Dear JCOGS Family,
I am humbled and honored to begin serving this community, especially at such a challenging time for Israel and the Jewish people. We are still reeling from the horrific Hamas attacks—the deadliest single day for Jews since the Shoah—and frightened by the rockets raining down on Israel. Our prayers and protests cry out for the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The shock, anger, grief, and fear cut bone deep. The other day, my cousin in Israel sighed, and offered three slow, heavy words: “everything is hard.”
During our Yizkor memorial gathering following the attacks, I shared a teaching from Pirkei Avot, "Teachings of the Sages,” a rabbinic text compiled in the Land of Israel almost two thousands years ago. It has stayed with me throughout these heartbreaking days.
It begins, “beloved are human beings for they were made in the Divine image. So beloved are human beings that it was made known that they were created in the Divine image, as it was written ‘in the Divine image the human was created’” (Gen. 9:6).
Our Torah teaches that all life is sacred. In this spirit, we pray for the safety of all innocent people, both in Israel and Gaza. As Rabbi David shared last Shabbat, our empathy for all who unjustly suffer is a sign of strength.
The text continues: “beloved are the Jewish people, who are called ‘God’s children.’ So beloved are the Jewish people that it was made known that they are God’s children, as it was written ‘you are children to YHVH your God’..'' (Deut. 14:1).
As Jews, we have a special obligation to our people. We are called to protect our Jewish and Israeli family, both their physical security and emotional wellbeing. Today, as many Israelis are still sitting shiva for their murdered family, peace and safety feel all too far away.
For two thousand years, we have been asked to do two things at once. To have compassion for the suffering of all human beings, and to hold a special place for the suffering of our own. This is hard work, especially now. And yet, doing two things at once is what our tradition asks of us.
As our hearts turn towards Israel, I know many of us are also navigating challenges in our personal lives. In this vein, I want to share that my fiancée Shira was in the hospital last week and will be having major surgery this weekend. Shira is, most fortunately, not in any life-threatening danger, and we are reassured by her doctors that the procedure will enable her to resume her active life after a period of recovery. We feel lucky that we have the support of our families nearby, and many friends and communities to lean on.
As Shira and I begin our life together, caring for each other in times of hardship feels—to borrow Rabbi David’s phrase—deeply Jewish. Unfortunately, the timing of Shira’s surgery and post-op hospitalization means I am unable to be in Stowe for Shabbat services this week. My heartfelt thanks to Lynne Gedanken and Susan Bauchner for stepping in to lead services, and to the JCOGS leadership—including Rabbi David, Education Director Beth Liberman, President Cyndy Wyatt, and Sabbatical Friday night coordinators Lynne and Steve Levine—who each responded with such generosity and care when they were informed. Shira and I are very grateful for their support.
In the same measure, serving JCOGS and supporting Jewish community at this moment means the world to me. As you see me over email and Zoom in the coming days, and in Stowe in the coming weeks, please know that I am present for JCOGS despite the extenuating circumstances. Thankfully, there are times when we are able to do two things at once.
With prayers for peace and healing,
Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern
