We Jews base our religious experiences on our origin story as freed slaves from Egypt. It is in the very fabric of our souls. We were in bondage and God brought us out to freedom.
We are living our own Exodus story now. As we celebrate the freedom of seven hostages in the last two weeks, we fear for those still in captivity. We care and share the suffering of those who are still awaiting word of their loved ones.
Just as our ancient ancestors exited Egypt wounded both physically and emotionally, our freed brothers and sisters are in need of healing and our support. Just as we wandered through a desert before entering the Promised Land, our beloved Israel, our freed family, their loved ones, in fact, all of us as Jews, have a long road ahead of us. But also, just like our ancestors, we will follow God, stay supported by our community and our heritage, and – God willing – once again, enter the land of milk and honey.
We pray that the cease-fire remains and all sides continue to hold to their agreements so that all hostages may be returned home to the love of their families.
As we witness the miracle of our hostage brothers and sisters returning home, we stand with each other in trepidation, anticipation, celebration, and yes, also sadness. At this time, I offer you a prayer written by Brandeis University Professor Reuven Kimelman.
“O healer of broken hearts, binder of their wounds” (Psalm 147:3)
be with our brothers and sisters who have been taken captive
and with the families of the victims.
Watch over the hostages, break their bonds,
and bring them out from darkness to light.
“Proclaim release to the captives; liberation to the imprisoned” (Isaiah 61:1)
Comfort the families of all those murdered
bring them under the shelter of Your wings.
Bring complete healing of body and spirit to all of the wounded,
bind up our wounds and grant us healing.
Shomer Yisrael, Guardian of Israel,
May we see the promise of the Psalmist:
הָפַכְתָּ מִסְפְּדִי לְמָחוֹל לִי פִּתַּחְתָּ שַׂקִּי וַתְּאַזְּרֵנִי שִׂמְחָה
“You turned my mourning into dancing…
my sackcloth into robes of joy” (30:12)
God, protect, preserve, and restore peace and well-being to Israel — your people.
Welcome home, B’ruchot Ha’baot, to Emily, Romi, Doron, Karina, Daniella, Liri, and Naama. And we pray that we may welcome home this week six more hostages, including Arbel Yehud and Agam Berger.
Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet
Bring Them Home (Rabbi Shalhevet)
January 27, 2025 by nssadmin • Blog
We Jews base our religious experiences on our origin story as freed slaves from Egypt. It is in the very fabric of our souls. We were in bondage and God brought us out to freedom.
We are living our own Exodus story now. As we celebrate the freedom of seven hostages in the last two weeks, we fear for those still in captivity. We care and share the suffering of those who are still awaiting word of their loved ones.
Just as our ancient ancestors exited Egypt wounded both physically and emotionally, our freed brothers and sisters are in need of healing and our support. Just as we wandered through a desert before entering the Promised Land, our beloved Israel, our freed family, their loved ones, in fact, all of us as Jews, have a long road ahead of us. But also, just like our ancestors, we will follow God, stay supported by our community and our heritage, and – God willing – once again, enter the land of milk and honey.
We pray that the cease-fire remains and all sides continue to hold to their agreements so that all hostages may be returned home to the love of their families.
As we witness the miracle of our hostage brothers and sisters returning home, we stand with each other in trepidation, anticipation, celebration, and yes, also sadness. At this time, I offer you a prayer written by Brandeis University Professor Reuven Kimelman.
“O healer of broken hearts, binder of their wounds” (Psalm 147:3)
be with our brothers and sisters who have been taken captive
and with the families of the victims.
Watch over the hostages, break their bonds,
and bring them out from darkness to light.
“Proclaim release to the captives; liberation to the imprisoned” (Isaiah 61:1)
Comfort the families of all those murdered
bring them under the shelter of Your wings.
Bring complete healing of body and spirit to all of the wounded,
bind up our wounds and grant us healing.
Shomer Yisrael, Guardian of Israel,
May we see the promise of the Psalmist:
הָפַכְתָּ מִסְפְּדִי לְמָחוֹל לִי פִּתַּחְתָּ שַׂקִּי וַתְּאַזְּרֵנִי שִׂמְחָה
“You turned my mourning into dancing…
my sackcloth into robes of joy” (30:12)
God, protect, preserve, and restore peace and well-being to Israel — your people.
Welcome home, B’ruchot Ha’baot, to Emily, Romi, Doron, Karina, Daniella, Liri, and Naama. And we pray that we may welcome home this week six more hostages, including Arbel Yehud and Agam Berger.
Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet