Voices of Wisdom: Reflections From Local Rabbis

In this pivotal moment for our Jewish community, local rabbis offer wisdom, reflection, and hope on the situation in Israel.

Haifa, Israel (Photo: benedek/iStock)
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Read / Tradition
Refusing to Despair
In the face of unimaginable loss, Israel chooses love over hate, resilience over despair, honoring the memory of those taken from us.

By Rabbi Danny Burkeman

For Temple Shir Tikva (Wayland)

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Read / Jew(ish)
Standing With Israel
We’re sharing stories of impact, lifting the voices of survivors and their loved ones, and connecting our community to events and resources to help process our collective grief and healing after 10/7.

By JewishBoston

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Read / Jew(ish)
The Responsibility of Kindness in Life and Death
As Israel mourns, this week’s Torah portion calls us to uphold kindness and care for the vulnerable amid tragedy.

By Rabbi Elaine Zecher

For Temple Israel of Boston

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Read / Jew(ish)
Holding the Beauty and the Horror
Amid beauty and grief, we hold both loss and hope, seeking a better world.

By Rav Claudia Kreiman

For Temple Beth Zion

(Photo: tifonimages/iStock)
Read / Jew(ish)
You Cannot Build a True Future From a False Past
This Purim and Passover season, let’s reclaim our stories with truth, accountability, and the responsibility they demand.

By Rabbi William Hamilton

For Congregation Kehillath Israel

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Read / Jew(ish)
There Are No Words — What We Need Is Action
When words fail, action must prevail—now is the time to strengthen, support, and stand together.

By Rabbi Mendy Uminer

For Chabad Center at Chestnut Hill

(Photo: Mukhina1/iStock)
Read / Jew(ish)
(Not) Feeling Joy THIS Adar
As Adar begins, joy feels distant—but the story of Purim teaches us that even in darkness, sorrow can transform into celebration.

By Rabbi Noah Cheses

For Young Israel of Sharon

(Photo: Polina Shirokova/Unsplash)
Read / Jew(ish)
Finding Light in the Darkness
In a time of immense sorrow, Adar challenges us to seek joy, turn darkness into light, and embrace the strength to keep moving forward.

By Rabbi Benjamin Samuels

For Congregation Shaarei Tefillah

Standing With Israel: Community Impact stories
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(Photo: Moshe Filberg/ReGrow Israel)
Read / Jew(ish)
ReGrow Israel Plants the Seeds of Agricultural Innovation
The farming community was shattered after Oct. 7. But its roots remain.

By Kara Baskin

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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Read / Plus Kids
“We Owe These Kids Everything”: Giving Israel’s Youngest Survivors Hope for the Future
CJP’s Israel Emergency Fund supported the Israeli Children’s Fund in providing vital care, resources, and hope to over 470 young survivors.

By Kate Whitney

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Habaita
Read / Jew(ish)
Reviving the Galilee: Rebuilding Lives and Communities After October 7 
CJP is supporting the work of Habaita, an NGO in the Galilee working to bring back jobs, revive the agricultural industry and reopen schools in the region.

By Judy Bolton-Fasman

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Amichai Kluger and Sisters
Read / Plus Kids
Bar Mitzvah Twins Across Continents
From Boston to Israel: How one boy’s bar mitzvah helps Israeli families in need.

By Natalie Vinegar

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Read / Young(ish)
“Art Can”: Jookender Journey of Expression
The Jookender “Art Can...” program, funded by CJP, used art therapy to help young adults heal and reflect on October 7 events in Israel.

By Sasha Grebenyuk

For Jookender Community Initiatives, Inc.

Haifa, Israel
Read / Jew(ish)
Fear and Anxiety in Haifa After Synagogue Hit by Rocket
Hezbollah rocket attacks from Lebanon have taken a toll on every facet of life in CJP’s partner city.

By Dan Seligson

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

(Photo: Tikkun Olam Makers)
Read / Jew(ish)
TOM Responds to Crisis Through Social Innovation
With support from CJP, a public makerspace addresses urgent challenges for disabled Israelis.

By Kara Baskin

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

A Summer of Impact
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A Summer of Impact: Thank You for Making a Difference
One of the key leaders of the “Summer of Tkuma” project shares his heartfelt thanks for CJP’s crucial role in making this summer’s impact possible.

By Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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Read / Jew(ish)
A Lifeline for Northern Israel: CJP’s Emergency Grants Help Schools Rebuild Amid Crisis
More than $2 million in grants is helping reopen schools in northern Israel, providing safety and stability for children and families.

By Penny Schwartz

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

(Photo: Trybal Gatherings)
Read / Young(ish)
Israeli Young Adults Join American Jewish Peers at Overnight “Camp” for Reprieve From Trauma
In aftermath of Oct. 7, Trybal Gatherings’ multi-day camp experiences created community among Israelis and North American Jewish peers.

By Trybal Gatherings

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