-Io Loechell and Misty Davidson

Mass shootings have become all too common. We are horrified, yet almost numb to them. Then, six months ago the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh hit home. Now it was about us. And last Saturday in Poway, California it was about us again. Antisemitism has become more acceptable, it seems, and suddenly synagogue shootings, anti-Semitic cartoons in major newspapers, and acts of violence against Jews begin cropping up. I have more questions than answers. It strikes me that in the past weeks all three of the Abrahamic faiths have had shootings in their houses of worships. Just who is the enemy? Is it antisemitism that is endemic in our society, hate that is endemic in the world, or both? Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those injured in Poway, and to the family of the woman who lost her life protecting her rabbi. We will not fight hate with hate. We will take precautions and make sure our security system is fully operational. But we will not live in fear. We will live proudly and openly as Jews. Working actively for tikkun olam is the only way to rid the world of this endemic, senseless hate.

Congregations all over the U.S. (and probably beyond) are discussing this issue. Please consider adding a “Comment” and emailing to Joan at joanyaffa@gmail.com. We will collate the comments and include (no names to be included) in next week’s newsletter.

-Misty Davidson and Dan Savin

While much of American conversation focuses on politics about Israel, there is so much more to learn about and celebrate. Consider the physical land itself. From the horrid state as it existed at the founding of the modern nation of Israel, hard work has brought it to the current level of prosperity, health, diversity, and innovations. Tourists and natives alike love to see the fields of wheat/Chitta (חיטה) and corn Tiras(תירס) and groves of Tapuzim (תפוזים) and Limonim (לימונים), oranges and lemons.The Israeli agricultural business today exports 2.5 billion dollars in different agricultural products, which are the result of that dream that started years and years ago. All this was accomplished at a painful price.
We celebrate both sides of this amazing coin in the next few weeks.

-May 8-9, 5 Iyar: Yom Ha’atzma'ut, Israel’s 71st birthday. The Gregorian date for the day in which Israel independence was proclaimed is May 14th, 1948 when David ben Gurion publicly read the Proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel and the end of the British Mandate in Israel.

-May 9, Yom Hazikharon.  We honor Israel’s Fallen Soldiers: Israel's Memorial Day, is a time to remember those who lost their lives during the struggle for Israel's independence as well as the soldiers who have died while serving in Israel's armed forces. Victims of terror attacks are also remembered. https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/article/day-of-remembrance-in-jerusalem/

-Joan Baronberg

On Saturday, June 1, we will have a special Shabbat to honor our youth. We will feature extra good, kid-friendly food, and hopefully some our our Kohelet kids will participate in the service. Many of our kids are transitioning to a major milestone, and all of them are at least transitioning from one grade to the next, so let's honor them on this occasion.

-Misty Davidson