Rabbi's Message

Dear TBS Family,

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with our loved ones in Israel. We have spent much of the night and this morning texting with family and friends, including members of our congregation, who spent the last many hours in safe rooms and bomb shelters. While there is clearly concern, there is also a deep sense of determination. 

Most of the external challenges that Israel faces have their source in Iran. For years, Iran has directly, and indirectly through its proxies, attacked and endangered the people of Israel and Jews around the world. Working towards an agreement on its nuclear program proved futile, and Israel was left to act in self-defense. We stand with Israel in its preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities, and we pray that it leads to a safer and more secure Israel and world.

We also continue to pray for the 55 hostages that remain in Gaza on this 615th day of the war. We stand with them and their families as they continue to endure the agony of their captivity. 

Here at TBS, we are in regular communication with JFED Security and the Cherry Hill Police Department. We will remain vigilant to keep our community safe. 

We will also continue to provide support for Israel through our advocacy, education, and tzedakah with our Am Yisrael Hai Fund. We stand ready to help our family there however we can. 

Finally, we are here for you. We know that there are many things in this complicated world that is causing stress and pain. Please reach out to us if we can help in any way.

During difficult times like these, we find strength in one another and in our TBS community. We invite you to come to shul tonight and tomorrow, to be together to sing, pray, comfort, and, yes, celebrate. All of this is the embodiment of Am Yisrael Hai.  

As we read in Psalms, Adonai oz l’amo yetain, Adonai yevarakh et amo bashalom. “May God grant strength to the people of Israel, and by doing so, may God bless us all with peace.” 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Peltz
Rabbi Wexler
Cantor Cohen
Rabbi Lindemann