Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

Murdered Israelis; wounded Israelis; the rape of Israeli women and girls; fallen Israeli soldiers; the deaths of innocent Gazans; the rise of Palestinian terrorism in the West Bank, the violence and harassment by Jewish “hilltop youth” toward Palestinians; the rise of antisemitism globally, including on campuses some of our children attend.

And, of course, the kidnapped. More than 100 Israelis remain as hostages in Gaza. With each passing day, the danger to their lives increases. Many, we know, have already been killed by the terrorists who hold them.

Israelis have not lost sight of this petrifying situation. Many tens of thousands have participated in rallies demanding that the government make the hostages’ safe return its top priority.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Israelis also joined together to create an extraordinary piece of music. In English, it is titled “Bring Them Home.”

1000 Israeli musicians sing with one voice, BRING THEM HOME! - Homeland concert (youtube.com)

In this week’s Torah portion, Shemot, God begins the process of redemption for the enslaved Hebrews in Egypt. It is a lengthy process. May the return of captured Israelis happen quickly and safely. Bring them home.

Peace and Strength,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill

Jaunary 4, 2024