Rabbi's Blog

Shalom TI Community,

Over the last 32 days, one activity that has brought me strength and comfort is being together with friends, colleagues, congregants, and community members. Together we share stories, hear from families of people taken hostage, discuss all that is happening and strive for more and more understanding of what has happened and continues to go on in the Israel-Hamas war.

Gathering has power.

It is easy to feel alone when such a disturbing event is going on. We get into our own heads. We focus on the negative and assume that no one else feels like we do or has the same perspective we do.

The reality is different. Yes, the press tells us the stories of those who oppose us, but that is not the whole picture. Last week, at a talk by Yehuda Kurtzer of the Shalom Hartman Institute, he shared that while certain items get the press, gatherings demanding the release of hostages and in solidarity with Israel are the norm, not the exception.

Continuing to gather can continue to give us strength and support.

Next Tuesday, November 14 a national gathering will happen at the Mall. You can click here for more information. I will be attending and welcome all TI members to join me there.

​​​​​​​We will see what it means to gather. We will feel the strength of our community. We will raise our voices to demand the release of the hostages, to decry antisemitism and, to mourn for the pain and suffering of civilians on both sides who are impacted by the war.

As is always the case, it is hard to meet up in a large gathering. But, while it is hard, it is not impossible. As it comes closer, and I have a feel for who will be attending from TI. I will make some suggestions of how we can travel together and/or where we can meet up at the rally.

You can register for the rally by clicking here. This should get you additional information as well. Plus, if you plan to attend, click here to email me and let me know so I can keep an eye out for you.

I have been contacted by some people about finding places to stay in town. Click here to let me know if you can host people in from out of town.
And, it is possible that people may stay at TI as well. Please let me know if you have an air mattress you could lend for use at TI.

l'Shalom,
Rabbi Werbow