Rabbi Janine's Messages

Dear Community, 

This past week we received news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza. We experienced an awesome relief seeing hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher returned to their families. 

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, matir asurim.
Blessed are You Adonai, Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, who frees the captive.

There is good and there is bad. We see the return of three hostages and we know that there are many still held captive. There are even more who will never be able to return. According to the Times of Israel , of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7th invasion and massacre in southern Israel, 91 are now believed to remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF. 

There is good and there is bad. As Jews we believe anyone who saves a single person has saved the entire world, and so therefore every person is an entire world.

And truly, to the families and loved ones of Emily, Romi and Doron, each of these three newly freed hostages are an entire world. 

There are many things beyond our control. So when good news comes, we must rejoice. Baruch Hashem Blessed is Gd. There is good. 

For all the other moments when our spirits are low and hope feels impossible, that’s when community is vital. There is an opportunity to be with your Jewish community tonight for Shabbat services. Perhaps you need us?

We certainly need you. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Rabbi Janine Jankovitz