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October 11, 2024 - 9 Tishrei 5785 Yom Kippur - What A Year It's Been
Dear Friends, As I sit down to write this Reflections piece, I simply cannot believe it has been an entire year. A year since 1200 Israeli men, women, and *children* were violated and slaughtered, simply because of their faith, peoplehood, and traditions. A year since 251 Israelis of all ages were kidnapped, 101 of whom are STILL being held hostage in Gaza. A year since those who hate Israel and the Jewish people began justifying these monstrous atrocities, chanting genocidal slogans against our people, while accusing the very victims of rape and terror of committing genocide themselves. A year since our collective moment of clarity, when those with courage and moral strength rallied to stand by our side, solidifying our friendships. A year since those who claimed to support our people abandoned us, betraying their stunning and hurtful hypocrisy, exposing themselves as anti-Semitic wolves in "anti-Zionist" sheep's clothing. A year since we found new friends even as we lost so many, of trying so hard to share facts, history, light, and truth in an ever-darkening world. A year since the day that changed everything for Israelis and Jews all over the globe. A year, for all of us, of crushing sadness, passionate anger, of wanting and willingness to do anything to show love and support for each other, for the deeply connected and rooted family that is the Jewish people. And it has also been a year of incredible resilience. A year of strength and courage. A year of heroism, of so many colors and varieties. So much of what the Jewish people have been through in our history is astoundingly awful and unfair. And yet, we are still here. We are still here, because we have fortitude, resilience, and hope, that we can and will work, even harder in the face of the tragedies that have befallen us and the evil that has been done to us for millennia, to emerge, somehow, stronger, tougher, yet also with an even greater sense of compassion, love for all humankind, and an even greater desire to work for peace. And make no mistake, seeking out enemies whose *complete and total focus* is on annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people, this too is part of pursuing peace. Because the hand extended in peace can't be shaken if the other hand is holding a gun, a grenade, or a machete. Even amidst my sadness and my anger, I am still, and will always be hopeful. That is my job and my place in this world - as a Jew, as a rabbi, most importantly as a human being. And what gives me hope on this incredibly difficult day, as it has for this entire year, is the strength and resilience of Israel, and of the Jewish people. We have held each other up through our collective and individual moments of overwhelming devastation. We mourn, we cry, we cry out to the heavens, and we hug each other. We hold each other. And we will always do so. And we will dance again. That is what gives me hope on this terrible anniversary. As we begin a new year, we pray for the hostages, their families, all those serving in the IDF and all over Israel, and the Jewish family everywhere to be inscribed in the Book of Life, Blessing, and Peace. AM YISRAEL CHAI. The people of Israel lives, and will prevail. With strength, courage, resilience, compassion, and love. Looking forward to being with you for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur this weekend. G'mar Chatimah Tovah, Rabbi Joshua Strom
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