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A message from the Rabbis

Tonight, yet again, our hearts turn to Israel. At Shabbat services this evening we will gather together as a community to pray for the safety of our friends, family, and loved ones. For those of you wishing to offer a personal prayer of your own, here is a beautiful one written by our colleague Rabbi Paul Kipnes that has brought us both comfort on this frightening day.

A Prayer for Israel
By Rabbi Paul Kipnes

Elohei Tzevaot — God of the Heavenly Hosts,
You who walked with our ancestors through fire and flood,
Be with us now,
as sirens wail and jets roar skyward,
as nations brace and hearts pound.

We tremble:
for the lives — of soldiers and civilians —
caught in the crush of consequence
and for what retaliation may rain down.

And in every war room and whisper,
in every flight path and field command,
grant strategy with restraint,
precision with principle.

And please, Magen Avraham (Shield of Abraham),
shield those who wait below the line of fire.
Give courage to those who must decide.
Give comfort to those who must endure.

Bring the hostages home,
And if others too must tremble tonight,
let Your compassion reach farther than ours can.

Hashkiveinu Adonai Eloheinu L’shalom —
Let us lie down in safety.
Spread over us a sukkat shalom, a shelter of peace.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Oseh HaShalom —
Blessed are You, Holy One, who makes peace:
Make peace down here too.