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Once again, as conflict erupts in the Middle East, we find ourselves in this all-too-familiar cycle of sadness, fear, and uncertainty as we see the surreal images and read about our beloved Israel in the media. As Israel has entered its latest round of violence with Hamas, as rockets rain down on Israeli civilians, we hear soundbites from politicians and leaders around the world. They demand an “urgent de-escalation” of hostilities and implore both sides to “exercise restraint.” We of course agree with those calls and weep for innocent Israelis and innocent Palestinians who have been injured or killed during this crisis. 

It can be hard to get a grasp of the complicated situation as different sources share select information, much of which can be misleading or confusing. Rabbi Josh Weinberg of the URJ simplifies these current events in what I believe to be a succinct and powerful way:  

Israel deserves to live as a free nation in its own land. That right is being threatened now by terrorists who are instilling terror in Jews and Palestinians alike. Israel does not want to enter Gaza, nor does it want to punish innocent Palestinians. It does, however, have an obligation to protect its citizens and must eradicate the source of rocket fire from deep within the most densely populated area in the world.

As I think about the events of these days, I reflect upon the notion of peace. What is it? What would it mean for Israel to truly achieve it? We know that the Psalmist teaches us to “Seek peace and pursue it.” Indeed, we know that Judaism places a supreme emphasis on peace, but again, what is it at its core? As is often noted, the Hebrew word for peace (shalom) comes from the root shalem, meaning wholeness. 

Peace in Judaism is not just the cessation of hostilities. Rather, it demands an uncovering of truth, justice, leading to wholeness. It requires everyone to look deep within their souls, to dig through competing narratives, so as to move closer to a world of justice and safety for all.  

Our Rabbinic Sages spent much time placing strict boundaries around violence and war, and still determined that some wars are unavoidable; these wars are known as milchemet mitzvah. The Jewish State of Israel uses the same formula that was used two thousand years later in determining its course of action in modern times.   

A well-known ethical commandment from midrash states: ha’ba l'horgecha, hashkem l’horgo / One who is coming to kill you, wake up early to get them first. Self-defense represents a sacred ethical commandment, one which Israel employs as we speak. After all, it is not just the right of every country to defend its citizens; it is its obligation. A failure to exercise this emboldens terrorists and creates a reality where peace will never flourish.  

I return to the original question: What is true peace? Just a few days ago, before this latest violence, Israel had a brief glimpse of what this could resemble. A new Israeli government was on the verge of formation, one that would have been supported and by an Arab political party. Arab Israelis were about to determine the future course of Israeli government. That is a step towards true peace and true democracy.

As we approach our holiday of Shavuot in just a few days, we mark the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai. We celebrate the meaning of truth inherent in words of Torah. We reflect on how it helps us to gain wisdom and make sense of the world during the different seasons of our lives.  

Here at Temple Sinai, we stand in solidarity with Israel in this time of great need. We pray for just and enduring peace for all of Israel and the surrounding lands.  We reach out to our friends, family members and partners in Israel who need our love now. We set aside the constant news cycle to talk with friends and acquaintances in the region, and let them know that they are not alone. Indeed, we can and should reach out to all those who feel afraid and uncertain in these troubling times. We mourn the loss of innocent life, and pray for the full and speedy recovery of those injured. 

And together we pray: 

Our God, Rock and Redeemer of Israel,
bless the State of Israel,
the first flowering of our redemption.
Shield it with Your lovingkindness, envelop it in Your peace,
and bestow Your light and truth upon its
leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them
with Your good counsel.
Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land,
grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness.