“The Dancing Will Not Stop Forever,” Tel Aviv graffiti
Friends,
To say that this Jewish year, 5784, has been challenging is an understatement. The evil of 7 October shattered our world just as 5784 was beginning. Within days, this evil permeated our campuses and cities here and abroad. Dangerous anti-Israel hatred morphed into a virulent antisemitism the likes of which have not been experienced since World War II. The ongoing defensive action taken by Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations, all controlled by Iran, has been manipulated by many, including antisemites and, sadly, the mainstream media, further fanning the flames of hate that threaten the Jewish world. People and powers we thought would stand with us and speak up have fallen silent. The testimony of those raped on 7 October has been called into question. The plight of Israeli hostages is ignored. Add to this nightmare the myriad of overwhelming emotions that flood Israel’s streets and the divisive politics here at home. We are living in the hurricane that Eden Golan sang about as she cried out on behalf of the global Jewish community.
In the face of so much evil, we Jews could’ve chosen to remain silent, to hide from the storm, to distance ourselves as much as possible from our synagogue, from Judaism, and from Israel. But we’re a resilient people. It’s in our DNA. Sure, we have different ways of standing proudly with the global Jewish community, different opinions regarding the best way to combat the hate directed at us and at Israel, and different viewpoints on politics both here and in the Jewish State – we are Jews after all! But, despite these differences, we have come together as a diverse global Jewish community in extraordinary ways. Whether it be traveling to Israel to help our IDF soldiers, sending generous donations to Israeli organizations helping displaced families, supporting efforts to combat antisemitism on our campuses and streets, walking every week down Broward Boulevard to remind our neighbors about the hostages, traveling to DC and New York City to stand with Israel, wearing your yellow ribbons, hostage tags, and Jewish stars, and/or using our voices to advocate for us, so many of us have stepped up and become true Jewish activists, making a real difference. You’ve shown up here – in incredible ways. Whether it be for events related to 7 October, regular Shabbat services, social programs, adult learning, you have come to RSBI and, in turn, strengthened this community during a time when some might have chosen to stay at home. Thank you.
I admit that I am exhausted and, yes, traumatized from 5784. The things I saw in Israel this year, the hatred I’ve felt here at home, the challenges facing our kids on campuses, the threats facing Israel, all of these things and more keep me awake at night. But our Jewish community at RSBI and across the world, you all remind me that we’ve got this. We’re resilient. We don’t just say “Am Yisrael Chai / The Jewish People Live,” we live these words.
Last week, in the middle of his service, our bar mitzvah turned to me and said, “Rabbi, I’m so excited to be doing this.” It filled my heart and soul with much-needed joy. The survivors of the NOVA Musical Festival have vowed that they will dance again. As I’ve shared during our trips to Israel this year, they are, despite all the darkness, dancing again. Israelis are singing too, and gathering together, defying the world, to celebrate life. I’ve learned so much from our Israeli brothers and sisters, some of whom will be joining us at services during the High Holidays. They’ve taught me that the key to picking up the pieces and moving forward with strength is to let joy touch your soul. Because of this lesson, like last week’s bar mitzvah, I find myself excited that so many of you will be filling the sanctuary in just a few days to welcome 5785. As a community, of course we will continue to wrestle with the heavy emotions that 5784 filled us with, but, at the same time, this Rosh HaShanah, we will fill RSBI with song, prayer, and the energy of community. Our souls will dance again. We will see each other, smile, embrace, and hope that this new year will be a good one, a better one. And we will joyfully celebrate our miraculous resiliency.
Am Yisrael Chai. Shabbat Shalom. SHANAH TOVAH.
Please remember to join us tomorrow night for Selichot, the kick-off of the High Holidays. To RSVP please email RabbiCheryl@RSBI.org
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