Rabbi - Tikvat Israel Congregation

Today is the 1st day of Sivan, the 45th day in the counting of the Omer and the 600th day of captivity for the hostages. 600 days. 600 days of death, destruction, disease and misery for everyone in the region. It is well past time to bring home each of the 57 remaining hostages, to end the war, and to find a path forward to build a better future for Israelis, Palestinians, the region and our world. In just 5 days, the Jewish people will mark Shavuot, celebrating God's gift of Torah with its 613 commandments. Of these 613 mitzvot, Rambam teaches that אין לך מצוה גדולה כפדיון שבויים - no mitzvah is more important than redeeming the captives. (Gifts to the Poor 8:10-12). The Midrash teaches: גָּדוֹל הַשָּׁלוֹם, שֶׁכָּל הַבְּרָכוֹת כְּלוּלוֹת בּוֹ - Peace is so important that we must conclude all our prayers with prayers for peace. (Vayikra Rabbah 9:9) To prove ourselves worthy of God's great gift, we must take any action in our power to enact these two principles: Release the hostages. End the war. NOW!

Today is the final opportunity to vote in the world Zionist Congress elections. Don’t miss out! https://www.mercazusa.org/votemercaz2025/