To our Adath Israel family,

Our worst nightmares have become reality. We are shattered by the acts of terror in Israel. The ongoing threat, especially to those who have been abducted, compounds our anguish and fears. We know that difficult days are ahead.

While we have faith that Israel will prevail, we recognize that it comes with an almost unbearable cost.

In times of crisis, we come together as a community. This Monday at 7pm, join Toronto’s Jewish community at Mel Lastman Square to share your sorrow and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.



We also encourage you to give tzedakah to Israeli humanitarian charities. Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto has opened an Emergency Appeal that will help support evacuations from conflicts zones, provide assistance to victims of terror, and ensure mental health and resilience support.

We each process what is happening in our own way. Please know that your clergy is here to support you. You are encouraged to reach out to the clergy of your choice (please note that Cantor Stein is currently in transit).

Rabbi Adam Cutler  rabbicutler@adathisrael.com

Rabbi David Seed   rabbiseed@adathisrael.com

Cantor Alex Stein   cantorstein@adathisrael.com

We also ask that you check in on one another and especially with friends and family in Israel or those who have close family in Israel.

Later this week, we will come together as an Adath Israel community for a vigil, in support of one another and Israel. Please check your email for further details. In the meantime, please pray. You can use the words of our liturgy or speak to God from the depths of your heart.

The people of Israel are our family. Our family is grieving. Our family is being called up by the army and being put in harm’s way. Pray for them.

Sadly, violence in the Israel often leads to acts of antisemitism here. Adath Israel has been in touch with Toronto Police Service and is coordinating with UJA to ensure the ongoing safety of our congregation.

יִוָּדַע בַּגּוֹיִם לְעֵינֵינוּ נִקְמַת דַּם־עֲבָדֶיךָ הַשָּׁפוּךְ׃

Before our eyes let it be known among the nations that You avenge the spilled blood of Your servants.

עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל.

May the One who makes peace in the high heavens, make peace for us and for all of Israel.

Yours,