SJM_Israel Crisis Community Dept_1223Reg3FINAL.qxp_Dept 12 / 18 / 23 3 : 57 PM Page 1 The humanitarian crisis has also no - tably prompted an increased interfaith dia - logue within South Jersey communities . Es - tablishing open lines of communication between different religious and cultural groups allows for a broader understanding C of the conflict and its impact . South Jersey Jews are engaging in conversations with neighbors of various backgrounds , creating a deeper understanding and breaking down stereotypes . These dialogues not only strengthen community bonds but also pro - vide an opportunity for shared perspec - tives on the path to peace . “ On a personal level , I have had numer - ous clergy from other faiths reach out to check in on me since Oct . , ” Wexler notes . “ I know this has been the case for many of my rabbinic colleagues , as well . The support from non - Jewish clergy and friends means a great deal to our community . ” Coping with Conflict According to Sabrina Spector , executive director of the Jewish Community Rela - AS SOUTH JERSEY’S JEWISH COMMUNITY GRAPPLES WITH THE tions Council ( JCRC ) of Southern New Jer - sey , the council is working hard to promote ONGOING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN AND AROUND ISRAEL , THEY’RE interfaith dialogues . COPING WITH A COMPLEXITY OF EMOTIONS BY FINDING COMFORT “ JCRC is proud to have many strong in - IN UNITY , COMMUNITY AND DIRECT ACTION . by Kristen Jorgensen terfaith relationships , and they have only been strengthened these past several months , ” she affirms . “ Our allies have hen the militant group munity here in South Jersey , certainly in Is - stepped forward to show their support . For Hamas launched its Oct . 7 rael , and around the world . Heartbreak . example , we had many interfaith leaders W attacks on Israeli territory , Shock . Fear . Anxiety . Anger . Trauma . Uncer - attend our federation’s communitywide it marked the beginning of the 2023 Is - tainty , ” shares Rabbi Bryan Wexler from solidarity gathering for Israel on Oct . 10 , rael - Hamas war , which has since Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill , who and it was a powerful display of support to brought violence to not only Israel but adds that there has been an incredible ef - see them all on the bimah [ a synagogue’s also Palestine , Lebanon , Syria and fort to gather together within the Jewish raised platform from which the Torah is Iraq.The first instinct of many Jewish community . “ At the same time , the past two read ] with our rabbis and Jewish clergy Americans in the immediate after - months have been a tremendous time of during the singing of Hatikvah , Israel’s na - math was reaching out to their family unity and solidarity for the Jewish commu - tional anthem . ” and friends living in the small country nity . We have found a modicum of hope South Jersey’s students are demonstrat - of Israel , home to the world’s largest and comfort in the resiliency of the Jewish ing their commitment to providing a safe communities of Jews , comprising just community and the support of so many environment for their peers , as well . On 0.2 % of the global population . from outside of the Jewish community . ” Oct . 12 , after taking the recent “ surge in ha - The second - largest Jewish population The spotlight on the importance of tred and violence ” at Cherry Hill High lives in the United States , where many of community shines with the refuge many School East to heart , the student leaders of them know someone affected — directly or Jews are finding in their synagogues . The the school’s Jewish Student Union , Muslim indirectly — by the ongoing violence that , religious safe havens play crucial roles in Student Association and Middle Eastern at press time , has killed 1,200 Israelis and providing a space for South Jersey Jews to North African Association came together to wounded thousands more . In South Jersey , come together , to share their thoughts and release a joint statement underscoring home to its own vibrant and diverse Jewish to find solace . Rabbis and community lead - their collective determination to “ stand community , individuals are grappling with ers are leading with their responsibility to united against any form of harassment , the ensuing mix of emotions , connections address the diverse perspectives within and [ to create ] an inclusive and nurturing and concerns . The crisis has sparked a their congregations , fostering an atmos - environment for all . ” range of feelings , from sorrow and empa - phere of understanding and unity . Many “ We acknowledge that recent events in thy to frustration and confusion . South Jer - synagogues have organized special events , the Middle East have garnered significant sey Jews find themselves amid a complex prayer services and educational programs attention and concern , ” their joint state - dialogue , balancing their religious and cul - to help community members process their ment reads . “ It would be ignorant not to tural ties with broader geopolitical implica - feelings and gain a deeper understanding address these global issues . Our school tions . Some individuals may have family of the many complexities involved . community is a microcosm of the world , and friends who are directly impacted , “ As a synagogue rabbi , I may be biased , and it’s essential to recognize that events while others may feel a deep sense of re - but I think the synagogue has an important far beyond our borders can impact our stu - sponsibility to engage in conversations sur - role to play now , as well , ” says Wexler . “ We dents and families . We encourage open , re - rounding the issue . need each other more than ever . Syna - spectful dialogue and understanding of “ The past two - plus months have been gogues are serving as a place of refuge and these complex global issues to foster empa - very difficult for the collective Jewish com - support amidst this storm . ” SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume20 issue 9 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 50 |