Shanah Tovah from Rabbi Kurtz

Dear Friends, 

I am writing you this note from Jerusalem to wish you and yours a healthy, happy and peaceful 5786. May we all be written in the Book of Life, Good Health and Peace. 

I also wanted to update you concerning our family and the situation here in Israel. Thank God, we are personally all well. The biggest change in the family is that our oldest grandson, Hadassa and Haim’s son, Shmuli graduated high school. Three weeks ago, he began the Hesder Yeshiva program which combines Yeshiva study with army service. It is a five-year program encompassing both serious Yeshiva study and service in the IDF.  

As to the situation here in Israel, the best I can say is that it remains quite challenging. Our hostages remain in the tunnels of Hamas and each day, it is believed, their situation worsens. We continue to pray for their immediate release. Our soldiers are serving on the borders of Israel and in the major areas of the country protecting us each day. Our army still finds itself in Gaza preparing for serious battles which may claim many lives on both sides and families throughout Israel are attempting to cope with loss, injury and reserve duty which puts a great strain on family dynamics and well-being. 

Only a few days ago sirens sounded in Jerusalem as a missile was launched from Yemen. We were forced to descend three flights from our apartment to our building’s shelter and wait for the all clear signal before we could return to the apartment. The terrorist action at the bus station in Ramot reminded us of the dangers present here and another terrorist action hit very close to home. Last Friday there was a stabbing at Kibbutz Tzuba. One of those injured was Nadav Garr, son of Yossi Garr (whom many of you know from Nativ) and grandson of Rabbi Ronnie and Minda Garr (whom many of you know from Camp Ramah in Wisconsin). Thankfully, Nadav is well and being released from the hospital. The family was present at the Kibbutz for an extended family brunch commemorating the Yahrzeits of Minda’s parents. We are neighbors and very close friends of Ronnie and Minda so it has shaken us up as well.  

I don’t need to relate the geopolitical issues now facing Israel, you are all acquainted with them. It looks to be a very challenging year ahead. 

We are continuously updated concerning the rising anti-Semitism occurring across the United States and Canada and, of course, in many other places around the world. I listened on zoom to the Federation annual meeting last week and heard the speech of Lonnie Nasatir outlining the many challenges that are currently being presented to the Chicagoland Jewish Community. I pray that you and your families are safe and remain so.  

I do wish you to know that life goes on here in Israel. The cafes are full, the streets teeming with people, there is music, dance, art and serious study occurring in all parts of the country. We are very resilient and will remain so in the future. 

We must never forget that we are a people of hope. It Is not by chance that the national anthem of Israel is “Hatikva”. It is part of our inner beings to pray for peace and pursue it. We are an eternal people and we will overcome those who wish to destroy us, once again.  

I thank all of you who continue to reach out to us concerned with our welfare. I look forward to welcoming those of you who plan to visit Israel and show your personal support for the country and our people. I am grateful for all you do assist us – financially, politically and spiritually. Keep it up.  

I continue to teach courses for the Schechter Institute here in Jerusalem on zoom. I am so pleased to study with many of you on Sunday mornings, Chicago time. If you are interested in learning with me the information is found in the Continuing Education brochure. You can also turn to Rachel Kamin for details. 

There is a piyyut, a religious poem, that is found in many of the Selichot prayer services here in Israel. It states: “May the year and its curses end; may the new year and its blessings begin.” This is my prayer for you and yours personally and for all of us collectively.  

May we share many blessings in 5786. Shana Tova to all of you from me and Bryna. 

Rabbi Vernon Kurtz