Shabbat Message from Rabbi Ariel Russo - April 1, 2022
This Shabbat will recognize two liturgical additions to our service, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh, celebrating the new month of Nissan, and Shabbat HaChodesh, recognizing that Passover will be celebrated this month. We begin to ponder what our freedom means while also recognizing all who are not free. Our joy is tempered because Passover also recognizes the gift of Israel and our people's long yearning towards living there. This week there were terrible acts of terrorism in Israel, reminding us of our vulnerabilities, within the actualization of the state of Israel. The Rabbinical Assembly put out a really meaningful statement:
"The Rabbinical Assembly is appalled by the violence perpetrated against eleven innocent individuals in Israel, who among them reflect the richness and diversity of Israel’s population: Jews, Druze and Christians, immigrants and Israel-born natives. Every one of these people should have simply returned home to their families and friends after an unremarkable day.
"We share a conviction that there is a way for the region’s diverse populations to live in proximity with mutual respect. Those living in the region must commit to pursuing peace and security for all. We join with all those groups in condemning these terror attacks and call on others in the region who have not yet done so to do the same and reject all acts of violence.
"Especially on the eve of major religious holy days for each of the three monotheistic religions in our holy land, we urge everyone to support the grieving families and to resist calls for revenge. As we learn in the weekday liturgy, Hashkiveinu, 'May You, God, spread the shelter of Your peace over all the residents of Your land...'"
As we spiritually prepare for Passover this Shabbat and this month, may we contemplate our freedom and our vulnerabilities. May we pray for end in violence in Israel and in all areas of the world that are experiencing terrorism and persecution.
Shabbat Shalom, may it truly be a Shabbat of peace,
Rabbi Ariel Russo