Monday, October 6, at 6:00 pm
World-renowned Zoya Cherassky-Nnadi is a celebrated Ukranian-Israeli artist whose astonishing depictions of the attacks of October 7th have earned her international recognition, with her works being likened to Picasso’s dramatic wartime tableau Gernica. Come to a gallery exhibition of her paintings and meet the artist in conversation with WRT congregant Ruth Suzman, who is sponsoring her works at WRT. Prior to our conversation with the artist and gallery walk, we will begin with a brief and joyful service in the Sukkah followed by a delicious dinner.
Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00 pm
Join us as we conclude the High Holiday season and commemorate the Hebrew yahrzeit of October 7th with the special opportunity to support the arts in Israel. Following a Simchat Torah service and congregational dinner, we will welcome a trio form the Israeli Symphony Orchestra of the Tel Aviv Opera. The program, which will feature both classical music and Israeli folk and art song, will allow us the opportunity to hear extraordinary artistry and to offer our support to and solidarity with one of Israel’s prominent musical ensembles.
Israel: The Last Thirty Years
Four Sundays in November from Noon – 1:30 pm
Join Rabbi Blake for a close examination of the historical and political forces that have shaped the last 30 years of Israeli history. Following his popular course on the History of Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (can be viewed below), this 4-week in-person and livestreamed class will explore the period from the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin z”l 30 years ago this November through the present moment.
(Bring your own lunch; beverages provided)
November 2 – The Roots and Evolution of Israeli Democracy with Rabbi Jan Katzes, Ph.D, Guest Scholar
November 9 – From Assassination to Intifada, 1995-2004
November 16 – From Gaza to Gaza to Gaza, 2005-2014
November 23 – The Roots and Aftermath of October 7th, 2015-2025
Fridays at 6:15 pm
During our Friday evening Shabbat service, the remaining hostages in Gaza are recognized by lighting blue candles as a continuing reminder that our brothers and sisters remain in captivity.
If you are unable to join us in person, consider lighting an extra Shabbat candle at home in honor of the hostages.
To be included in your Shabbat ritual:
Acheinu
Aḥeinu kol beit yisrael, ha-n’tunim b’tzarah u-vashivyah, אַחֵינוּ כָּל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, הַנְּתוּנִים בְּצָרָה וּבַשִּׁבְיָה,
ha-omdim bein ba-yam u-vein ba-yabashah, הָעוֹמְדִים בֵּין בַּיָּם וּבֵין בַּיַּבָּשָׁה,
ha-makom y’raḥeim aleihem, v’yotzi∙eim mi-tzarah lirvaḥah, הַמָּקוֹם יְרַחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם, וְיוֹצִיאֵם מִצָּרָה לִרְוָחָה,
u-mei∙afeilah l’orah, u-mi-shibud lig’ullah, וּמֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה, וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה,
hashta ba-agala u-vizman kariv, v’nomar amen. הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב.
For all our family of the House of Israel, fellow Jews who face anguish and captivity,
whether on sea or on land:
May the Divine have compassion upon them, and bring them from distress to relief,
from darkness to light, from subjugation to redemption,
now, speedily, soon, and let us say: Amen
English Prayer
Shomer Yisrael, Guardian of Israel,
We call out to You with fervent plea and prayer to bless and protect the civilian men, women, and children brutally kidnapped by Hamas and held captive in Gaza, along with the members of Israel’s Defense Forces missing in action or held captive.
May it be Your will, speedily and soon, to bring them out from darkness and the shadow of death. May the Holy One of Blessing break their bonds, deliver them from their distress, and release them swiftly back to the loving embrace of their dear ones.
Do all that must be done so that relief, rescue, and long life may be the lot of every one of the soldiers and the civilians who have been taken hostage.
Act on their behalf, Adonai. Take up their cause without delay, so that You fulfill through them Your verse from Isaiah: “Those redeemed by Adonai will return; they will enter Zion with singing, and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
So may it be Your will, and let us say: Amen.