Shabbat Shalom to the Sha’are Shalom family,

This Shabbat morning we’ll be celebrating our annual Pride Shabbat. Following up on a great day at Loudoun Pride at the end of last month, we will devote time during services to reflecting on the meaning of b’tzelem Elo-him, that we’re all created in God’s image, rachamim (compassion), achdut (unity), and the work of continuing to create an inclusive society.

As the only Jewish organization with a presence at Loudoun Pride, we’re already committed to inclusion here at CSS for the LGBTQ+ community, for individuals with special needs, and to create an inclusive environment for all who are looking to connect with Jewish community and tradition. 

As our thoughts turn to Israel…This past week I attended the NOVA exhibition in DC (www.novaexhibition.com). On Oct 7, 2023, terrorists overran the NOVA music festival in the south of Israel and murdered 412 people who attended that event. They also committed sexual violence and took captives to Gaza. This powerful, immersive exhibition is an important and compelling record of what happened. It also describes the healing work done by the NOVA foundation with survivors to help them reclaim their mental and physical health. Two of the survivors are my wife’s cousins who are close family friends of ours and are now sheltering from Iranian missile attacks. Please consider attending the exhibition before it leaves our area on July 6.

This past week the Iranian regime responded to Israel’s attacks on military targets by firing ballistic missiles at Israel. These missiles have killed dozens of civilians (both Jewish and Muslim) and damaged homes, schools, and apartment buildings. Day and night Israelis listen for announcements from Homefront Command to find out if they should move into their bomb shelters, and 100,000 Israelis are stranded abroad. At the same time, more than 50 hostages are still being held in Gaza after 620 days since 10/7/2023. This situation may feel dire and hopeless.

Our Torah portion teaches us though about how our ancestors lose their faith when they perceive their enemies to be too big and powerful. They say, “We’re like grasshoppers to them…” What they do not realize is that their perceptions are not the same as the reality. Even if the inhabitants are actually giants, we know from our Bible stories, and from history, that the more imposing foe is not always the strongest, the most mobile, or the most adept. Let’s strive to be the inheritors of the strength of Caleb and Joshua who say the Promised Land is glorious and God’s help will enable us to overcome our fears and the many enemies of our people.

We pray for the safety of the people of Israel, and against the backdrop of the fighting we hold out hope for the day when swords will turn into ploughs and spears into pruning hooks – when nation will not threaten nation and humanity will no longer know war.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Tow