Israel, and how to show support now
Israel is at the core of who we are as a people. We are connected to the land and people, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When we pray, we direct our hearts to the east, towards the ancient Temple that was in Jerusalem. We pray multiple times a day to return to our Holy Land. Jerusalem is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible 669 times, and Zion, 154 times.
At Temple B'nai Abraham, we have always had a strong affinity for the land and people of Israel. We have sent numerous trips and missions, we have regular programming, speakers, and education on Israel, and we proudly have many Israeli teachers in our school. We regularly send funding over to support various needs, and we proudly display our Israeli flag.
We now find ourselves in a terrible war of self-defense following the Hamas terror attack that resulted in the most Jewish deaths in a single day since the Holocaust. We are anxiously waiting for the release of 133 hostages. We may be feeling sad, angry, grieved, shocked, and helpless—all appropriate feelings for these circumstances.
We have been in action supporting our Israeli brethren. Below are resources that you may find helpful. There are many ways we can make a difference, to our community here and our extended family in Israel.
If you need support from TBA clergy, please do not hesitate to reach out. We’re always here for you.
Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg, M.A.R.E., M.A.H.L.
Senior Rabbi, Temple B’nai Abraham
Travel to Israel with TBA:
We have two outstanding trips planned for this year:
Our Israel Solidarity Mission II (July 14-19) will bear witness to the events of Oct. 7 and volunteer where we can to support our homeland and our fellow Jews.
On the Israel Family Tour (Dec. 22, 2024 to Jan. 2, 2025), families will dig for ancient pottery, connect over a culinary tour of the famous Machne Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, celebrate b'nai mitzvah at the Kotel, and more. Family members of all ages, members and non-members, are welcome!
Resources for Children:
Kveller has an article, How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now
Downloadable PDF book from Westchester Torah Academy, There is a War in Israel
For Understanding the Situation and History:
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Israel at War
American Jewish Committee, Everything You Need to Know About the October 7 Hamas Attack on Israel
Organizations in Need of Donations:
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ Emergency Fund for Israel
Jewish National Fund-USA's Israel Resilience Campaign - This is a direct link to TBA's team page
Zaka, a volunteer search and rescue organization in Israel
To report an antisemitic incident, click here.
To add your voice to urging the US Dept. of Education
Direct action to make colleges safer from antisemitism: