Friends,

Some seventy or eighty of us met this past Wednesday night in a hybrid community gathering to discuss, express, and unpack the range of emotions we are having about the situation in Israel and Gaza. I think it was cathartic for many, even just to know that they are not alone in their anger, fear, sorrow, and confusion.

I have been attempting to distill my thoughts on the terrible situation. I gave a sermon this past Shabbat which gives a snapshot of my current thinking on the matter. I’m sharing the video-recording of it with the larger community because I believe it’s an important message that I hope will offer some direction at a time when many of us don’t know which way to turn.

If anyone would like to discuss their feelings about the war, please know that I am available.

With gratitude for our community,

Rabbi Sam Levine