Dear Temple Beth El Community,
During our congregation’s annual retreat at Wildacres, we received the devastating news of the murders of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, and Ori Danino.
For nearly a year, we have prayed for the safe return of all the hostages, and we grieve deeply with their families. Many of us feel connected to Hersh, an Israeli-American, who has close ties with many in our region and whose parents, Rachel and Jon, have bravely shared his story with grace.
Our Haftarah this week, from the prophet Isaiah, speaks of the hope that the captive will return: “God’s ransomed shall return and come to Zion with glad song.” But today, those words feel distant amid the immense sorrow.
Hamas is responsible for these senseless murders, rooted in a complete disregard for human life. In this pain, we can find strength in the courage of hundreds of thousands of Israelis marching to demand that every effort be made to fulfill the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim—redeeming captives and ending the violence.
At Hersh’s funeral, his father, Jon Polin, reminded us of the words from the Israeli national anthem: “Od lo avdah tikvateinu”—our hope is not yet lost. Even in our deepest pain, we must choose to act, fight for what is right, and hold onto hope.
As we enter Elul, a time of reflection and renewal, we invite you to join us over the next four Shabbatot, with Friday evening services beginning at 6:13pm and Saturday morning services at 10:30am. This coming Friday evening will be Kehillat Shabbat, with a special emphasis on families with school-aged children. We will come together to be brave in our grief, honest in our pain, and steadfast in our hope. Together, we will find comfort in our shared strength and commit to the work of compassion and peace.
May the memories of Hersh, Almog, Alex, Carmel, Eden, and Ori be a blessing. May our courage and love bring the peace we all long for.
With love and strength,
Rabbi Asher Knight
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Rabbi Lexi Erdheim
Rabbi Beth Nichols
Jonathan Friedman, Chief Operating Officer
