We offer these texts as starting points for rabbis and cantors to speak to their communities after this first full week of war.
Responding to War in Israel and Gaza, Shabbat Bereshit 2023
The first set of texts picks up on themes in parshat Bereshit about humans being created in the image of God, our role in creation, and the idea of being an “ezer k’negdo,” a helping-counterpart.
Redeeming Captives
The second explores Jewish law around redeeming captives, as our attention turns to those taken hostage by Hamas.
Spiritual Power of Tears/Grief/Prayer
The third reflects more broadly on the spiritual power of Torah and prayer in mourning.
When we have no real answers to provide people in this painful time of uncertainty, the best we can do is offer teaching that orients and grounds us.