Central prays for Israel
A prayer gathering was held recently at Sydney’s Central Synagogue for the welfare and well-being of the people of Israel.
Rabbis pray
More than 400 people attended the special service chaired by the Central’s Chief Minister Rabbi Levi Wolff.
Rabbi Lau
Psalms were read by over 20 Rabbis representing congregations across Sydney, followed by words of inspiration from the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales President, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.
The Keynote Speaker, Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi David Lau, addressed the gathering live from Jerusalem via Skype. He delivered pertinent Torah teachings whilst expressing his gratitude to Sydney Jewry for coming together to pray at such a critical time for the people of Israel and the land of Israel.
This was followed by a moving memorial prayer for those killed in the war, as well as the uplifting singing of “Acheinu” by Rabbi Chaim Ingram.
Rabbinical Council Vice President Rabbi Eli Feldman shared moving stories from the war and encouraged the crowd to complete Mitzvah pledge cards which will be taken to Israel and personally delivered by Chief Rabbi Lau to the Kotel in Jerusalem.
The evening concluded with the reciting by Central Synagogue Chazan Rabbi Yehuda Niasoff of a Mi Sheberach prayer for all of the injured, as well as a special invocation of divine blessing and success for the Israel Defence Forces.
The event was organised by the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales.
It is of course right and rational that Jews across the world should pray for the welfare of the people of Israel, however I believe it is also important to offer prayers for those on the other side of the Palestine conflict. While I am convinced that Israel is not deliberately seeking out civilians to kill, nevertheless, innocent families are being blown to pieces in collateral damage caused by Hamas policy. Do they not also deserve compassion? How much more generous and ennobling a headline would “Jews pray for Palestinians” read?