Words with Merle

  Where do we go from here? That is the question I am receiving each day. First and foremost, never lose hope. Then, find an organization that supports Israel and donate. If you are non-Jewish, reach out to your Jewish friends to connect and find ways to offers support. Our very fiber of humanity is kindness in connection.   How do we as Jewish Americans move forward? I must lament the criticality to never stop sharing of the war, remaining aware of the tragedies, and while rigorous, never stop living your daily life. The enemy thrive when we freeze, but we cannot permit the monsters of their ecstasy. Celebrate Judaism triumphantly each moment and embrace our Judaic joy during war. This is our power to survival.   And while we hold strong, lest the war plummets at our hearts. A turbulence of feeling helpless given the distance. An emotion I understand as my heart weeps for each child and adult murdered ever so barbarically. My brain can only muster so much yet I rem...

This past week we faced an unfathomable reality. The situation happening in Israel is complex. Our hearts are in the West while we remain in the East, trying to comprehend the inhumane destruction of our people. We sit here in confusion, sadness, anger, and some may feel hopeless.  While I always allude to hope and prayers, today, your voice and support for Israel is paramount. Education fosters understanding and counters hate, so join me in continuing to educate the community and beyond. With an open-mind and an open heart, individuals will appreciate fact-based sentiments…the very principles that perpetuate kindness, equality and connection. Talk to your friends, family and neighbors, and remember, silence is the opposite of advocacy. Silence speaks volumes and amplifies the acts of hatred against Israel and the Jewish people. The Jewish community depends on the support of our non-Jewish allies to help us stand up against hate impacting Jews in America, Israel and around the worl...