My friends,
Normally for Shabbat, I strive to take a break from the news and the constant news updates we receive both on TV and online. But with news of the strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, being updated became a matter of urgency. For some time we all knew of the build up of US forces in the Middle East and we all hoped and prayed that they would not be sent in harm’s way. Some of us have family and friends in Israel, now gathered in shelters. We worry and are concerned for US Servicemen and Servicewomen now engaged in combat and directly in harm’s way. We worry for Israeli troops engaged in combat. And yes, we regret and mourn deaths in Iran.
I believe you join me in hoping for a rapid resolution. We ask G1d to send wisdom to those who lead America and Israel and Iran, to find a true pathway to peace.
I ask you to join with me in this simple prayer for peace: עשה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישרשאל וכל יושבי תבל ואמרו אמן—May he who makes peace in the high places, make peace for us, for all Israel and all humanity and we say amen.
Rabbi Ron