Rabbi Mark Perman
Congregation B’Nai Abraham
Dear Friends in Faith,
We are all horrified by what is taking place in Israel at this time. As we all know, early October 7 in the southern part of Israel, Hamas terrorists attacked without warning causing at least 900 Israeli deaths, thousands of injuries, and also took civilian hostages and other prisoners of war.
After a day in Israel that is being referred to by experts in the region as Israel’s Pearl Harbor, referencing the deadly surprise attack by Japan on the American naval base in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941, we at Congregation B’nai Abraham stand by the words of Andrew Rehfeld, the president of Hebrew Union College- JIR, the seminary that trains men and women for the Reform rabbinate and cantorate who wrote today that: “As we conclude the fall festivals, our sukkot remind us of our fragility, a message tragically reinforced by the appalling events unfolding in Israel. With gratitude to the brave Israeli soldiers and the dedicated first responders who are steadfast in their work, we pray for a quick resolution of the conflict, speedy return of hostages, and full recovery of the wounded.” I would add that we also need to pray for the families of the dead, wounded, and those taken captive, who are enduring unimaginable suffering at this hour.
May God bless the people of the state of Israel, its military, and its government as it prepares to tackle one of its greatest challenges since the 1973 Yom Kippur war.
For an additional perspective, consider attending the October 15 presentation by Minister Hacker the Minister of Economic Affairs at Congregation B’nai Abraham
