“We Mourn” Rabbi Elaine Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings

February 21, 2025 | 23 Sh’vat 5785

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection, as we make our way toward Shabbat. You can listen to it as a podcast here.

We will mourn for the lost lives of the murdered souls returned in coffins to the land of Israel. Zichronam Livracha. זיכרונם לברכה  May their memories be for blessing. Our hearts are broken as we enter Shabbat.

In many ways, words cannot describe the desolation. This week I intended to share the source from our Torah portion that provides the basis for why abortion bans are against our religion. As a strong advocate for reproductive rights, I have important information to share. Yet, the news of the release of the bodies of the Bibas children, the youngest of those held hostage, captures our attention. When they died, how they died is of lesser consequence than the very fact of the cruel and savage reality that they were taken at all. The Hamas terrorist murderers had no consideration for human life. Their articulated goal all along from the planning of the attack was to brutalize and murder as many people as possible on that day and thereafter. They have demonstrated how little they care for others as they cowered deep beneath in the tunnels of hell they created for their own protection at the cost of the lives of their own citizens.

This week’s Torah portion presents many laws, many of which legislate kindness, taking care of the vulnerable, the stranger, the widow, the orphan. The larger community carries the responsibility to take care of those within it.

This week, Israel will cradle the remains of those children in the embrace of the earth. One day, I pray their mother’s remains will lay beside them.  Israel will also bury Oded Lifshitz, 85, one of the older hostages who embodied kindness by being among those who had volunteered to drive Gazans seeking medical treatment to hospitals.

Kindness extends beyond life even into death.  May these beloved souls rest in peace and may peace one day extend far beyond their graves.

Shabbat Shalom  שבת שלום

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I look forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions. Share with me what you think here. Your email goes directly to me!

We gather for Qabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. onsite and online. Join us to sing, to pray, and welcome Shabbat in community. Register here to join on Zoom.

On Shabbat morning, we gather at 9:00 a.m. in the library for a short Shabbat service and Torah reading followed by a lively discussion of this week’s Torah portion. All levels and abilities are welcomed. Register here to join on Zoom.

Discover a world of vibrant artistry, delicious flavors, and rich tradition at the Jewish Arts Festival on Sunday. Learn more and register here.

See Temple Israel’s webpage for Livestream options

Rabbi Elaine Zecher