Dear Friends,
Given the unsettling rise in protests and antisemitic incidents on college campuses, it is completely understandable to feel fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. We want to remind you that you are not alone.
During times of turmoil, it's crucial to come together as a community so that we can offer support, comfort, and share resources with each other. To that end, we would like to offer the following avenues of empowerment:
1. Join Us for Services - When faced with challenges, we gather as a community for prayer and to reaffirm our values and hopes for the future. Please consider joining us in in person or on Zoom for daily minyan or Shabbat services. It feels less lonely when we join our thoughts and prayers with others around the world and with those who came before us.
2. Get Educated - Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating ignorance and prejudice. We highly recommend listening to the Unpacking Israeli History Podcast, an enlightening resource that delves into the complexities of Israeli history and provides valuable insights into current events. The Promised Podcast is also an incredible podcast by three folks who live in and love Israel even though it drives them crazy, and who each week discuss the latest in Israeli politics, culture and society.
Listening to these podcasts can give you the language to help express what you’ve often thought is too hard to put into words.
3. Make an Appointment with Temple Emanu-El's Clergy - We are here to offer counsel, support, and a listening ear to anyone in need. Whether you have concerns, questions, or simply wish to talk, we are available to provide guidance and comfort during these challenging times. In particular, if you have children in school or are in the college-search process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Finally, we can help connect you with other organizations whose primary mission is to advocate for Israel and/or other specific Jewish causes.
Our community is here to support one another, to uplift each other in times of adversity, and to stand together against hatred and intolerance.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Am Yisrael Hai,
Rabbi Fel
Cantor Mayer
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- The Jewish Alliance of Greater RI has a local campaign set up. Cindy and Mark Feinstein are chairing it, and the link to the local campaign is here.
- USCJ and our Masorti Movement in Israel are partnering with Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to send aid directly to vetted nonprofits on the ground in Israel. 100% of proceeds go to Israel, and will also benefit projects linked to our Masorti communities. Please donate by clicking HERE.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
- How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now - Sivan Zakai, Kveller
- How to Talk to Children About the Conflict in Israel - Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher, L.C.S.W., Union for Reform Judaism
- How to Talk to Children About the War in Israel - New CAJE
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Situations - PJ Library
- How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism - PJ Library
FOR THOSE WHO PARENT AND/OR WORK WITH TEENS
From Ed Gelb, Director CEO of Ramah New England
We have seen from several Day School emails sharing the following (we cannot verify the source but felt it was important nevertheless):
We have been informed that the Israeli government is urging Israeli parents to delete Instagram and TikTok from their children’s phones, as terrorists are expected to release distressing videos of torture and execution of civilian hostages. It is likely that the terrorists will leverage social media algorithms to have these horrific videos shown to those who follow Jewish or Israeli influencers, as the intention of the terrorists is to unleash psychological warfare on Israelis—and on Jews worldwide.
The Israeli government has asked us to do the following:
- Absolutely do not share these videos or photos.
- Absolutely prevent your children (and yourselves!) from watching them; they are not suitable for children and will be terrifying.
If you don’t want your children to see these videos, we are strongly recommending that our campers (as well as adult members of our community) delete social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram at this time.
