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Shalom chaverim ~ dear friends,
I hope that everyone has had a nice start to Pesach. Needless to say, praying for the safety of our Israeli brothers and sisters is foremost on our collective minds during these days. Pesach is meant to be the "holiday of our freedom" but unfortunately, this year, has been one of destruction, constriction, and uncertainty.
Though quite serious, our worries about safety as American Jews pales in comparison to the incoming weapons of terror and destruction that are targeted at the ten million residents of Israel: Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is a frightening time and I pray that the words come true which some of my loved ones have shared: Am HaNetzach Y'natzeiach - the Eternal People will emerge victorious ~ עם הנצח ינצח. Note: the words for 'eternal' and 'victorious' utilize the same three letter root in Hebrew: נצח, making the statement not only hopeful but poetic.
HELPING ISRAELIS THROUGH THIS MOMENT
Last week, I received two important emails from people involved with supporting Reform Jewish life in Israel:
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The first came from Daniel Polisar, Vice-President of Shalem College in Jerusalem, whom I have mentioned here before. While I have cited Daniel in the past about providing proper gear for soldiers, this time he was writing about security-infastructure at Kibbutz Lotan in the Aravah (southern desert of Israel in the Jordan Valley, just north of Eilat). Kibbutz Lotan (founded in 1983) was the second Reform kibbutz established by the Reform Movement in the United States in conjunction with the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. The kibbutz is a very special place which focuses on environmental stewardship and communal, liberal Zionist life. Daniel's daughter and family recently relocated to Lotan and while visiting he became acutely aware of the security realities for this normally serene and quiet desert locale. Sitting on the border with Jordan Lotan is a potential weak spot for terror infiltration and is need of increased support. Please click here to learn more and consider how you may help.
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The second came from a longtime friend, Rabbi Ayala Miron, who serves as the Rabbi for a Reform community, "Bavat Ayin" in Rosh HaAyin, a city that lies to the east of Tel Aviv, near the headwaters of the Yarkon River. Needless to say, creating any kind of normalcy these days is near impossible. That being said, they have a secure room for gathering for services and being together has proven vital for the emotional well-being of one another. Adding a musician to the mix would be most welcome and only increase the benefit of their shabbat and holiday services. They cannot afford a musician and are looking for funding. To whatever end you could help, they will be most appreciative.
Kibbutz Lotan and the Community of Bavat Ayin are not abstractions for me. They are places I have visited, spent significant time, and know the people involved. Should you have any questions or want to learn more, I would be only too happy to speak further.
We have our own concerns as American Jews. I realize that. But our brothers and sisters in Israel are in need. There are countless ways to help. If these two do not speak to you, I encourage you to find ways, places, and people that do and hope you will support them as best you are able. Countless are the numbers of times I have been asked what we can do to help Israel - particularly in light of disappointing feelings about the government or societal issues. These are two immediate, tangible, impactful ways to "vote" in the nature of life in Israel.
DEFINING NORMALCY
I drove by a church yesterday as parishioners were arriving for Easter services. It was wonderful to see families dressed in their "Sunday best" and the smiling priest awaiting his flock to enter before worship. My first thought: where is their security guard? And then I realized: that's what worship attendance used to look like in synagogues. Most Jewish institutions have police and in many cases, double-locked doors with in-person security clearance. What we, as Jews, are facing in America (and has been going on for decades elsewhere in the Diaspora) is not normal. And what we, as Jews, are facing in Israel (and has been going on for decades) is not normal. It is not normal to have enemies either actively trying to destroy your country or rebuilding and planning for the next time they can while they regroup from the last time they got shot down trying.
My seders were meaningful and easy (well, save the screaming children a few times - and that is not because they reacting to eating horseradish). But how fortunate we are that we could gather without having to worry about bombs flying or sons and daughters, neighbors, brothers, coworkers, husbands fighting and defending on the front lines or beyond?
May we find the means to bring joy into this Season of Freedom, especially in light of those who seek to hamper or even harden our hearts from living Jewish lives.
Moadim l'simcha,
Rabbi Mark Cohn
ARTICLES
"Liberalism can no longer protect the Jews" (4 Apr 2026) by Rabbi Stephen Abraham in the Substack, The Future of Jewish. A hard and necessary question ... where do you land on the subject?
"Their sons survived the battlefield but not their wounds. Now these Israeli mothers mourn together." (30 Mar 2026) Deborah Danan in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. A look into the reality of sending young men and women into war ... and what happens when they return.
"The war against Iran is anything but over, and Passover can be no complacent celebration of freedom" (1 Apr 2026) by David Horovitz in The Times of Israel. Though nearly a week old, the column holds and presents important looks into Israel, Trump, and Netanyahu.
"Zionism’s Mistake: Turning the Galut Into Disgrace" (6 Apr 2026) by Nadav Eyal in his Substack, Between Us. Just published today, this is a lengthy essay warranting conversation in a future lunch & learn!
"Memorial Event in Ioannina – Unveiling of plaques with the Names of Holocaust Survivors" (22 Mar 2026) on the website of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece. By way of follow-up from a column two weeks ago marking the "Transfer Day" of Jews from Ioannina, this article shows an important event that occurred at the very synagogue where our group of rabbis attended and learned of the story of Jews in this beautiful town in Greece.
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