Rabbi's Blog

FROM THE DESK OF RABBI ALLEN SCHWARTZ

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Dear OZ family,

I have written recently about the profound Kiddush Hashem of the Dee family in Efrat. 5 lives were saved in Israel from organ donations, in the immediate aftermath of Lucy Dee’s murder, and Rabbi Leo Dee, who received thousands of well-wishes in Israel, ended up consoling many of the distraught visitors who came to see him. He insisted that a morose davening on Yom Tov, in his shul in Efrat, be cheered up with the singing of Hallel, insisting that the communal Simcha of Yom Tov overrides his own personal losses. More recently, we have heard that Lucy’s father, who lost a daughter, and two grandchildren in one tragic event, has asked us to extend kindness and grace to one another in the memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina Dee. He suggested that we call 3 people that we might not otherwise call, to wish them Good Shabbos. Think of all the good will that this can spread.

Israel was attacked yesterday from Lebanon, and as usual, we can expect the media to ignore the attack, while focusing only on Israel’s response. I am including below a communication from AIPAC to express our voices that the US Congress should stand firmly on the side of Israel’s ability to defend itself appropriately in the face of such attacks (https://takeaction.aipac.org/wdh7Qzg). This is an old story, and often is the impetus for anti-Semitic attacks in the US and Europe. A strong response from our elected officials in support of Israel will hopefully prevent the proliferation of such reactions.

This week the West Side is joining to raise funds for West Side Hatzolo. It is a great relief to know that they are only a few moments away from life-saving assistance. Even if you’ve never used the services of Hatzolo, it is a considerable comfort to know that 24/7/365, a line is open for any emergency. The heroic members of Hatzolo need our support to continue their life-saving work, and we will hear short presentations this Shabbos about how we can help (https://hatzalahthon.com/westside/oz).

Shabbat Shalom.

Stay well and healthy.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Congregation Ohab Zedek

118 West 95^th Street | New York, NY  10025-6604

Phone 212.749-5150, ext 200 | Fax 212.663-3635

E-mail ras@ozny.org

Website:  www.ozny.org