“Seven Hundred Days,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings
September 5, 2025 | 12 Elul 5785
Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection, as we make our way toward Shabbat. You can also listen to it as a podcast.
Today, on Friday, September 5, 2025, the 12th of Elul 5785, we have reached the 700th day of captivity. This is no accomplishment or reason to celebrate. The number 7 has many positive associations to it: the days of the week, the number of blessings offered at a wedding and more. They represent fullness, completeness, wholeness, but not on this day. 7 times 100 equals misery, incomplete and broken into pieces. To free the captives is a blessing we say every time we pray. Those words speak of a sacred intention. We are not there yet and they, those held against their will and humanity, are not home yet.
I walk into our museum and see their faces. Some have been released. Others are no longer alive and the rest, which number around 50 are in limbo between life and death. May their families soon embrace them. May the suffering caused by war, callousness,and hate end soon and may peace prevail.
Shabbat Nachamu Shalom! שבת נחמו שלום
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions. Share with me what you think. Your email goes directly to me!
Rabbi Elaine Zecher