Standing with Israel

October 16, 2015

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe at Mirowitz send our prayers to Israel. During Kabbalat Shabbat today we shared special blessings for Israel, were led in the prayer for the state of Israel by our Israeli families, and sang songs of peace.

We invite each of you to write a prayer for Israel and add it to our own wall of prayers here at school. Each prayer is like a Jerusalem stone for our “kotel” of blessings. Below is my personal prayer that I shared this afternoon at kabbalat Shabbat:

Dear Israel, In case you thought we didn’t notice your hearts breaking, your struggle to live so close to conflict, your sadness as you mourn…We send our hearts to you.

Dear Israel, In case you thought we didn’t recognize your efforts to be ethical leaders who are protecting your citizens, and the heart-wrenching decisions that you make – that no one should ever have to make… We send you our compassion.

Dear Israel, Our love for you is not contingent on our personal alignment with your government’s every decision. Indeed, we love you.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADear Israel, In case you thought we see you as a political issue for which we need to vote “pro” or “anti”…We want you to know we see your richness and your humanity. We see how you welcome Jews from around the world who need a home, how your innovations improve the world, how you defend democracy. We celebrate Hebrew poetry and music and dance. We hug you as our cousins and parents, brothers and sisters, dear friends.

Dear Israel, As you struggle during this difficult time, we stand by you, holding your hand and praying for peace.

Shabbat Shalom,

Morah Cheryl