I like to write about uplifting our souls, the power of prayer, the love of God, Israel and the Jewish people. My writing is often cathartic and helps me focus. Today, I’m heartbroken about the terrible situation in the world. My ability to offer comfort and a solution are limited. I will be truthful and I’m asking you to something about the horror that is haunting our lives.
The writing seems to be on the wall. The recent terrorist attacks in France, the most recent manifestations of unfounded prejudice against the Jewish people are undeniable. This past year, over 7,000 Jews have left France and made alliyah to The State of Israel. I’m an optimistic person and I always look for the silver lining, even at the worst of times. Too many anti-Semitic incidents have convinced many European Jews that Israel is their safest solution and their haven. Thank God that Israel is alive!
The Jewish population in France is around 500,000 and the Muslim population approaching 5,000,000 and rapidly growing. It is painful for people to uproot them selves from the comfort of their homes, whether they’ve been there for one or multiple generations, this is a trend that we must be very cognizant of and consider for ourselves.
My grief for the individuals killed in France seems surreal while continuing my daily routine. We may rail and preach but what do we do? Should we run, move to Israel? In my opinion we must be duel citizens. We cannot be forced into isolation and ultimately into extinction by anybody, especially not be extremists. We must continue to be a force of truth and justice, living freely everywhere in the world, especially here.
It is true that Muslims in France and Europe are feeling a significant backlash due the terror that their co-religionists have perpetrated. It is also true that the terrorists have slaughtered mostly Muslims. However they are feeling now, wouldn’t this be a good time for moderate Muslims to stand firmly beside us in peace, and proclaim their rejection of hatred and the murder of all innocents?
As our tradition has taught the world, we are a strong Jewish community that expresses its love for God and justice. Showing love and respect for each other and passionately loving Israel, the land and the people, gives context to what we can do and who we can be.
We express our support for Israel in prayer, with music, art and through intellectual endeavors. Most importantly we are committed to teaching this message to our children. With this in mind, I hope you will consider participating with me and my family, Rabbi Wolkoff and many members of our synagogue, religious school students and USY in Rutgers Hillel FIT5K Run to Support Israel on the morning of April 19th in New Brunswick’s Buccleuch Park.
“Now in its 4th year, the FIT5K is a 5 kilometer or 1 mile run/walk held to raise money and support for The Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE), which is the first permanent, pro-Israel center on any college campus.
RHCIE is a model of excellence in Israel engagement, education, and advocacy on campus, and is driven by a core belief that a positive connection to Israel is essential for a strong, healthy Jewish identity.”
More information and a link to registration forms will be available on our website shortly. Walk or run, you have plenty of time to get into shape. I’m looking forward to joining as many members of our CBT family and the Rutgers community. Together, we can make a difference.
The folded (green) pieces of paper in the center of this photo are your prayers which I collected and placed in the Western Wall this past summer. May your prayers be heard.
Worship the Lord with Gladness and Joy
Cantor Bruce Rockman
Other upcoming events at B’nai Tikvah
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