Congregational Message about Israel Rabbi Dan Levin

Collectively, we breathe a sigh of relief that today’s attack of hundreds of ballistic missiles by the Republic of Iran was thwarted by the State of Israel.

Our hearts go out to all those in the State of Israel forced once again to run for cover from Iranian aggression. We express our gratitude and appreciation for the courage and dexterity of the Israel Defense Forces for their extraordinary capability in protecting all her people from harm.

For almost half a century, the Republic of Iran has been the headquarters of terror and menace, for their own people yearning for freedom, for the Middle East, and the free world. Their radical fundamentalism has brought death and misery to millions of people for decades.

In the last year since October 7, the horrors of Iran’s aggression has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people. The responsibility for the suffering of millions lies solely at the feet of Iran and its leaders.

Peace will come when Israel’s enemies relinquish their rabid antisemitism and maniacal obsession with destroying the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Until then, Israel must do all it can to protect its people and to ensure all who live in our ancient and modern homeland can live in safety and security.

I pray our enemies will soon lay down their weapons of war, return the hostages to their worried and waiting families, and choose a new future where we can share peace and prosperity together.

Imagine a world where we demonstrate for our children how to live alongside people of different faiths, cultures and ethnicities in mutual respect and collaboration. Imagine a future where we teach our children to treasure the holiness of our shared humanity.

That is the centuries-old aspiration of our people. That is the vision our tradition demands we make real. That is the dream we will endeavor to realize in 5785, and in every year to come.

In this New Year, may we be inscribed for a year of health and goodness, of wisdom and understanding, of compassion and justice, of freedom and peace.

L’Shana Tova.