Our community is shaken by the violent attacks in Israel and grieving for the losses suffered by our friends and family. During this difficult time, we are reaching out to remind you that our clergy and our congregation are here to support you. We want to take a moment to share more information about opportunities to come together in solidarity for Israel and to learn more about the situation. We are also including some suggestions of places to donate to help those impacted by this horrific violence. As always, we’ll continue to share updates as they become available.
Clergy Support
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to members of our clergy at 704-366-1948. Even in these dark and challenging moments, our traditions guide us and bring us comfort. We are here for you.
Gather in Person
- Monday, October 9 at 7:00pm: Gather in the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park. There will be educational programming available for school-age children provided by the Charlotte Jewish Day School and babysitting will be available at the Levine JCC for younger children. We will unite in prayer for the injured, the affected, and those held captive. Together, we will solemnly honor and remember the lives taken. We will stand together as a Jewish community.
- Friday, October 13 at 7:30pm and Saturday, October 14 at 10:30am: Our clergy will lead us in prayer, reflection, hope, and solidarity at Shabbat services this weekend. Watch TBE communications for more information.
Stay Informed with Israeli News Sources
There is a lot of information and misinformation out there right now. If you would like to stay aware of the situation as it unfolds, we recommend the following Israeli news sources:
Donate
At times like this, our community looks for ways to help. Many have reached out asking for organizations that will directly help those in need. We have listed a few organizations below.
- Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism: Humanitarian aid to those directly affected in the Gaza region. Donate here.
- Jewish Federations of North America: Support for victims, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, addressing trauma. Donate here.
- Jewish Agency for Israel North American Council: Assistance to terror victims, long-term rehabilitative support. Donate here.
- American Friends of Magen David Adom: Support for paramedics, first responders, first-aid providers, volunteers, and staff of the organization. Donate here.
Links to Contact Elected Officials
As election season approaches here in the United States, the time to call on our elected officials to show their support and solidarity with Israel couldn’t be more urgent. Below are two links for emailing representatives. But remember you can always pick up your phone and call your congress member as well.
Talking to Children and Teens
This is a scary and difficult time for many in our community, and our little ones are no exception. Below is a list of resources and opportunities to learn more about how to speak to our children. Our clergy is always available to guide you in these conversations as well.
- Tuesday, October 10, 11:00am-12:15pm: How to Talk to Children About Israel Today, a webinar by the Jewish Education Project. Led by Sivan Zakai, Ph.D., Sara S. Lee Associate Professor of Jewish Education at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Register here.
- American Jewish Committee: Links to timely articles to understand what is happening currently in Israel
- Jewish Education Center of Cleveland: Resource for parents to talk to kids complete with action steps and conversation guides
- Kveller.com: Tips from both parent and child writers on talking about the violence
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Guide to how children of different ages respond to trauma and how to help them
We close this communication with a prayer that is always necessary but has never felt more urgent or poignant than at this moment – the prayer for peace.
Peace, Please By Rabbi Karyn Kedar, Emerita Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, Illinois We gather together, in faith and with hope to pray for peace and for the safety of the people of Israel.
Help us, O Holy One and protect us in our hour of need. Touch our hearts lest they harden with despair. Guide our thoughts lest they are overcome with fear.
Bring healing to the wounded, strength to those in mourning, courage to those in fear, wisdom to those who lead.
Yedid nefesh, beloved one, reveal Yourself and fill the world with Your light. Spread over us the shelter of Your peace. Be quick, God of love, for the time has come. Have mercy upon us, Eternal One of peace.
