Like every synagogue, Beth El is wrestling with the powerful feelings stirred up by Hamas’ attack in Israel and its ongoing aftermath. Here are some recent expressions by our rabbi, cantor and congregants.
“Vayishlach: We Need Stories to Counter the Narrative of Endless War”
T’ruah, November 2023
In a d’var Torah on Parshat Vayishlach, Rabbi Breindel notes that “in the aftermath of Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, we must ensure that their single story of permanent war against Israel is not the only story told. We need a counter to the narrative that the cycle of violence between Jacob and Esau…can never be broken.”
“Palestinian Flag’s Critics Overlook the People It Represents” (click here for PDF)
The Boston Globe, Nov. 20, 2023
In this letter to the editor, Cantor Vera Broekhuysen corrects those who equate the Palestinian flag with Hamas.
“Sudbury, Mass., Supports Israeli Teenagers Amid War in Israel”
WVCB-TV, Oct. 13, 2023
At Beth El’s “Pop-Up Israel” community event, Israeli students and teachers visiting as part of Project HiBuR shared homemade Israeli food with Beth El—which turned out in force to show their support after the recent Hamas attacks.
“Metrowest Jewish Rabbis Worried About Israel after Hamas Attacks: ‘It’s Attacking Us‘”
MetroWest Daily News, Oct. 10, 2023
Rabbi Josh Breindel says it’s a time to reflect on the Hebrew saying, “Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh,” which means “all of Israel are responsible for one another.”
This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE