Our Hearts are with the People of Israel

As the war in Israel against Hamas continues, we stand with Israel in this war of self-defense and will continue 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. There are no words to capture the enormity of lives lost, hostages taken, and injuries incurred by civilians and the military.  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.​

We believe that engagement with Israel includes engagement with the people, land, and state of Israel. It also includes discussion / engagement with Israel from various points of views.

The following are a list of ways to engage with Israel through Temple Israel of Northern Westchester:

Israel Engagement Committee

To learn more about our newly forming Israel Engagement Committee, please contact Evan Janush, chair of the Israel Engagement Committee.

Get Involved / Take Action

• Support Peace Initiatives

Our clergy recommend  learning about / supporting the following organizations (an evolving list) which are seeking peace initiatives in Israel:

• Roots

• New Israel Fund

Westchester’s Shinshin / Young Israel Adult Emissary Program

Learn more about the Shinshin program in the Westchester Jewish community. To learn more about the program and/or to host one of the Shinshin in Westchester, please contact Westchester’s Shlicha, Israel Ambassador,  Shachar Liran-Hanan, Senior Community Shlicha (emissary) for Westchester NY.

To learn about / discuss the Shinshin program at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, please contact Rabbi Wendy Pein.

Political Action 

• The Religious Action Center (RAC) lists ways to support Israel during these challenging times. 
• The American Jewish Committee (AJC) 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.
• AIPAC (American Israel Political Action Committee) has asked us to send a message to Congress by taking action.

Demonstrate Jewish Solidarity

• Participate in Temple Israel’s Friday night Shabbat services during which we pray for peace, for the people and state of Israel and for all humanity. Temple Israel of Northern Westchester’s Friday night services begin at 7:00 PM.
• Reach out to our brothers, sisters, family, and friends in Israel.  Let them know they are not alone and have our prayers and support.

Upcoming classes / programs at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester 

• Israeli Music in Times of Conflict with Oren Neiman Begins March 27 at 11:15 AM.  View the details & register.
• A Conversation with Dr. Benjamin Sax about Israel and Antisemitism.  Moderated by Ed Ginsberg - Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 PM.  View the details & register

Recommended news/ educational resources

• Stay up to date about the news from Israel.  Times of Israel.com is a source of reliable, up-to-date information about the war in Israel. They also have a daily Podcast.
• Recommendations for recently published books about Israel and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict:
• My Promised Land by Ari Shavit
• Can We Talk about Israel?  by Daniel Sokatch
• Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby
• Catch 67 by Micah Goodman
• The recent film Golda sheds insight on the parallels between the YK War of 1973 and the war against Hamas today

• Arza - Resources for Addressing the Israel Gaza War

Ways to Donate

Philanthropy - Acts of tzedakah, sacred giving, are needed now more than ever.

• Jewish Federation of North America has asked for donations to be directed 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.