Rabbi Weill's Blog

October 23, 2024

Dear Friends,

I am so pleased that we at Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation gathered throughout this holiday season. From the first musical notes of Selichot to our deep silent prayers on Yom Kippur to the seventh dance around the sanctuary on Simchat Torah, we were together. It’s been a blessing.

I am also acutely aware that this was the most difficult holiday season in many decades. I do not need to recite the litany of challenges we face. I’ve preached and written about them; we’ve all discussed and read about them. We will continue to do so, of course, for we deeply want the best for our people, desire the best for the Jewish state, and crave
peace for all.

Despite our prayers for peace in 5785, the war with Israel’s sworn enemies continues on several fronts. Even with Israel’s successes, battles rage. Innocent people continue to die horrific deaths. This includes children.

Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav prayed correctly: We were not made for this. He was not referring to us Jews. He was referring to us humans. So what can we do? Let’s pray with him:

May it be Your will,
Holy One, our God, and God of our ancestors,
that you erase war and bloodshed from the world
and in its place draw down
a great and glorious peace
so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation
neither shall they learn war any more.
Rather, may all the inhabitants of the earth
recognize and deeply know
this great truth:
that we have not come into this world
for strife and division
nor for hatred and rage, 
nor provocation and bloodshed.

We have come here only
to encounter You, O God,
Eternally Blessed One.

Amen,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill