Temple Israel of Northern Westchester Supports Israel

On Friday evening, October 6, 2023, Temple Israel celebrated Simḥat Torah, a festival of rejoicing in the Torah. It was an evening of rejoicing in our community and our connection to the wisdom of our ancestors.

The next morning, we awakened to a darkened world as learned of the terrorist attack launched against Israel by Hamas.  There are no words to capture the enormity of lives lost, hostages taken, and injuries incurred by civilians and the military.  We condemn in the strongest terms possible these heinous, coordinated acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas.

We stand with Israel in this war of self-defense and will continue to do all we can to lend support and strength, serve as allies, and unite the collective prayers of our congregation and the Westchester Jewish community for the safety and security of Israel. We are deeply saddened at the suffering of Palestinians caught in the war against Hamas and mourn the loss of innocent lives in Gaza.

May the time come quickly when no more innocent blood will be shed, and each dawn brings us reason to hope.​

The following is an evolving list of ways that we can support Israel during this time of war and crisis:

Demonstrate Jewish Solidarity 

• Donate generously to support organizations in Israel (listed below)
• Reach out to our brothers, sisters, family, and friends in Israel.  Let them know they are not alone and have our prayers and support. For specific ways to send letters to Israeli educators and students, please contact Rabbi Pein.
• Participate in Temple Israel’s Friday night Shabbat services at 7:00 PM, during which we will often address the war and recite prayers for the state of Israel
• Attend local Westchester rallies that are demonstrating support for Israel. Any upcoming rallies will be listed here.
• From URJ:  How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times

Tzedakah / Ways to Give to Israel

There are many worthwhile organizations that you may consider donating to in support of Israel and choosing one can feel overwhelming.  To help you navigate these options, Temple Israel has identified these organizations and will continually update this page as different needs arise during the war.

• ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America) asked that donations be directed through the Jewish Federation of North America’s appeal here.
• The UJA Federation of New York has established an Emergency Israel Appeal to allocate resources to an array of relief agencies.
• Magen David Adom is Israel's sole national emergency, medical, ambulance, and blood service to Israeli society.

Political Advocacy

Write to our Congresspeople to petition them to continue supporting Israel during this time.

• ARZA is asking us to contact President Biden and members of Congress and ask them to continue to support Israel.  See the post from Rabbi Joshua Weinberg here:  https://arza.org/we-are-not-alright/
• The American Jewish Committee is calling on members of Congress to speak out against this attack by Hamas and support Israel’s right to defense. Support this call to action here.

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENT

Women's Game Day in Support of FIDF
Wednesday, November 29
10:30 AM Arrival
11:00 AM Start
Hosted by Lisa Kantor & Allison Gage. Join us for Lunch & Canasta, Mah Jongg or Bridge benefiting the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF).  Register here

We will update this page as the war continues and different needs arise.

May the One who creates peace in the heavens create peace for us, for all Israel, and for all humanity,

Rabbi Jennifer Jaech and Rabbi Wendy Pein