We would not publish on Shabbat or a holiday, such as Shemini Atzeret, under ordinary circumstances.

We are writing today in response to the sickening and heartbreaking attack on the people of Israel, with reports of massive fatalities and Israeli hostages being taken to Gaza by Hamas, that began early today.

We grieve the terrible loss of Israeli life and the Jewish community in the Heart of New Jersey stands in total and complete solidarity with our Israeli brethren and with the brave military forces of the State of Israel who are responding and will defend our beloved Jewish state. 

We pray for their safety and will do everything we can to support all our brothers and sisters in Israel. 

SEE BELOW FOR A WEBINAR AND LOCAL PRAYER VIGIL & SOLIDARITY EVENTS SUNDAY, OCT. 8

The prayer for the State of Israel we recite in synagogue every week - including this morning - says ונתת שלום בארץ ושמחת עולם ליושביה - “Grant peace in the land and happiness to all its residents.” On this day, which is the holiday of Simchat Torah in Israel - we literally sing and dance with simcha - with happiness. Today is not a day of simcha in Israel, but it is a day of solidarity, determination and utmost seriousness.    

This is a moment of unmistakable and unprecedented crisis — one of the worst chapters in the history of Israel and the Jewish people in recent memory. Your donation is URGENTLY NEEDED NOW to support the humanitarian response infrastructure in place and our humanitarian aid partners on the ground as the entire Jewish community mobilizes to meet this fast-developing situation that is likely to continue. PLEASE GIVE NOW.
Thank you.

Pease join us in prayer for safety, security, and peace. 

Israel will prevail and the Jewish people will stand together as we always do.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Susan Antman, Executive Director
Murray Katz, President

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OPERATION SWORDS OF IRON WEBINAR UPDATE - SUNDAY, OCT. 8 AT 12 NOON ET
REGISTER

COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY PRAYER VIGIL - SUNDAY, OCT. 8 AT 5:00 PM ET
RUMSON JEWISH CENTER AT CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL & MONMOUTH REFORM TEMPLE

Sunday, Oct. 8 at 5PM ET, at The Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel, the congregation joins with Monmouth Reform Temple to offer continued prayers and recite psalms. Dan Rozett, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey's Director of Community Relations and Israel Engagement will speak.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86196827372pwd=TzloV0ptMzhlVllramhPRDlseHJmZz09

COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY GATHERING WITH A GROWING LIST OF SYNAGOGUES & ORGANIZATIONS
MARLBORO JEWISH CENTER, SUNDAY, OCT. 8 AT 7:30 PM ET