Jews in communities far from Israel gathered at synagogues this weekend for their first Shabbat services since Hamas militants attacked Israel, igniting an ongoing war. Rabbis led prayers of peace and shared grief with their congregations. At many synagogues security was tight.
According to a U.S. rabbi, the recent Hamas attack holds a deeper significance for Jewish individuals, extending beyond a typical geopolitical incident. This incident has resurfaced traumatic memories spanning generations, particularly in Pittsburgh, a city still marked by the most devastating antisemitic attack ever witnessed in the United States.
Rabbi Daniel Fellman of Temple Sinai expressed during the first service following the violence in Israel that more Jews were tragically lost last Shabbat than any other day since the Holocaust. He emphasized that Hamas’s objective is not solely the destruction of Israel, but rather the destruction of every individual, including ourselves.
Improvement is deserved by the world, the Palestinian people, and we must strive for better.
In spite of the anguish, Fellman’s congregation, along with others worldwide, followed the call of an Israeli soldier who encouraged worshippers to sing and dance, ensuring that the prayer resonated with people all over the world this Shabbat.
Fellman delivered a sermon centered around the biblical narrative of the initial act of murder, where Cain killed his brother Abel, and emphasized the importance of recognizing the shared kinship among all individuals, be it Jews, Christians, or Muslims.
All individuals are our siblings, and when one person experiences pain, we all experience it. If we fail to acknowledge our shared existence on this planet and the love bestowed upon us by God, we will be condemned to relive the tragic story of Cain and Abel repeatedly.
Rabbi Seth Adelson of Congregation Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh was reminded of the traumatic events of October 27, 2018, when he received news of the recent attack as he was on his way to worship. On that Sabbath morning, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the devastating news of a gunman attacking the Tree of Life synagogue located nearby, resulting in the loss of 11 lives from three different congregations.
During an interview, he explained that the shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh was something they couldn’t fathom. In contrast, he regarded last week’s Hamas attack as “tragic, horrifying, and gut-wrenching, but within the realm of possibility.”
Adelson expressed that following the Pittsburgh synagogue attack, the entire community rallied around them. However, at present, they sense a lack of support and solidarity, causing them to feel like a wounded community in distress.
Adelson stated that despite everything, they continue with the customary rhythms of ritual life. The service at Beth Shalom on Saturday will feature a bar mitzvah, symbolizing the initiation of a young man into adulthood.
He mentioned that on certain occasions, we find ourselves commemorating despite being aware of the necessity to mourn.
“A very challenging moment for the Jewish people”
As Shabbat prayer services attracted a large number of worshippers, police in Berlin, the capital of Germany, notably bolstered security measures in front of synagogues.
In response to the global tensions sparked by Hamas’ attack and Israel’s subsequent bombing of Gaza, as well as the calls on social media for violent protests in front of Jewish institutions in Germany, heightened safety measures have been implemented.
In Berlin’s Wilmersdorf neighborhood, the Chabad community had taken measures to secure their synagogue and nearby community center. The street leading to these establishments was closed off to vehicles, and both police and private security personnel could be seen patrolling the sidewalk. As congregants began to arrive at the house of worship, they were met with this heightened security presence.
Certain men chose to conceal their yarmulkes beneath baseball hats, while others refrained from wearing any skullcaps until they stepped foot into the synagogue.
“This moment presents a significant challenge for the Jewish community,” stated Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, leader of the local Chabad community, in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday evening.
Teichtal expressed that we will unite with strength and unwavering faith in God to ensure a hopeful future. He emphasized that the terrorists’ ultimate desire is to dishearten us, but their efforts have had the opposite effect.
On the eve of Shabbat, hundreds of Berliners gathered in front of the Fraenkelufer Synagogue, another temple, to safeguard both the synagogue and the prayer service taking place inside, in order to prevent any potential attacks.
Candles were lit, Israeli flags were waved, and signs displaying pictures of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were held up. Among the posters, messages like “Jewish life matters” and “Never again is now” were prominently displayed.
On Saturday, a rabbi from Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, made a plea for peace and urged an end to the ongoing conflict in the Israel-Hamas war.
“Peace is our plea and our prayer,” expressed Modechai Ben Avraham. “For when tranquility is reinstated in our lives, we can engage in any endeavor and worship serenely.”
The rabbi, who conducted prayers at the Shaar Hashamayim synagogue in Tondano city on Sulawesi island, assured that the conflict has not induced any anxiety or feelings of fear and isolation among the synagogue and its worshippers. This is because our community is well aware that our sole emphasis lies in conducting religious services.
Since 2019, Shaar Hashamayim has been the sole synagogue in Indonesia, catering to a Jewish community of approximately 50 individuals in Tondano. Despite not being acknowledged as one of the country’s six primary religions, Judaism is permitted to be practiced in accordance with the Indonesian constitution.
North Sulawesi, a province in Indonesia, is home to a predominantly Christian population of over 2.6 million people. Within this province reside approximately 550 Indonesian Jews, making up a small but notable community in this mostly Muslim archipelago nation.
Juval Porat endeavored to maintain his focus while his parents sought refuge in their safe room in northern Israel. Despite the recent attack by Hamas, he dedicated his efforts to curating a blend of uplifting and soothing hymns for the upcoming Shabbat services at his synagogue in Miami Beach, Florida.
“I refuse to shed a tear, no matter what,” declared the cantor, standing amidst the breathtaking stained glass windows of Temple Beth Sholom, moments before Friday evening services. “My strength must prevail, allowing others the space to release their emotions and weep.”
As Porat and the rabbis guided the 300 congregants in prayer, tears streamed down their faces. Their hearts were filled with a deep longing for peace, safety for the people of Israel, the brave soldiers defending their homeland, and most importantly, for the release of the hostages.
Michael Conway, adorned with a white kippah adorned with blue doves representing peace, expressed, “This is the initial instance I shed tears.”
He added that the prayers in Hebrew and English provided an opportunity to let go of the accumulated emotions from the week and to be among a supportive community who understood his feelings.
During her sermon, Senior Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz identified the emotions of fear, anger, and shock that Israel and the Jewish people are currently confronting as a significant existential moment.
After sharing testimonials from survivors of a once-thriving kibbutz, where she had joyfully celebrated numerous Shabbats as a student, she addressed the silent congregation, expressing the desire to personally strike Hamas with their own hands.
She encouraged the faithful to demonstrate solidarity and provide support to Israel’s relief efforts, emphasizing that hate cannot mend what is broken.
As Rabbi Robert Davis lit a candle to honor the hostages and victims of Hamas, he solemnly remembered the innocent lives lost – from infants and children to teenagers, soldiers, concert-goers, and those waiting for the bus.
“Insufficient candles,” Davis pointed out. “But fear not, for we shall become the illuminating beacons.”
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