I Think We Should Go to Israel

I Think We Should Go to Israel

A Reflection on Elul by Rabbi Jon Hanish

Last Saturday night I received a text from my eldest daughter. “I think we should go to Israel.” I have some travel time scheduled for February and March, and we have been talking about places we could travel together, a father-daughter trip. Israel hadn’t been part of the conversation. We have lived there and visited more times than I can remember. We were searching for a new adventure. Her text seemingly came out of nowhere. I responded with a question mark. She texted me a news story.

It was then I learned of the deaths of the six hostages.

It was then that I understood her message.

It was then that I felt homesick for Israel.

She was right, it might be time to visit our homeland, a trip we last took the summer before the war began. It seems like we’ve been gone too long.

A heaviness surrounds us as we enter the month of Elul. The weight of so much misery fills the air – the misery of hostages still held in Gaza, the misery of a war that seems to have no end, and the misery of increasing levels of anti-Semitism, locally and world-wide. For the last two years, I have written stories and articles that help lead us into the High Holy Days. Most of the pieces have had a certain lightness to them. Sadly, this year is different. There seems to be so little lightness.

Tradition teaches us that Elul is a month of reflection, a warm-up to the High Holy Days. As introspection grows over the coming weeks as we prepare ourselves for the holidays so should our joy at returning to these special days. However, joy is in short supply as we reflect on the fate of the hostages, the state of the war, and so many other pressing issues.

Last Monday night we entered Elul. Just like Shabbat, it comes whether we are prepared for it or not. It comes asking us not to ignore the world around us and our relationship to it but to immerse ourselves in the questions and challenges that surround us, an ethical mikvah which we cannot ignore and must enter fully.

I can’t predict the outcome of the crises of the world. I can share that ignoring the issues affecting the Jewish community will only lead to greater problems in the future.

This Elul, look directly at the reality of the concerns facing the Jewish community. See the problems and sorrows that surround us. Cry, scream, pray, speak up, write a letter to your congressperson, do something that shows you respect the needs of Elul, the needs of the Jewish people, and the needs of humanity.

May this Elul lead us toward a meaningful Tishrei and a world that has found a better balance between sorrow and joy.

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SUMMARY OF THIS WEEK’S TORAH PORTION SHOFTIM FROM THE URJ

Laws regarding both sacred and secular legislation are addressed. The Israelites are told that in every dealing they should pursue justice in order to merit the land that God is giving them. (Deut. 16:18–18:8)
The people are warned to avoid sorcery and witchcraft, the abhorrent practices of their idolatrous neighbors. (Deut. 18:9–22)
God tells them that should an Israelite unintentionally kill another, he may take sanctuary in any of three designated cities of refuge. (Deut. 19:1–13)
Laws to be followed during times of peace and times of war are set forth. (Deut. 19:14–21:9)

FOR MORE IN THIS TORAH PORTION, GO TO:

https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/shoftim

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RAC (Religious Action Center of the Reform Movement)

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ADL (Anti-Defamation League)

https://www.adl.org/

Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

https://jewishla.org

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