This week’s Honorable Mensch-Ion is a guest column from our Rabbinic Intern Moe Howard.
I write these words on the way to Jerusalem from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, having just witnessed the devastation of kibbutz Kefar Azzah firsthand—and having just heard the news of the fires devastating Los Angeles secondhand. Suffice it to say, my heart aches for our families and our Family, our people and our People. I pray that you and your homes are safe and intact. I pray that those who have been evacuated and displaced return home soon—to Pacific Palisades, to Kefar Azzah, to communities across the North of Israel. I pray that the hostages still in captivity return home now.
Our tour guide in Kefar Azzah, herself a lifetime resident, related the harrowing experience of being on the phone with her father as shouts and shots could be heard in the background. She was overseas on the morning that her own home and those of her friends, neighbors, and family members were indiscriminately attacked, desecrated, and destroyed. I cannot imagine the terror she must have felt in that moment, but I can appreciate the helplessness. Here in Israel, my home away from home, all I can do is watch as the homes of those I know and love go up in flames.
It is in times like this that I turn to the wisdom of our tradition for guidance. Whenever we conclude our reading of one of the books of the Torah, as we do tomorrow with the Book of Genesis, we say the words: chazak chazak v’nitchazek, “Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen each other.” I can think of no more fitting charge for this moment. Be strong, Los Angeles. Be strong, Israel. And let us strengthen each other.
May we see calmer days ahead and experience a Shabbat of true shalom.
