Clay kalaniot at the Nova Music Festival Memorial in Israel

Visiting Israel is one of the most important and meaningful ways to stand in solidarity during these most challenging of days. My wife and I have been to Israel four times since the war began — yes “four — that’s not a typo. Two of the trips were solidarity missions through the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the third was for the birth of our third grandchild in Jerusalem, and the fourth was a family visit. As I have said, each person we met — friends, rabbinic colleagues, relatives, and more — offered us a full-hearted welcome and words of appreciation: “We feel so isolated and distressed,” we heard time and again. “Your taking the time and making an effort is a gift to us. It means so much.”

The Temple Shaaray Tefila Israel Education Committee and I are exploring the possibility of a congregational trip next year. We are considering both a first-timer family trip over the December break. This would include all the important sites such as Masada, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and much more. We will also offer a B’nai Mitzvah option at the Western Wall area. We are also considering a solidarity mission either late fall or early spring, with a first-timer add-on a few days before. This trip would include volunteer opportunities, real conversations with our counterparts in the Israeli Reform movement, and more. Whether you are just curious or are seriously interested, please contact me at RabbiRoss@TempleST.org for more information, without any obligation. Please let me know which trip interests you and the time of year you would like to go.

Israel is also on the program Sunday’s Cafe Shaaray at 10, when I will report on our recent “Journey of Hope and Resilience” through the Central Conference of American Rabbis. We were there last month and I will share videos, photos and reflections as a taste of what you can experience on your visit.

Also, please watch your email about the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections. The WZC allocates funds to Jewish groups in Israel, and the future of our Israeli Reform movement is at stake. Your vote will make a big difference to these congregations and their rabbis who provide vital services to families of IDF soldiers, evacuees, families of hostages, and all who are impacted by the war. Voting begins March 10.  You can learn more about the election here. 

Standing with you in solidarity with our people in Israel,

Rabbi Dennis Ross