Thursday, June 12th, 2025/ 16 Sivan 5785

Dearest TBC Community, 

Not long ago I, like many of you, received word that the Israeli military operation against Iran has begun. And my mind and heart turned immediately to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Holon, Ramat Gan, Haifa and so many other cities and towns in Israel where dear ones are. And my phone lights up with picture after picture of friends in bomb shelters and safe rooms.

So tonight, we are praying for the safety and security of all of those living in Israel, for so many Palestinians who are also in danger, and for the millions of Iranians who are simply trying to go about their lives under authoritarian rule. We at TBC will continue to monitor the situation and communicate to you what we know. In the interim, we will gather together tomorrow night in our beautiful sanctuary for Shabbat services to pray for peace and the safety of all those in harms way. Especially in times like these, we need community.

And as we say each night in our Hashkiveinu prayer: וּפְרוֹשׂ עָלֵֽינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה הַפּוֹרֵשׂ סֻכַּת שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם:

Spread over us the shelter of your peace. Blessed are you, who spreads your shelter of peace over all your people Israel, and over Jerusalem.

Cantor Harriet Dunkerley