It is more important than ever that the Shearith Israel community show up for one another in this moment of crisis. To comfort each other. To be in solidarity with each other.
We will not let Hamas paralyze us from pursuing our mission to connect people to meaningful living through Judaism. Our previously scheduled programs will continue, and we will be increasing opportunities to connect specifically around the situation in Israel.
shearith israel's role in this moment
CARing for Each Other
We will care for the Shearith Israel community and our Jewish community in a time of uncertainty, vulnerability, and solidarity. That includes leaning into the teachings of our tradition; looking for and provide opportunities for each of us to bring a spark of light into the world through acts of loving kindness, tzedakah and support. It means holding and creating space for complicated feelings and encouragement to take care of yourself, and each other.
Advocating for the Jewish People and Israel
We will play an active role showing up for the Jewish community and Israel. That means standing in solidarity with the State of Israel as they strive to achieve their difficult but necessary military goal of removing Hamas from power, and enabling Gaza to become a peaceful and prosperous neighbor. It means supporting our members and the larger Atlanta and worldwide Jewish community in efforts here and abroad. We will partner with organizations in the Greater Atlanta Jewish community and Israel to bolster and support their advocacy and action - and helping the non-Jewish community around us to understand the situation.
Recognizing the Challenge of this Moment:
We will continue our work to connect people to meaningful living through Judaism and in that work acknowledge what is happening in Israel. We will show up for the programs and opportunities for prayer that we already have on the calendar - and open more doors for our community to gather, to do the holy work we set out to do. We will create intentional spacies for gathering, to learn and to comfort each other.
As always, we welcome your ideas for how Shearith Israel can support our members, and the State of Israel.
Voices from Our Community
These reflections will be personal, and they might be a little raw. We hope this effort will lift up the voices of our community, so that we feel a little less alone in our grief, sorrow, fear, and anxiety. Perhaps we’ll even gain a measure of comfort and strength. Maybe even hope.
Voices From Our Community:
Rabbi Ari Kaiman - Oct. 25, 2023
If you are interested in sharing your thoughts in our Voices From Our Community series, please reach out to Rabbi Kaiman (rabbikaiman@shearithisrael.com), Rabbi Helfand (rabbihelfand@shearithisrael.com), Jeff Kirsh (jeffkirsh66@gmail.com) or Robin Deutsch Edwards (robin.d.edwards@gmail.com).
Sat, April 27 2024
19 Nisan 5784
the United synagogue of conservative judaism
Shearith Israel is affiliated with USCJ, a network of thriving centers of Jewish practice across North America, Israel, and beyond that celebrate both tradition and contemporary life.
