Voices of Wisdom: Reflections From Local Rabbis

In this pivotal moment for our Jewish community, local rabbis offer wisdom, reflection, and hope on the situation in Israel.

Haifa, Israel (Photo: benedek/iStock)
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Read / Tradition
Refusing to Despair
In the face of unimaginable loss, Israel chooses love over hate, resilience over despair, honoring the memory of those taken from us.

By Rabbi Danny Burkeman

For Temple Shir Tikva (Wayland)

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Read / Jew(ish)
Standing With Israel
We’re sharing stories of impact, lifting the voices of survivors and their loved ones, and connecting our community to events and resources to help process our collective grief and healing after 10/7.

By JewishBoston

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Read / Jew(ish)
The Responsibility of Kindness in Life and Death
As Israel mourns, this week’s Torah portion calls us to uphold kindness and care for the vulnerable amid tragedy.

By Rabbi Elaine Zecher

For Temple Israel of Boston

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Read / Jew(ish)
Holding the Beauty and the Horror
Amid beauty and grief, we hold both loss and hope, seeking a better world.

By Rav Claudia Kreiman

For Temple Beth Zion

(Photo: tifonimages/iStock)
Read / Jew(ish)
You Cannot Build a True Future From a False Past
This Purim and Passover season, let’s reclaim our stories with truth, accountability, and the responsibility they demand.

By Rabbi William Hamilton

For Congregation Kehillath Israel

Inna Reznik iStock Yom Haatzmaut Yom Ha’Atzma’ut
Read / Jew(ish)
There Are No Words — What We Need Is Action
When words fail, action must prevail—now is the time to strengthen, support, and stand together.

By Rabbi Mendy Uminer

For Chabad Center at Chestnut Hill

(Photo: Mukhina1/iStock)
Read / Jew(ish)
(Not) Feeling Joy THIS Adar
As Adar begins, joy feels distant—but the story of Purim teaches us that even in darkness, sorrow can transform into celebration.

By Rabbi Noah Cheses

For Young Israel of Sharon

(Photo: Polina Shirokova/Unsplash)
Read / Jew(ish)
Finding Light in the Darkness
In a time of immense sorrow, Adar challenges us to seek joy, turn darkness into light, and embrace the strength to keep moving forward.

By Rabbi Benjamin Samuels

For Congregation Shaarei Tefillah

Standing With Israel: Community Impact stories
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Omer Shem Tov Photo Credit: Yonit Schiller
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Boston Welcomes Omer and the Family Who Never Gave Up
After 505 days in captivity, Omer Shem Tov’s long-awaited release brought a moment of healing and hope — not just for his family, but for our entire community.

By Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Kobi Gideon Kibbutz Be'eri
Read / Jew(ish)
From the Rubble of War to a New Beginning
Powered by Boston’s entrepreneurial spirit.

By Avnet Kleiner, Oshrat Gafni-Moyal & Hilla Perlman-Pniel

For CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection

Project Horizon
Read / Jew(ish)
CJP’s Reach in Israel Continues to Grow
A partnership with Project Horizon offers key support to 54 communities.

By Kara Baskin

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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Read / Jew(ish)
Ready to Respond: OneDay’s Life-Saving Volunteer Initiative
When disaster strikes, these volunteers are ready to save lives—before help arrives.

By Hannah Laura Taylor

For CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection

Karin teaching
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Bringing a Lifetime of Skills to a Year of Service
A CJP-supported pilot program for those 50-plus includes a year of service in the Gaza Envelope.

By Dan Seligson

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Gilad harvesting fruit for Leket Israel
Read / Jew(ish)
Leket Israel’s Food Innovation, With Boston’s Support
After Oct. 7, Israel’s farms were devastated. See how Leket Israel is leading a groundbreaking effort to rescue food and feed those in need.

By Gilad Skolnick

For Leket Israel

(Photo: Moshe Filberg/ReGrow Israel)
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ReGrow Israel Plants the Seeds of Agricultural Innovation
The farming community was shattered after Oct. 7. But its roots remain.

By Kara Baskin

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

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Read / Plus Kids
“We Owe These Kids Everything”: Giving Israel’s Youngest Survivors Hope for the Future
CJP’s Israel Emergency Fund supported the Israeli Children’s Fund in providing vital care, resources, and hope to over 470 young survivors.

By Kate Whitney

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Habaita
Read / Jew(ish)
Reviving the Galilee: Rebuilding Lives and Communities After October 7 
CJP is supporting the work of Habaita, an NGO in the Galilee working to bring back jobs, revive the agricultural industry and reopen schools in the region.

By Judy Bolton-Fasman

For Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

Amichai Kluger and Sisters
Read / Plus Kids
Bar Mitzvah Twins Across Continents
From Boston to Israel: How one boy’s bar mitzvah helps Israeli families in need.

By Natalie Vinegar

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