Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

Eighteen of us – Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant -- stood in a wide circle yesterday for the Niles Township Clergy Forum’s silent vigil for, as our battered sign reads, “Peace. Love. Kindness.”  It was a powerful experience.

Meanwhile, local Jewish leaders are contemplating how to demonstrate solidarity with Israel during this fraught time.

“Fraught” is too weak a word. What is occurring in Israel and Gaza is not fraught; it is tragic, horrific.

The State of Israel is right to defend itself and we must acknowledge that, were it not for the Iron Dome system, the carnage among Israelis would have been unimaginable. We must also acknowledge that Israel does take significant measures to avoid civilian casualties.

And yet…

And yet, the suffering. Scores of children have died. Many more have been maimed. And orphaned. Regardless of their own leaders’ reckless disregard for life, the death of children during war is searingly painful; it is not part of the divine plan.

This is not a time for flag-waving. It is a time for prayer that our loved ones are safe, that all civilians remain safe, and that this violence cease. May a new optimism for peace arise. May justice prevail.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill