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There is a beautiful Hebrew word, popularized by Israel's founder, David Ben Gurion: mamlachtiyut. Difficult to translate to English, Reform Jewish activist, Peter Shapiro, contends that it means "unity despite difference." It is putting the interests of the state ahead of personal or political considerations, and it is the exact opposite of what we are seeing these days in Israel.  

Temple Sinai is a congregation that strongly embraces the Jewish commandment of ahavat yisrael, love of Israel. For this reason, we find ourselves pained over the scenes coming out of Israel. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his extremist coalition, have proposed judicial overhaul which has come under intense criticism and protest. A thrice-indicted prime minister, awaiting trial and with a clear, self-admitted, conflict of interest with Israel's justice system, his actions are unabashedly dangerous to the democratic foundation of Israel.

We will soon offer a class on the issues surrounding judicial reform in Israel, but this volatile and constantly-changing situation has necessitated this statement of condemnation. Along with our many partners in Israel and the Diaspora, we affirm the announcement that the legislative efforts have been postponed. At the same time, we call upon the members of Israel's governing coalition to permanently abandon any such reckless and destructive attempts at relaunching judiciary reform without the necessary compromises to receive widespread public support. 

Together, we pray for healing and wisdom to prevail. We affirm the words of prayer found in our Mishkan HaNefesh Rosh Hashanah Service (pg. 275): "Source of our people's liberation...bless the seeds of our democracy planted by courageous pioneers. Bring to flower a good society, rooted in history and hope -- made holy by its unceasing pursuit of justice."