Much of the world is reacting to the news of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as Iran’s plans of retaliation, have left many of us feeling scared for the repercussions. I am here for you.
Israel may not be alone in its concern over Iran’s refusal to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, but of the many countries critically watching Iran, Israel is one of the closest in physical proximity. While living in Haifa during the summer of 2017 I remember hearing of an escalation in violence in Jerusalem as well as threats from Israel’s northern neighbors. Suddenly these threats I would usually read about in the paper were now different as I was physically in Israel.
I am also feeling close to the attacks in this country on those protesting against the shocking actions of ICE and law enforcement. In major cities like L.A. and even as close as Philadelphia, citizens are being attacked for protesting against the rounding up of migrants. I am grateful to LA clergy like Rabbi Susan Goldberg, who spoke out against the violence rejecting false narratives about who these migrants are and saying to the news cameras loudly and clearly, “What’s happened in our city does not represent the deepest values of our tradition.” (Watch Rabbi Susan’s interview- jump ahead to 21:10)
Our tradition tells us loudly to love and protect the stranger. For example, in the Book of Isaiah we read, “Learn to do good. Devote yourselves to justice; aid the wronged. Uphold the rights of the orphan; defend the cause of the widow.” (1:17) Judaism is overflowing with texts reminding us of Gd’s concern for the most vulnerable in society- often categorized as the widow, the orphan, and the ger, the stranger or foreigner. Justice for the ger is a commandment with serious consequences for those who transgress it, as it says in Deuteronomy, “Cursed be the one who withholds justice from the ger, the orphan, and the widow.” (27:19)
So what can we do? How do we move forward?
When I am overwhelmed by the news of the world, I try to take a step back. I try to remember that in times of trouble I have to start with myself, in fact it’s the only way to move forward. Only I can cultivate my own soul. I can choose to be an example for others. I can control how I react in the world. I can decide to choose peace. I am the one who can decide to be a source of blessing. And so can you.
Finally, I hope the following prayer by Alden Solovy can guide you as it has guided me in this soul-affirming work.
God, Help me through this day. Guide me toward kindness, gentleness, and peace. Grant me strength and endurance, courage and humor, So that I may do Your will with a full heart, in joy and in love. Grant me wholeness, wonder, and awe. Then Gd of Old, I will become a source of blessings, a light of Your world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Janine Jankovitz
Kehilat HaNahar 85 West Mechanic St. New Hope, PA 18938
