Dear Friends,
Today we salute our veterans. We remind ourselves that veterans are a part of us. We remind ourselves that veterans have served and must not be forgotten when they return home. The way in which we relate to veterans is a reflection on us as all as a community and as a society.
Our Torah portion reminds us that our ancestors were also veterans. Abraham was a veteran, as was his nephew Lot. A significant part of their life stories and of their respective characters were affected and indeed informed by their experience of war, of grief, of victory and of loss.
We are blessed to have a tradition that teaches us that our ancestors were not superhuman. They were human beings with complex natures and with varied experiences – all of which we may use to learn more about ourselves and those around us as we study our sacred Torah.
May we appreciate the humanity of our veterans and may we find ways to express our appreciation of their service and of the challenges they face in their continued journeys back into civilian life.
Today we salute our veterans. May our veterans be blessed, appreciated and accepted as an integral part of who we are as a community and as a society.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Gilah Dror
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