I am curently in Israel. I was invited by Encounter to help them facilitate a trip for Jewish American leaders. Encounter brings Jewish leaders into direct dialogue with a wide variety of Palestinian activists with a breadth of perspectives. Many of you may remember Ali Abu Awwad who I met through this program and who subsequently visited Bnai Keshet. My role this time will primarily be to guide other leaders through this experience. Still, I will be listening again to new voices and as always I will carry you with me. I hope to share some of my learning along the way. For more up to date reflections you are welcome to friend me on Facebook.
I feel fortunate to be doing this work and trust that the deeper Jewish leaders are able to enter into this dialogue the more constructive our work to bring peace and security to Israel. Nonetheless, this is a hard time to step away, however briefly, from Bnai Keshet. In the past week there was another wave of bomb threats to JCCs, including our own in West Orange, scenes of refugees being refused entry at our airports and the news of the horrible attack on a mosque in Quebec.
I feel not only a personal concern in response to many of the new administration’s actions but also a professional concern. At this moment many of our synagogue’s core values are under attack. The obligation to welcome and protect the stranger, our commitment to egalitarianism and democracy, and full rights for the LGBTQ community are fundamental to our congregational identity. Now more than ever we must work together to have the values we study and practice at Bnai Keshet impact the world beyond Bnai Keshet.
Know that Rabbi Ariann, the Tikkun Olam Committee, the Board and I are working hard to find meaningful opportunities to bring our congregation into spirited Jewish action to protect these values. We are eager for your input and ideas.
So this week I will be focusing on deepening my ability to be a constructive part of securing Israel’s future. However, I know that next week and likely for a good while afterwards we will continue the profound work of deepening our Jewish life and acting on Jewish commandments in the broader world.
Love and Courage, Rabbi Elliott
Bnai Keshet 99 South Fullerton Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042
