How I Can Do More

As I am reflecting on the past year and engaging in my own personal growth and spiritual renewal, I can’t say that what happened in Israel since October 7, 2023, will not be a part of my prayer, and spiritual renewal. It’s obvious that there are a lot of members of our community and beyond that will join me in prayer for the people of Israel, as well as introspection about the attack on October 7. We asked ourselves, “How can we, as mishpocha to the people of Israel, make sure that nothing like this happens again?”

During my personal growth I am planning to take the time to learn how I can do more to support the people of Israel. Sure, I gave donations and prayed for those that lost family members, the soldiers, the military responsible for fighting in the conflict and those leaders making strategic plans to stop Hamas, an Islamist militant group, from their stated goal of forcing Israel to release Palestinian prisoners.

My prayer time is meaningful and a conduit to my personal growth. There are various prayers for the “people of Israel” from different traditions. Most common Jewish prayers invoke G-d to bless and protect the land, its leaders, and its people. While other prayers often ask for wisdom and justice for leaders, peace and protection for all inhabitants and the dispersed communities. I always include healing, and peace to be established in my prayers, too.

New Year’s is thought of by Americans as a time to throw parties and celebrate, which is fun, and I enjoy that every year. Since we are focusing on Israel it’s hard for me not to be impacted by how victims of the conflict have endured during the October 7 surprise attack in which 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 815 civilians, were killed, and 251 taken hostages. How does one conduct spiritual renewal with this laying on your heart and in your mind? I am planning my renewal after the Tashlikh ceremony, which represents the spiritual act of leaving behind past mistakes and starting the new year with a clean slate. With respect to the people of Israel, I will acknowledge all those who suffered, lost and fought over the last year, and ask that all may cast off those experiences, thoughts and memories that are weighing us down.

My message to the people of Israel is: We are mishpocha and even though I am not on the frontline line fighting, I am there supporting in prayer, spirit and works. You are not alone. I will take time during Rosh Hashanah to work on ways that I can better support you and be a better advocate for all that we believe in.

Shana Tovah!

Kaylene Ladinsky is Editor and Managing Publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times and president of Southern Israelite LLC.