An Open letter

Today is the 9th of Av- a terrible day for Jews historically. Both temples were destroyed on this day. The epulsion of Jews from spain occured on this day, the beginging of WW1 and many other tragedies occured on this day. Just last year Jews were expelled from their homes in the Gaza, so that there would be peace... yeah right- let's not hold our breaths. Kassams are falling on Ashkelon now.

I am writing to you today to let you know that I have figured it out - we are all one. It's as if we are on a boat, and one person begins to bang a hole in the boat. All others ask what are you doing, the response is, what do you care, this is my portion of the boat. all say- we'll all drown!...

This is our reality as Jews. We think our actions are individual but the effect is on all. Look at this PM Olmert- what a stupid thing to say, we'll go forward with the "disengagement". The expulsion, he means. Are there not enough Jews wandering homeless from the north now? there are still many from Gaza left without permanent housing. Now he talks about more land giving away to the people who want to drive us into the ocean?! To the kidnappers and the war mongers.

Yes, there was intant uproar- as well there should have been- and backing off the statement. But the reasoning behind the statement was faulty. Dangerous and suicidal- is he wanting to destroy this beautiful place I now call home? He is making a hole in the boat! But he says that it's his buisness to do such things. No, it isn't.

I am living in the Shomron, what others have decided to be the "west bank". I didn't think that I was going to join the ranks of the settlers, divine providence was responsible for this. Initially I was worried to be here, I listened to people saying we were going to be expelled with little notice, and that we would recieve no compensation as we are not long term residents. (indeed the gaza residents are still waiting for compensation) I worried what to do? I asked my father- what should I do? I love this place after only a few weeks. This is just right for my family. He asked others and the concensus was stay. It won't happen, this expulsion. I thought okay, now I can unpack. And I did. But I should have just realized that I am here for a reason and even though I don't know what it its yet, this is where I should stay.

I am just one woman in the entire Jewish Nation. I am repairing a hole. In a year and a half, my eldest son will be going into the IDF. This sacrifice is to much for me to think about. As you know, I love my son with every fiber of my being. This boy has been so much of my life. But he also has a job to do. He also has to repair a hole in the boat. We are just one family.

We all need to stop putting holes in the boat. We are entering very rough waters and we must be strong, united and sure about staying on course.

I think if each person repaired something, did acts of kindness towards others; or gave charity- our boat would become more ready to withstand the rough waters ahead. If we all actually believed that G-d wants us to return to him - in this boat- we would be on the right course. Loving each other enough to be kind and generous to all, that would be the best thing in the world. King Solomon says in proverbs "when a man's ways please G-d, even his enemies will make peace with him" a lot of tiny hole repair can really strengthen this boat we're in. And boy, could we use peace now.

I know that this all seems far too "religious" for many out there. I don't mean this to be a "telling you what to do" thing. But you are on the boat with me and I want us all to get to the port, not sink at sea. You are important to me. You matter. The Jewish Nation matters.

This Tisha b"Av should be our last fast. Here in Israel, I recognize the loss of the Holy Temple very accutely. Here the mourning and the sadness is palpable. We feel the loss.

There is an army base in our Yishuv. Reservists are coming in and relieving the guys on the front lines from 21 days of battle. The helecopters are bringing in the weary and taking the stronger to the front lines- May G-d protect them. Here, this battle is not news, it's real. Last night there were many soldiers in synagogue. Our boys and men know where there strength comes from. They know that we are part of the same boat and they are protecting us bravely.

We are Jews, chosen by G-d to be His nation. He chose for us to live in this land. All of it. Just take a minute out and think about it. What would our world be like if we Jews weren't persecuted but recognized as the conduits for light and peace and goodness in the world? That is what the Temple is to the world - it is a Lighthouse. and we don't have it and we need it to find our way home. but it's gone. and the storm is raging. and we have holes.

If you fast, have an easy one. Love you.