War, Peace, and Sacrifice
by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar I write on Day 657 of the war that started on October 7, 2023, a war that feels more interminable and heartbreaking by the day. At this point, nearly 75% of Israelis, “including 60% of people who voted for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, back an agreement with Hamas that would […]
What I’m Wrestling With — Israel, Gaza, and Antisemitism
by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar When I have the time and space, I try to share with you my own personal wrestlings regarding two interrelated dynamics that have weighed heavily on our hearts for almost 21 months now: (1) war in Israel, Gaza, and around the Middle East, and (2) antisemitism as it shows up in […]
Israel and the Region Under Fire; A Prayer for Long-Term Peace
by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar I write on the heels of a head-spinning week in the news: in the span of seven days, we had an American president deploy US Marines to an American city, raising alarm bells among legal observers around the country; in response, millions demonstrated peacefully under the aegis of “No Kings;” and […]
Shards of Light, Sparks of Joy
by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar This past Shabbat, we celebrated our last day of Hebrew School for the year. “Celebration” is relative, because our Hebrew School students bring such life and vibrancy and insight to our Sanctuary each week, so it’s always hard to see them go; I can only pray they feel a reciprocal level […]
HaMakom Yenahem: Seeking Comfort, Seeking Peace
by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar I woke up this morning to my wife sharing the news with me about the shooting and killing of two Israeli Embassy aides, Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC last night. Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring with which to propose […]