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“There is a crack, a crack in everything,” the songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen wrote in his song “Anthem.”  That line could describe any one of our hearts just after Israel lost more souls in a day since the Holocaust.  He then goes on and adds, “that’s how the light gets in.”

In an unutterably dark time, there are some things we can do to reach for that light and let it in.  None of them feel like quite enough.  But together they will make a difference.  As a matter of fact, they already are.

--- Make a charitable donation to New Haven Jewish Federation by following this link:  https://www.jewishnewhaven.org/ways-to-give/new-have-stands-with-israel-fund.  All funds collected will go towards assisting victims of terror and their families.  Other organizations to choose from include American Friends of Magen David Adom (https://afmda.org/) and Hadassah Hospital (https://www.hadassah.org/how-we-help/our-hospitals).

--- Continue reaching out to friends and relatives in Israel, and to friends here with family there.  Tell them we are thinking about them and sharing their pain.  You would be amazed at what a difference such a simple act can make

--- Stay informed without becoming immobilized.  It’s okay to take a break from news and social media.  And if a news source reports something in a way that doesn’t feel right or true, check another one.  The Times of Israel and Ha’Aretz are particularly trustworthy.

--- Try to follow those same guidelines for your children – all of our TBD children who we care so much about.  In addition to limiting social media exposure to extremely disturbing images, we suggest these resources to aid you in talking with them:

• Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About What’s Happening in Israel Right Now
• How to Talk to Teens and Kids About the Israel-Hamas War
• Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During a Time of Crisis
• Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About the Violence in Israel and Gaza

I believe with all my heart that our beloved Israel will persevere even through this, and that we will too.  “You have turned my mourning into dancing,” the Psalmist wrote so many years ago.  To which today we can only say, not yet.  Maybe not even soon, but in time and with each other’s loving presence and help.

That is what makes for a new beginning on this Shabbat Bereishit.  Remember that the world was created from darkness too.

I look forward to being with you at Shabbat services tonight and at tomorrow our Havdalah and Vigil in support of Israel tomorrow night.  Both begin at 7:00pm.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Gutterman