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Community Israel Resources

Rabbi Kantor's Resources for Members of the Jewish Community and Other Supporters of Israel

Introduction

As we begin to fully comprehend the horrors that occurred as part of the October 7 pogrom/massacre, we came to the realization that we, as Jews and supporters of Israel, are at war against evil - and that war is awful by nature. We may not be on the front lines with missiles falling all around us as we run back and forth to our bomb shelters, but nevertheless we are scared, nervous, and looking for ways that we can help from 6,000 miles away.

The following is a list of resources to help you and your loved ones understand what is going on, and to stand up for, support, and defend Israel with factual information.

I will be updating this information with new resources as I learn about them, and invite you to email me at rabskantor@bnaimoshe.org with any other resources you feel might be worth sharing.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF - We are hurting, as this brings up all kinds of generational trauma. We may be suffering from Vicarious Trauma, which is very real. CLICK HERE to read more about this as it relates to our community. Please recognize that we need each other.

Finally - I ask you to please SHOW UP. Join us in learning, praying, singing, demonstrating, and volunteering. The more that we raise our voices together, the stronger we will be.

Am Yisrael Chai

Rabbi Kantor

Information Sources

PLEASE check and double-check anything you read or hear about before repeating or reposting it. There is far too much misleading or blatantly false information out there, and we must be absolutely dedicated to representing the truth.

Reliable Israeli Media in English

Background Information to Help You Understand the Situation

  • Unpacked: Israel at War A guide to understanding the war between Israel and Hamas. This selection of videos, podcasts, and articles is a great place to start.
  • Knowledge is Power A guide of facts to respond with about Zionism and Israel.

Podcasts or Thinkers To Listen To For New Perspectives

  • For Heaven's Sake Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi talk through a series of deep and emotional conversations that explore the moral and ethical issues and ramifications behind the war.
  • Identity Crisis In a frenzied media cycle, Identity/Crisis delves into the big ideas behind the news from a uniquely Jewish perspective. Host Yehuda Kurtzer is interviewing some of the great thinkers about Israeli society, diaspora Jewish society, and their reflections on the war.
  • Israel Story Israel Story's mission is to promote a deeper understanding of - and connection to - Israel, through non-political, human-interest storytelling.
  • Call Me Back - with Dan Senor A deep dive using history to fully understand the current reality in Israel. Dan Senor brings on some of the top minds in the Jewish world from academics, to politicians, to media personalities to help us make sense and sort out the many different voices coming from Israel. Each episode is about 1 hour.

Actions You Can Take

Write a letter to a soldier - Join others worldwide in writing letters or sharing drawings/pictures for Israeli soldiers on the front lines. This is an opportunity to show the IDF support for defending the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Anyone of any age can participate in this small but significant gesture of support. Letters can be uploaded to Dropbox - CLICK HERE to upload messages of hope and gratitude.

#BlueRibbonsforIsrael is a global solidarity campaign. The blue ribbon symbolizes support and solidarity for the safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in Israel. It symbolizes solidarity with the hostages, their families, and all who care about their safety. These ribbons will be distributed to community organizations in the coming days.

Donations of soldier supplies, and volunteering in Israel - the IDF has indicated that they are not experiencing shortages, even though some materials have not yet reached the intended troops. The IDF requests that all donations be channeled through accredited organizations like the FIDF and the Association for Israel's Soldiers.

Put up a Mezuzah - Both considered a spiritual protection and a definite expression of pride in your Jewish Identity. Please contact Rabbi Kantor if you would like assistance with this, or if you would like one of the University of Michigan or Michigan State University Mezuzot he has ordered. Kosher scrolls are also available for purchase through the Sisterhood Gift Shop.

One Minute A Day - Bring them Home! Contact your elected representative by inserting your ZIP code and making phone calls and emailing your congressperson and senators.

Inspirational Videos

Avinu - Prayer for the State of Israel - The Maccabeats, @Six13Sings, @YStudsACappella

Dr. Mijal Bitton - Speech at Oct 26 2023 NYU Rally, “Never Again is Now”, Washington Square Park.

Prayers You Can Say

Prayer for Israel

Prayer for Israel Defense Forces

Prayer for Hostages and Lyrics to Acheinu

Acheinu YouTube Link we will be singing this song every Shabbat service at B'nai Moshe 

Sun, December 3 2023 20 Kislev 5784