“And all who work with the community should labor with them for the sake of Heaven, for the merits of our ancestors sustain us” (Pirkei Avot 2:2). It has been a challenging two-and-a-half months of war, not just on the battlefield but on social media, during dinner conversations, in painful disagreements with strangers and friends. I saw lifelong friends post words so deeply antisemitic that it cut me to the core. I witnessed family and friends clashing, holding onto such strong claims of being on the right side, the only side of justice. We continue to experience such a wide range of emotions from grief to rage to disbelief. And yet, as if it were a miracle amidst so much turmoil, we find strength in our faith and in our community. Our sanctuary and study sessions are filled with people who want to connect with each other, with our tradition. [...]

For several years now, I have been involved with an organization called Women Wage Peace, a group of Israeli/Jewish and Muslim/Palestinian mothers promoting political understanding and including women in the conflict conversation. Many of these mothers on both sides of the conflict have lost children to fighting, and, even after the horrors of October 7, when many have lost hope for peace, Women Wage Peace continues to hold onto what now feel like tiny slivers of hope for safety and harmony in our beloved homeland. Through my work with this organization, I was lucky enough to know Vivian Silver, a founding member. Vivian was committed to a two-state solution, to future generations of peaceful relations. And still, Vivian was murdered in her home at Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. A friend to her Palestinian neighbors across the border with Gaza, Hamas terrorists still killed her indiscriminately. I have read [...]

Across our planet, almost every population has created a celebration of light during this season of winter solstice, when Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the sun. Jewish journalist and author Anita Diamant writes: “This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite fires, and light candles. And we sing.” When we experience our planet’s greatest darkness, most human beings instinctively attempt to banish it by creating light and warmth.Last week, I was driving in the car with my family, and I noticed the most moving light display of the season (pictured above): a large, luminescent Hanukkiah with all the candles burning bright, accompanied by a beautiful sign with stars of David and the words “Happy Holidays'' written elegantly. And behind this menorah, a light encircled grouping of Israeli hostage posters, a monument of memory [...]