From the Rabbi

It’s been a very painful week for Jews everywhere. The murder of six hostages, each a precious and holy soul, hours before they would have been rescued by the IDF, has shocked and pained us in ways second only to October 7^th itself. Nations of the world have been slow to unequivocally condemn this latest act of sheer brutality perpetrated by Hamas. Even the most casual journey through social media reveals that there are many men, women, and even children, around the world who believe that they deserved it.

Our Torah portions last week and this week offer a stern rebuke to that thinking. From last week,” Re’eh…look and see.” If people would simply open their eyes and look, is it conceivable that they could conclude that this was anything other than an act of heinous depravity, of murder. This week, “Shoftim v’shotrim…judges and police you shall appoint in your cities.” The Torah expects that cities – and nations, too – bind themselves to follow laws that are just and fair and not tolerate willful disregard for them. Can any just society not but condemn the cold blooded murders committed? Sadly, it seems difficult for many to see injustice and condemn it as such.

This coming Wednesday evening, September 11, in partnership with CHABAD of South Metro, we will have the opportunity to hear from someone who can offer first hand testimony as to what it was like to be a hostage held by Hamas. Moran Stella Yanai was abducted by Hamas on October 7^th and held for 54 days. Her story of hope, faith and survival will be eye-opening and truly inspirational. The presentation will take place in our Sanctuary at 7:30 PM. Registration is required. The money being charged will be going to Ms Yanai and her family.

See you in shul…and see you next Wednesday evening.

Shabbat shalom

Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky