I write this message as rockets continue to fall throughout Israel. We have been saying Tehilim at each service in shul to pray for the safety of Israel’s residents and the IDF.
For resources for what we can do to help, visit http://www.ou.org/life/israel/crisis-israel-can-help/, that includes Tefillot, shiurim, Tzedaka portals, as well as opportunities for political action.
Thank you to those who responded to my message last week in the aftermath of burial of Naftali, Gilad, and Eyal ע”ה הי”ד. We will be planning something for the shloshim in their memory. In the meantime, if you wish to send letters to the bereaved families you can send them to lettersoflove3@gmail.com.
Despite the terrible tragedy of their death, it was a blessing that they were able to be brought for proper Jewish burial. For this week’s Shabbat Shiur, we will discuss the Mitzvah of Jewish Burial. In addition to studying the sources and appreciating the importance of this mitzvah, we will address the Jewish perspective on mausoleums, vaults and cremation.
At Seuda Shlishit, we have the opportunity to welcome and hear from Rachel Prero, new KC NCSY City Director. Rachel moved here recently with her husband Moshe and their two children. As former residents of Beersheva, they experienced what it is like to live during rocket attacks. Rachel will speak on the topic: “Life Under Rocket Fire.”
This coming Tuesday is Shiva Asar B’tamuz, the fast of the 17th of Tamuz. This day commemorates several tragic events in our history, most notably the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Romans during the second Temple which led shortly thereafter to the destruction of the Temple.
Given the current situation in Israel, we are sensitized to what it means for our people to be in a time of strife. Consider giving this day on the calendar more focus than usual, whether by fasting, coming to minyan in morning or evening, or through extra prayer and tzedaka.
Tuesday also begins the ‘Three Weeks,’ the period of national collective mourning during which we refrain from such activities as weddings, live music, and haircuts. A full Halacha bulletin was sent to the shul list. Please contact me with any questions.
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On a different note I did want to report that as part of my time away over the last couple of weeks, I spent a week at the Harvard Principal’s Center. I joined a cohort of Jewish educational leaders sponsored by the Avichai Foundation, to participate in the Art of Leadership Program for newer Day Schools leaders in various positions of leadership.
http://avichai.org/2014/06/jewish-day-school-leaders-take-on-harvard/
As I will be starting as Matmidim Program Director with the beginning of the school year, this experience provided me with incredible knowledge, skills, and a strong network to take on this task. I look forward to implementing what I have learned as the Matmidim Program continues to grow and develop.