“We are at war” – Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu
I woke up to the news in Israel and am devastated at the surprise sneak attack by Hamas, the injuries and loss of life everywhere, and the pure hatred that is at the root of it all.
Because I have no words right now, I continue to pray for all of our families and friends who live in the Holy Land and offer up the wise words of Rabbi David Wolpe.
El Maleh Rachamim
Compassionate God,
We pray
not to wipe out haters
but to banish hatred.
Not to destroy sinners
but to lessen sin.
Our prayers are not for a perfect world
but a better one
Where parents are not bereaved
by the savagery of sudden attacks
Or children orphaned
by blades glinting in a noonday sun.
Help us dear God,
to have the courage to remain strong,
to stand fast.
Spread Your light
on the dark hearts of the slayers
And Your comfort
to the bereaved hearts of families of the slain.
Let calm return Your city Jerusalem,
and to Israel, Your blessed land.
We grieve with those wounded
in body and spirit,
pray for the fortitude of our sisters and brothers,
and ask You to awaken the world to our struggle and help us bring peace.
Rabbi David Wolpe
This evening, I am glued to my television watching a hostage situation unfold at a Reform synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. As a woman of the Jewish faith, I am saddened and horrified at what is happening right now. So much so that a light-hearted blog post seems impossible for me to write this evening.