Pogrom is in fact an apt description of what transpired on Amsterdam’s streets last week, and some of what has continued into this week. Let us not add to the world’s denial of this growing violent reality. Yesterday has become today.

Abraham’s example reminds us that this magnanimous spirit is his genius. This is why he is called by God. Perhaps the mark of a true leader is one who he gives up and gives in. Abraham is a God-chosen leader because he relinquishes what he has every right to claim is his alone.

There will always be cracks. It is not about ignoring them or most especially discarding them. It is instead about acknowledging these imperfections and making them a part of an even more beautiful whole.

Simcha, however, is a feeling that we feel deeply. It is something that consumes our whole being. There can be joy where there is also pain. Even when happiness is absent and smiles come less frequently, joy can exist.

And this year most especially I would like to build on Rabbi Eliezer’s vision and dream that even our temporary structures become shelters of peace. May God’s clouds of glory become sukkot of peace!

Loyalty and agreement are not the same thing.  Unity can come with diversity of opinion.  Zionism need not mean fealty to Israel’s current government. It means instead attachment to our Jewish story and that story centers around the land of Israel and the people of Israel.