Shabbat Shalom From Hostage Square in Tel Aviv (Sukkot 5786)

Debby and I went early this morning to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to stand with thousands to sing Hallel, holding our lulav and etrog with prayers of gratitude and anticipation of release. Release for the hostages and release for Israel from the war launched by Hamas, and release for hope from the shackles that have been binding it for two years.

What struck me most was not the nature of the prayer itself, but the breathtaking diversity of Jewish expression present. Secular and religious, young and old, people from across every spectrum of Israeli society stood together, united in a combination of anxious hope, excited anticipation, and resolute gratitude.

Israeli journalist Amit Segal captured this morning’s event perfectly as he urged viewers to watch without political or partisan commentary: "Strip away the spin, the slander, the endless arguments about who deserves credit or blame. Forget the political framing for a moment. Look at what [is actually happening]." 

I see the day coming close for the release of hostages, the return of bodies, the return of those displaced, troops returning home, competing sides talking about resolution, and the pause we all need to reflect and consider what has been lost regardless of one’s allegiances.

Standing there among thousands, I felt something shift—not certainty, but possibility. The possibility of shifting the purpose of that public square from a space to remember the hostages toward a space to celebrate the rescue and redemption from the trauma of these last two years. The possibility of a page turning from a chapter of darkness and despair toward one of light and hope.

Shabbat Shalom From Hostage Square in Tel Aviv,

Rabbi Howard Jacoby Ruben

Laffy Taffy: Rosh Hashanah Edition 5786

Monday evening starts the new Jewish year of 5786. The timing of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) is in sync with the start of each school year. These new beginnings bring the opportunity to visualize our path and our learning in the year ahead.

Echoing the custom of dipping apples in honey at Rosh Hashanah, I hand out lots of Apple Laffy Taffy and Bit-O-Honey at this time of year. Usually, Laffy Taffy riddles are juvenile. But I discovered three that were seemingly written for this season.

#1) Why was the boy covered in gift wrap? 

His mom told him to live in the present. 

#2) What kind of tea is hard to swallow?

Reality. 

#3) What would you do without your memories?

Forget.  

Embedded in these three riddles is the secret of this season that begins with Rosh Hashanah -- a season of reflection, introspection, and renewal. We have to be deeply present in order to reflect on our memories of real, authentic moments from the year past to inform a commitment to doing better in the new year. 

This is our opportunity to imagine an end to the challenges and dislocations of the year ending and to dream about the year ahead. Seventy-five years ago Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote about the power of wonder and original thinking. He wrote: "Wonder rather  than doubt is the root of all knowledge." 

This captures the core idea that true knowledge starts with a type of awe and curiosity that animate spiritual and intellectual inquiry. Applying that sense of awe and curiosity to the year ahead is precisely what this Jewish season is about. We reflect on the year that is coming to a close in order to inspire our dreams for the year ahead.

Then we dedicate ourselves to spend the coming year pursuing those dreams. That is the kind of imagination and innovation that makes original thinking real in our school and in the world. 

My wish for you and your families is for a new year filled with lots of wonder and much awe. May it be filled with learning abundant and sweetness overflowing.

PS- Please check out the new podcast from JCHS.