Rabbi's Blog

Join the new OZ Israel WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IdGUqTpy2nQE5Tvngwh0tn

Dear OZ family,

My recent messages draw attention to the profound hypocrisy of those who virulently attack Israel’s response to Chamas barbarity and war crimes. I have attached a message in our Israel Advocacy WhatsApp (link above), delivered in Arabic that accentuates this hypocrisy. It only proves the point more definitively, of how crucial it is for us to assure that the truth prevails. 

I wish everyone a peaceful and restful Shabbat. May we hear good news, when we rush to our news outlets after Shabbat, to learn that Israel also had a restful Shabbat. That is wishful thinking as Chamas is currently raining missiles over Israeli cities, and details show that they are coming down from the North as well. Let us pray that everyone stays safe. You might find some comfort in reciting Tehillim 83, 120, and 140, in addition to the ones we have been regularly saying, like 20,23,30,121, and 130.

The threats that many shuls in the New York area sustained today have been taken very seriously. All the shuls have been thoroughly checked and the community should feel safe attending this Shabbat. Let us all join with Eli Benovitz and his family this Shabbat, for his Bar Mitzvah in celebratory joy.

Stay safe and healthy.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz