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Israel Resource Page

Israel Resources

The situation in Israel is devastating and difficult to process. We want you to know that the Congregation Beth El community is here for you, along with Rabbi Cantor, Kedma Cantor (Education Director), and Staff. Contact us at 215-493-1707.

Please use this page as a resource on how to speak with children, where to make contributions, places where Jews can gather together, prayers and more.

This page will be updated as needed. 

Guest Speaker: Lavi Kreisman                         Donate

Click HERE for recording of Lavi Kreisman,
A reservist's unique perspective on
life in Israel post October 7.

Click HERE to make a donation to the Memorial Fund for the Families of the Fallen of Battalion 8208.

On the afternoon of January 22, 2024, during a battle in Gaza, a fateful explosion killed 21 soldiers from the 261st Brigade, which included 14 soldiers from Battalion 8208 (pictured above), decimating most of their platoon.

Purpose of the Fund:
To facilitate long term support for the families, widows and orphans of the heroes of Battalion 8208 who gave their lives in defense of the State of Israel.

Our Goal:
* An official Memorial site
*Psychological support for the children and parents 
*Annual commemorations of the memorial day and get-together of all the families of 8208
*Birthday celebration and gifts for the widows and orphans
*Gifts and support for Holidays, perhaps the most painful time without their fallen loved one. 

Memorial Fund for the families of the fallen -

Battalion 8208 
Israel Defence Forces

 

Donations are Tax deductable

A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War

by Rabbi Naomi Levy

God, our Strength and Protection, we pray for the State of Israel in this devastating time of war, shock and grief. Our hearts are breaking, God. We pray for the lives of the innocent civilians who have been heartlessly kidnapped by Hamas, bring them home, watch over them, God. We pray for the lives of the soldiers who have been taken captive, we pray for their safe return, shelter them, God. We pray for the souls of the innocent victims who were brutally slaughtered. Send comfort and strength, God, to the grieving. Send healing to the injured, and strength and wisdom to their doctors and nurses. We pray for all our brothers and sisters in Israel in this time of tragedy and crisis. 

Watch over Israel, God, spread Your shelter of peace over the land and over all our brothers and sisters who live there. Shine Your light upon Israel’s leaders, officers and advisers, help them to overcome all divisiveness and to act with clarity and determination. Protect the men and women who defend Israel, let them be safe and may they be victorious over the Hamas terrorists who attacked our people. Watch over them, God. Hear their prayers. Bring peace, God. Let it rain down from the heavens like a mighty storm. Let it wash away all hatred and bloodshed. Peace, God, please, God. 

God of the brokenhearted, God of the living, God of the dead, gather the souls of the victims into Your eternal shelter. Let them find peace in Your presence, God. Their lives have ended, but their lights can never be extinguished. May they shine on us always and illuminate our way.

Amen.

Prayer for Israel's Defense Forces and Those Being Held in Captivity

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL’S DEFENSE FORCES

May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless the members of Israel's Defense Forces and its security services who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God from the Lebanese border to the Egyptian desert, from the Mediterranean sea to the approach of the Aravah, and wherever else they are, on land, in air and at sea. May the LORD make the enemies who rise against us be struck down before them. May the Holy One protect and deliver them from all trouble and distress, affliction and illness, and send blessing and success to all the work of their hands. May God subdue our enemies under them and crown them with deliverance and victory. And may there be fulfilled in them the verse, “It is Adonai your God who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to deliver you.” And let us say: Amen.

 

PRAYER FOR THOSE BEING HELD IN CAPTIVITY

May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless, protect and guard the members of Israel's Defense Forces missing in action or held captive, and other captives among our brethren, the whole house of Israel, who are in distress or captivity, as we, the members of this holy congregation, pray on their behalf. May the Holy One have compassion on them and bring them out from darkness and the shadow of death; may God break their bonds, deliver them from their distress, and bring them swiftly back to their families' embrace. Give thanks to the Adonai for the loving-kindness and for the wonders God does for those who are formed in God’s image; and may there be fulfilled in them the verse: “Those redeemed by Adonai will return; they will enter Zion with singing, and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” And let us say: Amen.

Mon, April 29 2024 21 Nisan 5784