It’s quite obvious that a lot of people, including Jewish people, are now questioning the morality of Israel’s continued pursuit of its enemies in Gaza and beyond. We look at pictures of widespread devastation. We see and we think of young children who have died in this war and those Palestinian victims who wanted only to live in peace and prosperity. And we might well feel a lot more than a momentary pang in our hearts. But still, I stand by Israel in my belief that its army maintains high moral standards, the likes of which no other country can claim.

Why should we care and continue to support Israel? Because for more than 3,000 years, the land of Israel has been the heart, the soul, and the foundation of the Jewish people; the land in which our values and ideals were born. It was from there that new concepts entered the thinking and visions of humanity: ideals like freedom, change, opportunity and hope in a better future.

I’ve said so often that I believe that we Jews walk taller today than at any time in history, not just because we have “made it” in this country, or because of Israel’s “genius” in so many worthy pursuits that are of benefit to humanity. But I say that we walk taller because we know of Israel’s incredible contributions to the well-being of our world. We know that at long last we are a people writing our own history and shaping our own future.

May it be on this Shabbat, and always, that we pridefully embrace our heritage of cherishing life, pursuing justice, and yearning for peace for Israel and all who would choose that path leading to life and blessing.

I hope that you will join with us this evening for our Shabbat service at 6:30. It will be good to see you.

Rabbi David Greenberg