Suicide bombers attacked the Israeli and US embassys in Tashkent (Uzbek’s capital) today. As I write this, the news is just starting to come through, so try news sources for the latest. Here is a report from Haaretz.

May the casualties be few.

This week’s commentary is from Rabbi Naomi Levey on the prayer of Moses early in the portion. She connects his prayer with how we might ourselves pray, espcially what we can do when we, like Moses, do not feel that our prayers are answered.

Please note that I will be away from internet acces for some of the coming week, and may not be able to post.

Wishin you and yours a Shabbat Shalom,
Go and Study!!

Shavuah tov. While doing some work on my personal library today, I came across a poem on Jewish identity. Written by a 16-year-old young woman, it’s gentle words have a message which I’d like to share with you:

Judaism is like a flower
One among millions
I never noticed how bright its colors
or its uniqueness
Until I saw the hand
reach down to pick it
I grabbed that hand
and tried my best
To keep its colors
brighter than ever.
by Heather Blaine, 16 at Summer Academy II Kutz Camp, 1989.

Today was another sad day in Israel. Judge Adi Azar was shot dead outside his home in Tel Aviv. As of my last check of the news coverage (like at the Jerusalem Post), little is known about who killed him outside his home or why.

May his family find some strength in one another and in the community.

Israel/Peace/Shalom/Salaam is a new blog focusing on peace and co-existence. Here is a quote from the first post:

he focus of this Blog is to share thoughts about peace and coexistence in Israel, as well as to report about my participation in various peace events, conferences and informal get-togethers. This blog is not politically slanted, although I surely have my own biases. My main bias is life–I am on the side of life– I believe that all nationalities, ethnic groups and religious groups are able to live in peace and harmony.

Thanks to Lights in the Distance for the info!

May peace be built throughout the world day by day.

Shavuah tov. A good new week to you and yours. I hope that this will be a week of peace, learning and joy for everyone. I specifically pray for all those who live in fear or sadness or pain.

This week’s Torah portion is a double portion which comprise the last two portions of the book of Nunbers, Matot/Ma’asei. This week’s linked commentary is by a rabbinical school colleague of mine, Rabbi Andrea Lerner and is titled “My Word: The Laws of vows teach that our words have the power to create holiness between us.”. If you would like to dive a bit deeper into the power of words, she has also written a drash/commentary on “A Woman’s Word”.

Go, learn and enjoy!

Today terrorists from Arafat’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs brigade set off a bomb near the central bus station in Tel Aviv, killing one woman, Ma’ayan Na’im, and injuring many more. You can read coverage from Ha’aretzor the Jerusalem Post or Ma’ariv. May all those injured have a speedy and complete recovery. May Ma’ayan’s family find comfort and solace from family, friends, and the knowledge that many of us are saddened by her murder.

Yes, I have been out of the blogging (and news reading & relaying) loop. I just learned today that NATO has invited Israel to join 6 other Middle Eastern countries in a “NATO Partnership.” You can read more about this on Ha’artez. Hopefully, this will help Israel’s place on the world stage. (I’m not terribly hopeful, but it would be nice.) Let’s just hope that NATO does not take the same steps as the UN does about Israel and be completely swayed by the hate and bias amongst some of the delegates.

Leah at Jerusalem Wanderings and her family survived what could have been a deadly gas poisoning. They were saved by her daughter’s arrival home and quick actions. Read all about it.

May all our family and friends live in safety and in the presence of G-d’s miracles.