| This past week, Jews gathered together in our communities all over the world in support, solidarity, and grief to mourn the heinous murder of six more Israeli hostages in Gaza. Our Orange County Jewish community came together for a moving and poignant vigil on Wednesday evening. The blasts of the shofar were used to symbolize our anguished cries as the horrific October 7th war rages on, as so many hostages remain in captivity, and as Hamas continues on its villainous path of destruction.
As we gather in these difficult times, our hearts and prayers turn toward Israel and those caught in the midst of war. It is in moments like these that we find strength in our tradition, and in actions and deeds that we hope will make a positive change, a positive impact.
One of the prayers that can heal our souls and lift our spirits is the Mi Sheberach prayer, which calls for healing not just of the body, but of the soul and spirit. The Mi Sheberach reminds us that healing can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. In the face of conflict and uncertainty, we pray for the healing of all those affected by the war—the soldiers defending their homeland, the families living in fear, and the communities mourning loss. We also pray for the healing of nations, for peace to emerge from violence, and for a future where security and dignity are ensured for all.
The Mi Sheberach calls us to lift up those in need and to believe in the possibility of recovery, even in the darkest moments. Let us hold onto that hope and, through our prayers and actions, work for a time when peace is not just a prayer, but a reality.
One way that we at Temple Beth Sholom will be lifting up those in need during this month of Elul and the upcoming High Holy Days, will be to share the new Mi Sheberach we wrote with our musical Artist-in- Residence, Jacob “Spike” Kraus, this past April. You will hear it at some of our Erev Shabbat services this month, once on Rosh Hashanah and once during Yom Kippur.
May the One who blessed our ancestors bring healing and strength to the people of Israel, to all who suffer, and to a world yearning for peace.
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