Dear Am HaYam Family,

It is with heavy heart that we approach Shabbat, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

We are concerned about the potential for this conflict to deepen.

We are concerned about the potential for other countries to enter the conflict on one side of the other.

We are concerned about the Ukrainian people.

We are concerned about a world economy still struggling through a pandemic.

We are concerned about our fellow Jews in the Ukraine.

Ukraine is home to Europe’s fifth largest Jewish community. While exact numbers are not known, it is estimated that some 200,000 people would qualify as Jewish under the State of Israel’s Law of Return.

Our Conservative Movement has a strong presence in the Ukraine. The Masorti Olami, the umbrella organization for all Conservative Movement institutions, gave this status report shortly after the invasion began. For those who wish to help Jewish communities in the Ukraine, can donate through the Masorti Olami  by clicking here.

Otherwise, you could donate through the JDC (Joint Distribution Committee) by clicking here. If you can, giving to either is one great way to be in solidarity with our beleaguered sisters and brothers there. [Steven and Rabbi have already donated.]

For other information on the situation in the Ukraine:

1) From The Forward–here’s a report on the preparations made for food shortages and expected antisemitic provocations. Click here.

2) From The Times of Israel–a report on the removal of Israel’s diplomatic staff from Kyiv to Lviv. Click here.

3) From The Jerusalem Post–a report on 75 Jews making aliyah to Israel as the Russians threatened Ukrainian sovereignty. Click here.

4) From The Forward–a look at the history of the Jews of the Ukraine. Click here.

Meanwhile, another way we can be in solidarity with our fellow Jews in the Ukraine is through the power of prayer. We do not have CAH services this Shabbat, but we invite you, as you light Shabbat candles, at your Shabbat dinner tables, or during the day that you pray for peace.

Here is one prayer:

G!d–let the people of the Ukraine live in peace.

Let the children there live in peace, in homes free from worries of bombs.

Let them go to school in peace, free from violence and fear.

Let them play in peace, in neighborhoods that are safe; watch over them.

Let the love of spouses flourish there in peace.

Let the Ukrainian people go to work in peace, with no fears of terror or bloodshed.

Let them move about in peace; protect them, G!d.

Let nations dwell together in peace.

Let all people lay under their vine and fig trees, with none to make them afraid; comfort them, G!d.

Let the Jews of the Ukraine know the blessings of peace and tranquility, honor and abundance, joy and dignity.

May they know the comfort and the inspiration of our faith,

the strength and solidarity of our people,

the meaning and the hope of our heritage.

May they, and all the people of the Ukraine, draw confidence from the knowledge that they are in our prayers.

And teach us all, o G!d, to believe that the peace that seems so far off is in fact within reach, if we will it.

Let us all promote peace by living in peace.

Amen.

May the spirit of Shabbat come to the world, embracing it, and instilling it once again with the blessing of shalom, peace.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi J.B. Sacks and Student Rabbi Maayan Lev

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks (he, him, his)

Rabbi, Congregation Am HaYam (Ventura, CA)

Educational and Curriculum Specialist, Stories of Music, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music