Shabbat Shalom from Sam: The Heartbeat of Our Community

A good friend, whose opinion on current events, Israel, and antisemitism I deeply value and respect, and I were texting back and forth late Wednesday night. I told her that for this week’s Friday message, I felt like my Jewish values were calling me to write about the continued suffering of the remaining 50 hostages and the terrible conditions in Gaza. And, because some of these conversations can be difficult and emotionally charged, I asked for her guidance and insight. 

“Yes, it is worthwhile,” she answered me in response to my text. “It has been a week of asking ourselves really tough questions and having these conversations is really important right now.” I agree.  

It can seem easier to avoid the subject completely. Even within the Jewish community, deep fractures have emerged since October 7, intensified by the ongoing war and conflict, and the suffering experienced by everyone involved. And our JCC community is diverse, and our job is to engage, serve, and reflect that community, a community made up of Israelis, children of Holocaust survivors, people of different faiths, and individuals who each bring their own histories, identities, and perspectives. Our diversity is what makes our community so special. 

The JCC’s values explicitly outline our deep connection to the land, people, and culture of Israel. But even more broadly, the Jewish community is one living entity. We may be separate physical bodies and have a multitude of perspectives, but we are spiritually united. Israel is deeply intertwined with who we are as Jews and has been for centuries. In many ways, Israel is like the heartbeat of the Jewish community. And, as we all know, the heart is key to life. 

Being part of a community carries responsibility as well. As Jews, we typically pray in the plural, recognizing that our deepest desires are not limited to ourselves. When one of us is in pain, we all suffer, which holds true regardless of someone’s beliefs or background. Providing humanitarian aid to Gaza is the right thing to do and Israel is working to do just that, recognizing that Hamas has created the situation while acknowledging that regardless of who is responsible, fellow human beings should not suffer. At the same time, antisemitic rhetoric is seemingly everywhere, at least on my social media feeds. To be clear, it is not antisemitic to criticize the policies and government of Israel. However, what is antisemitic is holding Israel to a different standard and directing hatred and vitriol towards the Jewish community.

So, what are the tough questions many of us are asking ourselves? Some of mine include, “How do I help myself and my community navigate holding multiple perspectives at the same time, especially when nuance can easily be lost? How can we create intentional spaces to respectfully discuss the hurt, concern, and fear many of us are facing? Can our hearts grapple with any more loss? Which media source is sharing the truth?” And finally, “When will this be over?”

I don’t have the answers to these questions, though I will continue to seek them out on behalf of my community and my people. In the meantime, I am praying deeply for those who are suffering – Israelis (particularly those hostages who remain in Hamas captivity) and Gazan civilians alike – and for our JCC community’s love and compassion toward one another to sustain and empower us as we navigate these difficult times.

Shabbat Shalom,

Sam Dubrinsky

JCC Indianapolis CEO