Donating to Israel

My name is Mark McBride. I am the pastor of Encounter City Church here in Santa Rosa. Angelica kindly gave me your email. I just wanted to drop you a note to extend our prayers and support for you and your synagogue during this difficult time. I can't begin to imagine the challenges you are facing as Israel navigates these troubling times and as antisemitism seems to be a growing danger to the Jewish people in America and around the world. 

I simply wanted to reach out and let you know that myself, my family and our church have been and continue to pray for you and for Israel. I love the words of the Psalmist that declared, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they be secure who love you. Peace be within your walls and security within your towers." If there is anything that I can ever do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Blessings, Pastor Mark McBride

Dear Jewish Neighbors- We are heartbroken over the horrendous massacres in the nation of Israel, and the waves of anti-Semitism breaking out across the world. These atrocities cannot go unseen. You may feel abandoned by gentiles in your communities right now, and, for that, we are also more deeply grieved than we can properly express. We are a group of Christians who have meditated deeply on the horrors of the Holocaust, and who wish to stand against anti-Semitism, especially in troubled times, in times of persecution. You have our support both flowing from our understanding of our theology and also from simple human decency. No strings attached. We are raising funds for those suffering from these heinous attacks, and have been doing our best to raise awareness that the Jewish people are historically persecuted, have been increasingly persecuted from many groups (including Christian groups) and that gentiles who wish to be on the right side of history need to rigorously prepare to stand up for our Jewish friends at all times. We offer our hands, such as they are, in friendship. Anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We will do our utmost to help, though we are still a small group. If you ever feel threatened or attacked or unsupported, we will always be honored to assist, and to stand beside you in fighting the evil of anti-Semitism. Am Yisrael Chai,

Your Friends at Jacob’s Refuge JacobsRefuge.com

Dear Rabbi George and all the members of your congregation, the Church of the Roses is praying for you all: for your safety, for good health, and peace and strength during this tumultuous time! We hope you are coping with the stress by tapping into God's peace trusting God is with us through it all. Please let us know how we can be more supportive in tangible ways. Our hearts go out to you and to all involved in the conflict in Israel.

Grace and peace, Rev Dr Cindy Alloway, on behalf of the Church of the Roses

We are a residential volunteer community of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners managing an educational nonprofit with the joint mission of environmental stewardship and the provision of affordable retreat facilities.

We are writing to express our community's support for your congregation at this time. We are horrified not only by the attack of October 7th, but also to see the increase in blatant and violent anti-Semitism around the world, and the ease with which this is becoming mainstream. Coming from a range of backgrounds ourselves, we are united in our belief that ignorance and hatred only lead to more suffering, and we try where we can to address the misinformation and prejudice that is feeding the present turmoil.

Our community prays for peace, well-being and freedom for all beings, and we are deeply pained by the suffering unfolding for so many in this war. At the same time, especially now, we are clear about the need to support the Jewish community specifically. And so we reach out to you to express our care, ongoing.

And while we know you have a beautiful space there in town, if your congregation at some point wishes to seek some respite in a peaceful, safe and private space about an hour from Santa Rosa – we are on 485 acres of hills and forest – please know we would be honored to welcome you. We understand that right now you may not have the time or space to respond.

We just wanted to let you know we are with you, and invite you to connect at any time in future. We stand with you in mourning those murdered, and offer sincerest prayers for the swift return of the hostages, and for the relief of all those suffering as a result of the attacks. May those who now have to fight always return safely to their loved ones, and may you all find comfort and strength in your spiritual community and your shared prayers.

With very best wishes, Kerstin Hall on behalf of Padmasambhava Peace Institute www.padmapeace.org, www.blackmountaincenter.org, www.atiling.org

The news of the Hamas attack on Israel’s citizens is horrifying.  Whether the motive was to provoke a more regional engagement of neighboring Arab countries or a singular act of aggression out of Gaza the magnitude of lives lost and injured thus far is alarming.

I and First Presbyterian will offer prayers as we gather for worship.  We will pray for the people of Israel, healing of both lands, and we will pray with and for your own communities in solidarity of our common faith and trust in God.  We pray for your leadership and the weight you carry.  May peace rule.

Your friend and colleague, Dale Flowers

Israel on Our Minds - Reflection and Action

Dear Shomrei Torah Family & Friends,

This has been one of the most devastating weeks for the Jewish people in my memory. News of the atrocities committed by Hamas continue to come to light and Israel’s aerial attacks on Gaza intensify. Like many of you, Laura and I are sick with grief and worry about what comes next. It’s hard to think or concentrate. I’m struggling to limit my news consumptions knowing well the deleterious effects of secondary trauma. The waiting reminds me of the fires; worry about everyone’s safety, wondering if and when the winds will turn, our house will be spared, the smoke will clear. The feeling of helplessness. The whole mess is triggering.

And yet, there are things we can do to help the Israeli branch of the Jewish people as well as ourselves. Our website now has a curated list of organizations aiding Israel in need of funds as well as links to other resources including opportunities for public advocacy in the Bay Area. Within your comfort level, I also suggest monitoring print and online media, including local papers, with an eye towards responding to the Israel bashing that has already begun.

We help ourselves by coming together as a community, whether it be at the Prayer Vigil we held last Tuesday night, regular Shabbat Services, or any other program or gathering we offer. When we come together, we hold each other up and remind ourselves that we are not alone.

I also want you to know that Congressman Mike Thompson called me yesterday to let me know that he is there for us and advocating for Israel in Washington. Police Chief John Cregan of the Santa Rosa Police Department is also in regular communication and his officers are increasing their patrols in our area.

Finally, I suggest intensifying your Jewish practice. Light Shabbat candles, come to Torah Study, join us for Jewish Mindfulness Meditation, or consider any number of other ways you can feed your neshamah, your soul. We are a strong and resilient people and part of that grit comes from the Practices and Traditions of our ancestors which we recharge through our personal engagement!

Sending y’all love and strength…

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi George

We are heartbroken by the news of the terrorist attacks that are taking place in Israel. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who have suffered unimaginable loss and pain. Acts of violence and terrorism have no place in our world, and we unequivocally condemn them.

As a congregation that values peace, unity, and compassion, we stand in solidarity with the people of Israel during this difficult time. We pray for the healing of those injured and for strength and comfort for the bereaved families. We also express our unwavering support for the efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.

In moments like these, it is essential that we come together as a community to support one another and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of peace, justice, and tolerance. Let us continue to pray for a world where such tragic events become a thing of the past, and where all people can live in safety and security. We would also like you to know that while things are tenuous abroad, we have been in touch with local Law Enforcement and are heightening our efforts to keep us safe and secure on our campus.

Please join me in sending our thoughts, prayers, and love to the people of Israel during this challenging time. Together, as a congregation, we can make a difference and be a beacon of hope for a better, more peaceful world.