Newsletter Post – January 16, 2025

Earlier this week, I shared with a colleague that I have two tabs open in both my browser and my brain: the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, and the approaching hostage deal. As of writing, both Israel and Hamas have agreed to a hostage release and ceasefire agreement, and we will wait with bated breath until our hostages begin returning home. The Union for Reform Judaism and its affiliates, including the Reform Jewish Community of Canada, issued a statement this week, which I urge everyone to read: Reform Leaders Statement on Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement | Union for Reform Judaism. They open with the words from the prophet Jeremiah: וְיֵשׁ־תִּקְוָ֥ה לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ בָנִ֖ים לִגְבוּלָֽם׃. “And there is hope for your future, declares Adonai: Your children shall return to their borders.” There is finally a glimmer of hope after so many months of dashed hopes. Join us on Shabbat morning when we will pray fervently for the hostages’ safe return, for peace, for a future of safety for all.