News and Updates Clergy Corner

The Jewish people may never recover completely from the horrors of October 7th. I remember visiting the Nova exhibit when it came to Miami and reliving the images from that day that are permanently seared into our memories. Here in the US, we were
shocked that a pogrom-like scene reminiscent of our people’s painful history could unfold within the borders of the State of Israel.

The level of Hamas’ evil and depravity shook each of us to our core. But for many Jews, it did not frighten their Jewish identity, it re-awoke it. The term “October 8th” Jew was coined in order to refer to Jews everywhere who felt the immediate need to reunite with their people. It brought American Jews closer to Israel. It brought Israeli Jews closer to Judaism. And it reminded all of us that we are one family with one shared destiny.

Ever since October 7th, the worldwide Jewish community has rallied toward support of Israel. Our own Miami Jewish community has raised untold millions for various charities supporting Israel, we have had numerous solidarity missions, and we have recommitted ourselves to our Zionist principles. Attendance at services, memorial services, and other Israel related programming has grown by leaps and bounds because Jews feel the need to be together in critical moments and stressful times. In early February, something remarkable happened that I never imagined. We got complaints that there were not enough Torah books available for everyone who was coming to Torah study!

For many Jews it became clear that after October 7th, if we wanted to be able to defend Zionist principles, Israel’s right to exist and live peacefully within her borders, and Israel’s right to defend herself, then we had to study up on Israeli history and the Middle East conflict. October 7th caught many American Jews off guard when the tsunami of delegitimisation and antizionist rhetoric came barreling over us. However, what also became clear was that it was not so easy to defend our people when we didn’t know exactly what we stood for, why we were in the right, where we come from, who we are, and what we believe. This became the impetus for some of you to pick up a book and join us at Torah study! I want to encourage more of you to do so. We have a rich and fabulous heritage. It belongs to all of us. Don’t deprive yourself of it. Come learn Torah with us. You will learn where you come from, and if you are willing to arm yourself with real Torah knowledge, then you may also figure out where you are going as we each stand up for the principles that have been passed down to us from generation to generation!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Jeremy Barras