Seven Things We Can Do For Israel

Rabbi Scott Rosenberg | October 17, 2023

Friends,

On Friday, October 6th, the day before Hamas’ coordinated terrorist assault on Israel, we observed Hoshana Rabba and circled our sanctuary seven times to summon God’s saving presence into our world.  The next day, Israel was attacked and now more than ever we need God’s saving presence in our world.

Thinking about the importance of the number seven for us as Jews and its redemptive power, my colleague Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York created a list of seven things we can do at this difficult time to support Israel.  

In Israel’s hour of need, consider doing these seven things:

1. Stay informed: Now is the time to stay engaged with the unfolding events in Israel.  Find a trustworthy news site to keep abreast of the news. 

2. Be an advocate: Write an email, send a text, or make a phone call to your elected representatives thanking them for their support of Israel and/or asking them to advocate for a specific need. In your social media– let the world know that you stand with Israel. 

3. Show Up: In the days ahead there will be programs and events designed to show support on behalf of Israel.  Show up.  Let Israelis know that they are not alone in their hour of need.

4. Give: JNF, Magen David Adom, Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces, JDC, and others all have already established funds to support the current needs in Israel.  Your support is both substantively and symbolically critical.  Please give at the level you are able.

5. Put politics aside:  Our community is constituted by a membership with a range of political views both in America and Israel. Now is the time to set aside our differences and stand united in support of Israel’s safety and security.

6. Reach out: Many of us have family and friends in Israel (or friends with family in Israel). While we cannot remove someone’s pain, the act of letting someone know that they are not alone is an important gesture.  Send a text or email letting them know they are in our hearts.

7. Pray: Prayer is how we give expression to our hopes for our world and tilt God’s will towards making those hopes a reality. The shattered soul of Israel needs our prayers now more than ever. At home, in the synagogue, wherever you are – now is the time to pray.

Seven things – we can do them.  Israel is family. Let’s be there for them.

B’shalom,
Rabbi Scott Rosenberg