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As the war with Iran rages on, your clergy at Mishkan Or are well aware that many in our greater temple community are taking shelter in safe rooms. At this fraught moment we offer the prayer below from Rabbi Paul Kipnes.
We will hold them all in our prayers.
For those who have loved ones in shelters…
A Shelter Prayer for Loved Ones in Israel
By Rabbi Paul Kipnes
O God who guards from skies above,
Be near as sirens wail and sound.
Wrap our kin in endless love,
Let fear not take its hold unbound.
Within this shelter, strong and deep,
Let trembling hearts find sacred rest.
Hold them in safety, still their sleep,
With hope and courage manifest.
As missiles arc and shadows fall,
Let angels guide where light can’t reach.
Let peace break through this terror’s call,
And comfort bloom beyond our speech.
Hashkiveinu, let it be,
A sukkat shalom over them be drawn.
Shield them with Your mystery,
Until again they rise at dawn.
Message sent June 13, 2025, to Mishkan Or Members: Dear Mishkan Or Family, |
As news unfolds of Israel’s operation targeting Iran’s nuclear program, our hearts instinctively turn eastward. We hold in our prayers the people of Israel—our friends, our family, and all who call that land home. And we also hold in our hearts the people of Iran—those yearning for safety, dignity, and freedom from a repressive regime. As we await greater clarity, it’s important to remember that this moment did not arise in isolation. For decades, Iran’s leadership has openly threatened the existence of the State of Israel while working to develop the nuclear capabilities to act on that threat. This is a regime that represses its own people and remains the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism. The danger it poses to Israel is not theoretical—it is deeply real and profoundly existential. If these reports are accurate, Israel has taken grave and decisive action to protect its citizens from that existential threat. We pray for a swift and safe return for Israel’s pilots and for calm and protection across the region. We pray that innocent lives—on all sides—be spared from harm. And we pray that, even in this moment of heightened fear and uncertainty, those who dream of peace may find strength, courage, and partners in building a better future. As always, your clergy and staff are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support or simply want to talk. And we invite you to join us for Shabbat services on Fridays at 6 pm (in person and livestream) —to rest, to reconnect, and to gather in prayer for peace, together as a community. Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu, v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen. On behalf of our entire clergy team, L’shalom, Rabbi Yael Dadoun |
Thank you Mishkan Or! You are a big part of this important victory within the World Zionist Congress for the Reform Jewish movement! We are proud of you.
A commanding victory! The Vote Reform slate received not only the most votes in the 2025 U.S. World Zionist Congress elections, but also the largest number of votes EVER received by a slate in the history of the WZC.
Our work is not done – we will continue to fight for pluralism and democracy. Especially in this time of increased antisemitism, our victory is an expression of our unwavering commitment to Israel. We’ll use our strong showing to continue to push for the release of the hostages and the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic State.
Hope and Resilience: Mishkan Or in Israel is a special trip being led by Rabbis Josh Caruso and Yael Dadoun and includes a visit to Kibbutz Sufa (including seeing some of our guests who visited us in September) to help rebuilding efforts, to meet with Israeli political and cultural leaders, to attend Shabbat worship at an Israeli Reform Jewish temple, and much more.
Would you like to join them? For costs and itinerary, contact Amy Aquila.