Blog Test - WIP

Our hearts are heavy this evening as we learned of the devastating attacks by Hamas on the State of Israel over Shabbat, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, and the end of our High Holy Days season. The numbers of Israeli injuries, deaths and hostages being reported continues to grow, and the safety of many of Israel’s citizens is still uncertain. 50 years after the Yom Kippur War, it is unconscionable that we are truly under attack by terrorists again.

We stand with Israel and condemn these horrible acts of terrorism and violence. We mourn the lives lost over the weekend and join together in prayer for the healing of those injured, and for a safe return of hostages to their families. We pray for those on the front lines defending Israel, for a speedy resolution, and for peace in our homeland.

As we say in the prayer for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF):

May God Grant Israel salvation and crown them with victory, and may God fulfill for them the verse from Deuteronomy 20:4:

כי ה׳ אלהיכם ההולך עמכם להלחם לכם עם אויביהם להושיע אתכם

For it is Adonai your God who goes with you to battle your enemies to save you.

We pray for the safety of all our BA families and friends currently living in Israel. Our hearts and prayers are with them during these challenging times. We are here to offer personal support, providing the warm embrace of our community as we grieve and support one another in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Additionally, here is a link to a prayer written by the Conservative Masorti movement for this time of war in Israel.

We will share more in the coming days on ways we can come together as a community to support Israel during this difficult time. Rabbi Abraham is attending a St. Louis Jewish community meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss next steps for us here in St. Louis.

By now, we are sure you have received countless emails on how to reach out to elected officials, donate to a variety of causes, and more.  However, if you need any guidance with any of this or if you would like to talk about what is going on in Israel, we are here for you. Again, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

One option here at BA to discuss the current situation is by joining Rabbi Abraham’s class “Israel and the Jewish People: Current Events Related to Israel,” Tuesdays at Noon via Zoom. Click HERE to sign-up to receive the Zoom link. This week Rabbi Abraham will be specifically addressing the war and guiding discussion about everything.

Ufros Aleinu Sukkat Shlomeicha - May Israel be sheltered in safety, love, and peace.

Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham
Hazzan Sharon Nathanson