Resilience is the quality required when the world does not go as

you wish and graciousness the quality required when it does.

Praying for both, and praying for America. -- Rabbi David Wolpe

The  - election is over. We will have a new president, a new Congress, and newly elected officials throughout our metro area. As a non-partisan Jewish organization, we congratulate those elected to political office at every level of government. We will work hard to develop positive, constructive relationships with our local, state, and national representatives so they understand the needs and interests of the Jewish community.

I am grateful to Rabbi Gary Oren of Congregation Shaarie Torah for sharing this beautiful prayer on election day. It is as important today as it was three days ago.

My grandmother used to say at election time, "Be grateful you live in a democratic country where you have the right to vote. Exercise that right! And remember those service members who made/make that possible."

Monday we will commemorate Veterans Day -- originally called Armistice Day – which began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" to recognize veterans of all wars.

Join me in celebrating and honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We stand united in our gratitude and respect for you.

With Veteran's Day on Monday and the election behind us, I thought it would be appropriate to share this “Prayer for Our Country” that we find in our prayer books:

Our God and God of our ancestors, with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government. Pour out Your blessing upon this land, upon its inhabitants, upon its leaders, its judges, officers, and officials, who faithfully devote themselves to the needs of the public. Help them understand the rules of justice You have decreed, so that peace and security, happiness, and freedom, will never depart from our land.

Adonai, God whose spirit is in all creatures, we pray that Your spirit be awakened within all the inhabitants of our land. Uproot from our hearts hatred and malice, jealousy, and strife. Plant love and companionship, peace, and friendship, among the many peoples and faiths who dwell in our nation. Grant us the knowledge to judge justly, the wisdom to act with compassion, and the understanding and courage to root out poverty from our land.

May it be Your will that our land be a blessing to all who dwell on earth, and may You cause all peoples to dwell in friendship and freedom. Speedily fulfill the vision of Your prophets: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. For all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know Me.” And let us say: Amen.

In a horrifying incident last night, assailants attacked Israeli fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team in the streets of Amsterdam after a game between the Israeli team and the local team Ajax – interestingly, one nickname for Ajax is "de Joden" (the Jews) and their fans refer to themselves as "Super Jews." (You can learn more here and here.)

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema described the attackers as "antisemitic hit-and-run squads." This, on the eve of the 86^th anniversary of Kristallnacht Remembrance Day.

Dutch Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs said in a statement with Jewish community leaders that they were “shocked but not surprised,” and that “this was not hooliganism … People walked through the street with masks on, asking [people] if they are Jewish and then attacking them and throwing them into canals. That is Europe in 2024."

In a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander said, “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again.”

The Jewish Federation is horrified and outraged at these hate-filled antisemitic, anti-Israel attacks in Amsterdam. The entire world must act now to condemn these attacks and take every necessary step to protect the Jewish community.

Some extra things:

I must share this fascinating article by Jack Wertheimer, professor of American Jewish history at the Jewish Theological Seminary. It provides an excellent overview of what has taken place in the American Jewish community since October 7. It provides context to the rise in antisemitism, Jewish philanthropy, “the surge” in greater participation in Jewish life, and our communal response. It is long, but worth reading.

Public service announcement: If you feel you may be a victim of a hate or bias crime, here is a new free community resource, the Victims' Rights Advice website. The website includes a portal where attorneys can answer questions about the criminal justice process for hate and bias crimes.

On Sunday, November 17, over 10,000 Jews across the globe will join together for a Global Day of Jewish Learning. This year’s study theme is “One People” – the connections that bind Jews together in common memory and destiny. This is a unique opportunity to connect with our tradition and learn with the worldwide Jewish community. Find out more here.

As we light our Shabbat candles tonight, let us illuminate the darkness of hatred and vow to stand against it. Let us also thank those who have or currently are bravely serving our country to provide the freedoms we enjoy. Wishing you and your family a Shabbat shalom.