Dear CAI Family,

Rabbi Judah Halevi, the 12th century Spanish rabbi and poet, famously said of Israel, “My heart is in the East and I am at the edge of the West.” That sentiment resonates as my heart is still in Israel, even as I’ve returned to the rhythms of life in New Jersey. Thank you for your support and interest. We felt like your emissaries — bringing good wishes to our brothers and sisters in Israel during this difficult time. There is still time to sign up for Susan Werk’s mission to Israel March 31- April 4. If you are able to go, I’m certain it will be a meaningful experience.

During the mission, different participants wrote in greater detail about the places we went, the people we met, and the things we did. You can read those reflections on the mission blog, here.

This past Shabbat, I shared some of my reflections. For those who weren’t able to be there, you can hear my sermon here.

We also had the opportunity to hear reflections from a few Israeli delegates who are visiting our area with the help of Greater MetroWest Federation. At that gathering, CAI mission participants also took the opportunity to share some of their reflections with the congregation. You can hear all of that here.

Thank you for the tzedakah, letters, and bracelets you trusted me to deliver on your behalf. Each gift made a difference and reinforced the connections between our community and the people of Israel. I made contributions to the causes listed below. You can read more about these organizations and the good work they do in the blog. There is so much need and so many worthy causes. I tried to donate to every organization we visited on our trip. In addition, I made donations at every synagogue I visited. We also ate at a few restaurants and I was able to treat a few tables of soldiers to their meal. 

Dani’s Farm — A therapeutic horse farm treating soldiers and families dealing with PTSD

Friends of the IDF

Hand in Hand — A Hebrew/Arabic bilingual school in Jerusalem

Magen David Adom — Israel’s emergency response agency

Bring Them Home Now — The hostage families forum

Kibbutz Nahal Oz — One of the many communities in the “Gaza Envelope” attacked on October 7

B'shalom,

Rabbi Ari Lucas