I’m off to the Middle East for a couple weeks. I wish everyone a happy end to Ramadan and happy beginning of the Jewish new year. Well– those sons and daughters of Abraham, anyway!
I’m going to try and write from my destinations and keep an eye on the news. Others will be carrying the weight. During the high holidays I know I’m going to reflect on the mistakes I’ve made at this site over the last year, failures of kindness, understanding, and generosity of spirit, and also remember the many blessings of this work, chiefly all the serious people who come to this site because they think this community can be a fulcrum for change.
On that note I got on email today from Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb about a fast during the high holidays to atone for crimes against the Palestinians. Organized by the Shomer Shalom Network for Jewish Nonviolence. All are welcome:
People of all faith and cultural traditions are invited to join a morning to evening public fast from the third of Tishri through the fast of Yom Kippur in order to demand a new era of respect for Palestinian human rights. You are welcome to fast for all or any part of this period of time. We hope to attract a minyan of ten individuals around the country who will fast during the entire period…
The two-state solution is in serious trouble and the majority of Israelis and Palestinians no longer believe it will happen. Therefore, our actions from this point onward need to be conducted in a new way. We have to think outside the box. We cannot think outside the box without forming enduring relationships with Palestinians and Israelis who are working together to create meaningful change.
May this public fast encourage us to form new partnerships and take new steps. The future we shape is one where people live together as good neighbors, no matter what political solution finally emerges that establishes the parameters of peace. Peace on the ground will be shaped by civil society. How are we preparing the way?
