Rabbi Heller's Blog

For the second time in seven months, a Shabbat of peace was jarred by terrifying news from Israel. Hundreds of drones and missiles were on their way from Iran. On October 7, help did not come for many until far too late. This time the outcome was different. Israel’s forces were ready, and allies stepped up to join in her defense. We must be proud of what the IDF accomplished, and grateful to U.S., British and French forces that provided support.  

Pundits and strategists will talk about what happens next. Will the strategic balance shift? On Shabbat, I spoke in my sermon
about how the world often errs in taking evil for granted and sometimes real change is only possible when a situation becomes truly unbearable. Perhaps we are at such a moment. Last night, some of Israel’s Arab neighbors, including Jordan, and others that did not want it publicized, played an important part in its defense.

In the past few hours, I have been in contact with friends and family in Israel. Some are shaken, others relieved. Some sent videos of the incredible fireworks overhead. A few even have a sense of humor (“The Iranians knew that their missiles would be disintegrated, so they were loaded with chametz crumbs, which have now rained down over all of Israel.”). This is a time to reach out and let our Israeli family and friends know that we are with them. It will become clearer in the next few days what other kinds of support they will need, whether it be telling our neighbors, supporting students on campus, or engaging in advocacy with U.S. leaders to allow Israel the resources and diplomatic cover it needs to deter a repeat attack.

Throughout the week, we will be offering additional prayers in support of Israel. It is especially meaningful if you are able to join our daily minyan in person at 7:00 AM or 6:15 PM.
 
It is not surprising that this escalation is happening before Passover. Strategically, it is a time when Israel's enemies know they will have a greater impact. However, this is not the first time that, at this season, Jews have yearned for the freedom of captives, huddled in their homes while death rained from above, or had to defend themselves against false accusations and blood libels. Sometimes, God’s hand is clearly visible in sheltering the homes of our people and bringing captives to freedom. Other times, we are left wondering why a miracle did not materialize. Today, even though salvation ostensibly came from human hands and technology, we cannot help but wonder if there was not a greater Outstretched Arm also at play.

Through it all, we continue with our Passover preparations. Our B'nai Torah Passover page has links to our Passover guide, selling your hametz, and the full service schedule. If you would like to participate in our 2nd Night Congregational Seder, please sign up here by this Tuesday to guarantee your spot. Our B’nai Torah Women’s Seder is full and Steak, Scotch & Spirit Men's Seder Tuesday night has two spots left. If you want one of these spots, please call the office. 

Still, it is hard to predict what the state of the world will be as we sit at our seder tables a week from Monday. I am sure that this night will be "a different night" for all of us.

• You may remember the hostages by leaving an empty seat at the table or pouring a an extra cup.​​​​
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​On Tuesday at noon, Rabbi Breit will be leading a conversation “Passover in Israel,” which may provide insights.  You can participate in person or on Zoom.
• Some of my colleagues have contributed to a volume of readings and prayers called  "Seder Interrupted" that you can download to add to your seder
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In our pre-Passover email next Sunday, I will include additional links and resources current to the moment.
In the meantime, if you need help navigating this time or just any of the usual questions about Passover, all three of our rabbis are here for you.