Shabbat Blast

Our parsha, Noah, is centered around the Ark that will ensure the survival of the human race and the various animal life on earth. There are mefarshim, commentators, who explain that the word ‘תיבה’ (teivah) means both ‘ark’ and ‘word’. In essence, humankind, owes its existence to words, just as it did when God said, “Let there be…” and there was light, water, the celestial bodies, and all living creatures. We acknowledge the powerful role of words in our tradition.

This makes journalism and social media that much more critical in our eyes because we know how phrasing and inaccurate reporting can misrepresent any situation, especially when it comes to Israel. Many of the attacks in Israel in the last 2 weeks have been under-reported in the United States. Just on Tuesday there were two separate attacks in Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv and Geula. Sometimes the absence of words is just as harmful. It then becomes a priority for us, as supporters of Israel, to be watchdogs for those whose words can harm Israel and her reputation.

If you are looking for trustworthy sources for news on Israel, try:

1. www.jpost.com

2. www.jta.org

But words are not enough. When the Rabbis ask, which is greater, Torah study or action, they only answer Torah study because it leads to action. Our strongest action is to go to Israel, to spend time and money there, to show Israelis, our brothers and sisters that they are not alone. And of course, if we cannot go, we must donate. You can support Israel by giving as well. I recommend:

1. Masorti- the Conservative Movement's branch in Israel

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/MASORTI.  For victims of terror, you can designate yet donation for terrorism relief.

2. Friends of the IDF-https://donate.fidf.org/page/contribute/support-Israels-soldiers-today

3. Magen David Adom- https://www.afmda.org

May we use the power of words to build rather than destroy. May our words and our internet presence serve as a shelter for Israel and may this violence end and peace come over the land and our people.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Bernstein