I am writing to you at the dawn of this new decade with a message of inspiration and community. There are two events coming this month that are important to us as Jewish Americans, as lovers of Israel, and as a community united against hate. One is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with friends in an interfaith setting, demonstrating our concern for one another and condemning antisemitism and all forms of bigotry. The other is an in-depth, loving, interactive day of learning about Israel with some of the greatest scholars in the Jewish world. I hope you can attend both of these events.

In the wake of last month’s antisemitic violence in New York and New Jersey, we have been invited by our friends at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood to co-sponsor an interfaith gathering of prayer, song, and hope.

And when our friends reach out in love and support, we have to show up. So I need you to join me this Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m. at Faithful Central Bible Church (333 W. Florence Ave, Inglewood, 90301). Cantor Lam and I will be participating in the program along with our music director, David Kates, our Soulful Shabbat musicians and vocalists, and members of our Wise clergy. Faith leaders from throughout the Los Angeles community will share words of inspiration. Security will be provided.

If you are planning on joining us at 3 p.m. for the service in Inglewood, please RSVP HERE (there is no cost to participate but we’d like to know that you are coming).

If you’d like to carpool, please meet at Stephen Wise Temple at 1:45 p.m. Otherwise, we will see you at Faithful Central at 3 p.m.

Next, it is important that you attend our Z3 Conference on Sunday, January 26. You’ve already received information about the program. Please note that responding to antisemitism in the U.S. and throughout the world is a topic of one of the panels at the conference. You can learn more on our web site about this innovative event. It’s important that you attend: data indicates that there is a disturbing and growing divide between Israel and the Diaspora. The Z3 Conference, which is part of a broader conversation about Israel and the Israel-Diaspora relationship, is an opportunity to bridge that gulf—to learn, to be inspired, and to bring our community closer together in respect, dialogue, and love.

I hope to see you at both of these events in the coming weeks.

L’shalom,
Yoshi