The Question of So Many of Our Minds – the day after.

After the release of all the remaining living hostages and the return of many of the dead bodies, we find ourselves on the cusp of the question that so many of us have been asking about Israel and the Palestinians. In many ways, we have been putting off dealing with this question not only for the past two years, but I might argue for the last hundred years. What happens when both sides finally declare peace?

Whatever the answer to this question, one thing is clear: for both sides to move forward, we need to find a way to talk to each other and build relationships. It is only through dialogue and connection that there is a future.

One group that has been quietly trying to turn the tide against hatred, enmity, and ignorance between Israelis and Palestinians is Roots. Roots was founded by Rabbi Hanan Schelsinger, a religious Zionist living in a West Bank settlement, and Khaled Abu Awwad, a Palestinian Arab from a neighboring village.

They have a compelling origin story and a blueprint for a future of peaceful coexistence that they promote through their engaging dialogue.

We have been privileged to invite them to MKT to speak and share their story. They will be here the weekend of November 21-22. We have several opportunities to hear from them. Starting Friday night, Rabbi Schlesinger will speak during services and carry over to a panel discussion between Rabbi Schlesinger and Khalid after Shabbat dinner. On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Schlesinger will deliver a dvar Torah, and finally, after lunch, we will hear from Khalid. We hope you can join us for all or some of the events during the weekend.

Register for Shabbat dinner.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel