separation. There are many ways to discuss this tragedy with friends, family and others who want to engage. Each of us must decide what works best individually. There are basic points when considering how to have conversations - being prepared for honest thought and speech, and being open to listening, as well as realizing that there won’t always be answers, all help to begin the conversation.
These points and resources will help you be prepared for important and necessary talks when they arise. CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
Prayer, song and poetry
Prayer and music help center us in these difficult times. Find inspiration and comfort with these words and songs:
A History of Oseh Shalom, and different versions of the song (CLICK THE LINK)
Yihyeh Tov - David Broza (CLICK THE LINK) - words and full translation. An iconic song about peace and better days
Reciting psalms: The Jewish tradition of reciting tehillim is a comforting one during times of trouble. Psalms 20, 30, 119, 121 and 142 are customary for recitation:
Our sons and daughters,
Our brothers and sisters,
Our family and friends,
Have been called to serve,
In the name of peace and justice,
In the name of sovereignty and survival,
To defend and to protect our land
From violence and assault,
From kidnappers and terrorists,
From missile and mortar,
From those who would destroy our nation and our people.
We honor the guardians of Zion.
We hold dear the sentries of Am Kadosh.
We know the price of safety,
We know the cost of security.
Bless the injured and wounded
In every generation
With Your healing hand.
Bless the dead and the bereaved
With Your love and consolation.
Bless the heroes of our past
And the heroes of the future
With a share in the world to come.
Keep our soldiers safe,
And let our soldiers keep us safe,
So that they return in life and in health