Rabbi Diana's Weekly Message

Dear KHN Hevre, 

Today and last evening mark the 85^th anniversary of Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass, named after the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues and home. On November 9 -10, 1938, at least 91 Jews were killed, 7,500 Jewish businesses were vandalized, and 1,400 synagogues were burned.

Up to 30,000 Jewish men were arrested, many of them taken to concentration camps such as Dachau or Buchenwald. Hundreds more committed suicide or died as a result of mistreatment in the camps years before official mass deportations began.

Many look to Kristallnacht as the turning point in the escalating persecution of Jews that eventually led to the murder of 6 million European Jews by the Nazis and their supporters. 

We mark this anniversary at a time of rising antisemitism in Europe, in the U.S. and elsewhere, the numbers rising after the October 7^th massacre in Israel. Our hearts are heavy as the hostages have not yet returned home. The number of Gazan civilians who are losing their lives is staggering. The misinformation about Jews, Israel and the slaughter on October 7^th is horrifying and scary, particularly on college campuses and for those who have lived through other periods of antisemitism. We pray for and act where possible for an end to violence and a solution for longterm stability and safety. 

I will be attending the Peace Bloc of the March on Washington on Tuesday, gathering with members of T’ruah and several organizations from the Progressive Israel Network, of which T’ruah is a part, including J Street, Americans for Peace Now, the National Council of Jewish Women, New York Jewish Agenda, Partners for a Progressive Israel, Ameinu, Habonim Dror, Reconstructing Judaism, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America, among others. The Peace Bloc will be carrying signs promoting peace, democracy, and the safe release of the hostages.

Thank you to all of our veterans who have served or are serving. 

Veterans Day Prayer by Alden Solovy

G-d of compassion,
G-d of dignity and strength,
Watch over the veterans of the United States
In recognition of their loyal service to our nation.
Bless them with wholeness and love.
Shelter them.
Heal their wounds,
Comfort their hearts.
Grant them peace.

G-d of justice and truth,
Rock of our lives,
Bless our veterans,
These men and women of courage and valor,
With a deep and abiding understanding
Of our profound gratitude.
Protect them and their families from loneliness and want.
Grant them lives of joy and bounty.
May their dedication and honor
Be remembered as a blessing
From generation to generation.

Blessed are You,
Protector and Redeemer,
Our Shield and our Stronghold.

May we all experience a peaceful, restful Shabbat. 

Please join Steph in person or online tonight at 7:00 pm at:

(LINK REMOVED FOR SECURITY)

and Contemplative Shabbat on Zoom only tomorrow morning:

Here are the materials for this week's parsha - Chayei Sarah .  
(ZOOM LINK REMOVED FOR SECURITY)

The Night of Jewish Learning tomorrow evening was CANCELED and will be rescheduled for another time. 

A gutn Shabbos, 

Rabbi Diana