We started this new secular year immersed in the light of Hanukkah, but the world around us is not a very luminous place. The economy is pushing more and more people into poverty, racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia increase day by day, and in the Middle East war does not cease.
After 15 months, the Israeli hostages are still held captive, and those Israelis displaced by the war are still living in hotels and guest houses. Meanwhile, the Palestinian population is facing civilian deaths in unprecedented numbers and are living in inhumane conditions, facing the winter without shelter, food and medical care. Colleagues, who dare to speak out loudly against the war and are critical of the actions of the Israeli government are abused online, their families threatened and insulted.
When we feel like we could become hopeless, that’s the moment we need to stick to our commitment to the values of Liberal Judaism; justice, inclusion, openness, our search for truth and compassion. Our voice needs to be clear and strong, our engagement in Judaism modern but rooted. This is why as a Liberal Norwich community we are planning discussions and new activities that will bring us together in the spirit and the values that shape our Jewish identity.
Our Kabbalat Shabbat will become a very short service, giving space to open discussions on different topics. We will start with assisted dying this coming Friday. Other topics will be the war in Gaza, our Jewish identity(ies) and the environmental crisis. But please bring your topics of interest and they will be on our community agenda! We are working to have more Kabbalat Shabbat in person, and weather permitting, we will have an open air one, followed by a community meal.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov used to say: “Know that a person has to cross a very narrow bridge in this world. And the main thing is that he shouldn’t fear.” During these difficult times, when many of us are crossing narrow bridges, our community can be a source of support and strength, and a place of mutual understanding.
Dear God,
Please help me to remember,
even at those moments when I feel suspended over the abyss,
that my fear of falling is what trips me up.
If I can only hold on
to the certainty that You’re with me,
of what could I possibly fear?
The bridge is narrow…
but it runs all the way to the other side.
(Based on Likutey Moharan II:48)
Best wishes, Rabbi Martina