Special Israel Healing and Protection Service

By Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

Dear Friends,

As Israel moves forward with its operation to end this devastating war, we are now getting a clearer picture of the pain, suffering, and devastation that has occurred so far. My heart is broken as I think about the people who were murdered, injured, and taken hostage. This time is filled with great anxiety, and keeping our minds from approaching the worst possible outcome is hard. We know that much suffering is still to come and will take a lifetime of healing. 

In my letter to the congregation on Monday, I encouraged us to join for prayer online and in person (on the few days during the week that we open Ellman Chapel).

This Thursday, October 12, at 6:00 p.m., please join us in Ellman Chapel for a special Mincha/Ma'ariv Service, where we will offer special prayers of strength, healing, protection, and courage for the days ahead.

In addition, I received a meaningful suggestion that we open Ellman Chapel each morning and evening throughout this week (Wednesday Evening, October 11–Monday Morning, October 16) for anybody who would like to sit in our sacred Ellman Chapel prayer space with a few others as we join the online platform in prayer. This is a time when we feel so alone, and our heart cries out to our sisters and brothers in Aretz Israel. Being together might bring a bit of comfort and courage as we strengthen ourselves for the difficult road ahead. Anyone is welcome to join us during the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 p.m.: Evening Minyan
  • Thursday, October 12, 7:15 a.m.: Morning Minyan (with the Torah service)
  • Thursday, October 12, 6:00 p.m.: Special Israel Healing and Protection Service
  • Friday, October 13, 7:15 a.m.: Morning Minyan
  • Friday, October 13, 6:00 p.m.: Shabbat Evening Service,
  • Saturday, October 14, 9:30 a.m.: Shabbat Morning Service (with the Torah service)
  • Saturday, October 14, 6:00 p.m.: Mincha (with the Torah Service), Seudah Sheleshet, Ma'ariv, Havdallah
  • Sunday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.: Morning Minyan (Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, with the Torah Service)
  • Sunday, October 15, 6:00 p.m.: Evening Minyan
  • Monday, October 16, 7:15 a.m.: Morning Minyan (Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, with the Torah Service)

I will be there each morning and evening to warm the room, and I hope you will join me if that is meaningful. 

If you can't come during minyan time but would like to sit in the Ellman Chapel during regular business hours to offer your own prayers, please call the office (404.355.5222) and let them know when you would like to come by. We welcome you with open arms.

Sending strength and comfort for the days ahead.