Beth Tzedec Congregation affirms our unwavering support for the State of Israel and her right — and responsibility — to defend her citizens and visitors from existential threats.

We are guided by the words of King David in Tehillim (Psalms 34:15):

"Sur me-ra va’aseh tov, bakesh shalom v’radfehu" —
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Seeking peace is not passive. It requires vision, clarity, and the courage to act—especially in the face of danger. As Iran continues to incite violence across the region and threatens Israel directly, we recognize the painful but necessary choices Israel must make to protect life.

We don’t know what the coming days will bring—politically, militarily, or emotionally. But we do know this: we have family, friends, and colleagues in Israel. Members of our congregation are there now. We hold them close in our hearts and our prayers.

We pray for the safety of all who live in Israel—for soldiers defending its borders, for civilians in bomb shelters, for leaders weighing impossible decisions. And we continue to pray for a future in which the vision of peace becomes real—when swords are beaten into plowshares and no one need fear again.

Until then, we stand with Israel—in faith, in grief, and in strength.

We, our Spiritual Leaders, are here for our community. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Rabbi Steven Wernick
The Anne and Max Tanenbaum Sr. Rabbi