“Reform Leaders statement on hostage release and ceasefire agreement,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings
January 17, 2025 | 17 Tevet 5785
Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a reflection as we move toward Shabbat.
On this Shabbat as we celebrate justice and kindness, our hearts are filled with hope that the devastating war in Israel and Gaza could end and the hostages could be returned to their families. We have longed for this day and may it soon arrive. I share here the statement from our Reform movement of which we are a part. Though the need for much healing remains, may we enter Shabbat with the hope of peace on our lips and hearts. Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום
Reform Leaders Statement on Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement
January 15, 2025
וְיֵשׁ־תִּקְוָ֥ה לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ בָנִ֖ים לִגְבוּלָֽם׃
“And there is hope for your future declares Adonai: Your children shall return to their country.” (Jeremiah 31:17)
Today is a moment we have prayed to see for more than 15 months. We welcome today’s news of a ceasefire and hostage agreement with bittersweet joy: with open arms to embrace and welcome home the hostages, with hearts filled with deep appreciation for all those who made this ceasefire possible, and with heartfelt prayers that, from the ashes of this enormous tragedy, a process might finally emerge that leads to true and lasting peace with security for all.
Since October 7, 2023, we have held close to our hearts the Jewish obligation to prioritize redeeming of the captives. We are hopeful that the agreement announced today will ensure the return of all hostages to their loved ones and look forward to the joyful reunions of those who have been separated for so long. We pray that all those displaced from their homes in the Gaza envelope and the north will be able to return and rebuild their lives among their beloved friends and neighbors. We also take solace in the fact that the ceasefire begins an end to the suffering of all Israelis and Gazans impacted so terribly by the war. To prevent further suffering and death of additional IDF soldiers, hostages, and innocent Gazans — now is the time for those who have consistently blocked this agreement, especially Hamas, to steadfastly uphold this accord.
The wounds of October 7th will remain forever: the lives taken so violently; the families torn apart; the physical and sexual violence; the mental and emotional tolls; the homes and communities destroyed; the hostages who will never return; the hostages who have returned and will return with scars both visible and invisible; the sacrifices of IDF soldiers and their families; and the innocent Gazans who have suffered horrific losses of lives, homes, and communities.
President Biden and Secretary Blinken, along with so many others in the Administration, have been tireless in their efforts to free the hostages and end the war. They have opened their doors and their hearts to the hostage families and used every lever at their disposal to hasten this day. We are deeply appreciative of all they have done to bring this ceasefire to fruition. We are thankful as well for the constructive role played in recent days by members of the incoming Trump administration, who helped make this elusive agreement a reality. We continue to pray for the hostages and their families, for the healing of Israelis wounded and displaced, for unimpeded humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, and for a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Union for Reform Judaism
Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)
American Conference of Cantors
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Women of Reform Judaism
Women’s Rabbinic Network (WRN)
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We join together onsite and online for Shabbat Tzedek with Dr. Charles E. Carter Jr., CEO and Head of School at Beacon Academy at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome at this service full of prayer, meditation, and music. Afterwards, join us for a festive oneg, catered by local Black-owned restaurants, featuring the opportunity to join in Israeli dancing. Register here to join on Zoom.
On Shabbat morning, we gather at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel for Shabbat Tzedek Service and Torah Study with Avi Edelman: “Complicating the Narrative: Jews, the Civil Rights Movement, and Lessons for Today.” Register here to join on Zoom.
TGIS gathers onsite at 10:00. No registration necessary. Contact Heidi Smith Hyde with questions
We gather at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at Bethel AME Church. Join us and our neighbors at Bethel AME Church, 38 Walk Hill Street, Jamaica Plain, for a Sunday worship and Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, featuring a joint sermon by Temple Israel and Bethel AME clergy.
See Temple Israel’s webpage for Livestream options.
Rabbi Elaine Zecher