Leaders must be above any suspicion of personal gain. They must avoid even the appearance of gaining personal profit from their public service. If leaders expect people to follow them then their decision making must be transparent. People must believe their leaders have the people’s best interests at heart.

Every time I visit Israel I come away with a renewed sense of hope.  When I sit here reading the newspaper or watching the news, it is easy to despair of the situation.  There, in Israel, people are understandably nervous about the future and even afraid what might happen next, but the devotion to neighbor, the sense of family is extraordinary. 

The Sabbath is the opportunity to let go of our everyday concerns.  It is a day on which we ignore the struggles of our weekday lives.  We are instructed (commanded!) to remove the troubles of the world from our thoughts and concerns. 

I still choose Zionism and Jewish sovereignty in this violent world that too often wishes us harm. But this year I am heeding Purim’s reminder that power often comes with violence done with our own hands and in our own name.

We must always keep the fires burning. We must always tend to bringing God’s presence into our lives and our world. The burning flame depends on us. In ancient times, the Israelites had to ensure that there was enough oil for the ner tamid.

When I’m here in Israel my impressions are formed by everyday Israelis. And they are extraordinary. They affirm my faith. They give me hope. Their examples serve as reminders of what this place can yet become. Despite over 500 days of war, their stories offer inspiration.