I want to start out by inviting our community to please join me this Sunday evening, June 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom for the Israel Scouts Caravan. This is a program that we are co-sponsoring and is being put on by Leorah Eisenberg (daughter of Dr. Anne and Jerry Lidsky). Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/ScoutsCBS25 and come to show our support for the Israel Scouts. 

I started with the invitation because, like many of you, I feel challenged—and at times, hopeless—with all that is going on in the world, especially the ongoing war in Israel. I look at the news and see devastation on a global level. I scroll through social media and see how directly my friends’ homes and lives are being impacted. And I pause and wonder how I can even begin to process it all—what I can possibly do from my place here in the suburbs of Chicago? 

Originally, I had planned to write this message as a reflection on my week of learning at the New York campus of Hebrew Union College (HUC), where I was immersed in a week-long intensive for my Master’s in Jewish Education program. I was gathered with my cohort, a group that has become more like siblings than classmates. It was inspiring, challenging, and filled with meaningful growth. But as I landed back in Chicago and turned on my phone, I saw the news: Israel had struck Iran. The energy shifted instantly. Together through WhatsApp messages, we processed the weight of the news, holding space for each other in real time. The same way so many of you have reached out to your loved ones and friends. I will share more about what I learned and experienced in New York another time—but right now, Israel needs our focus more than ever. 

For some, this moment has sparked activism—marching, speaking out, posting online. For others, it’s brought forth pride—wearing Jewish symbols more boldly than before. And for many, there is a sense of fear and it’s all simply too much to take in. I want to say clearly: however you are feeling right now, it’s okay. Whatever you’re doing—or not doing—it’s okay. 

This week, I had the privilege of spending time as a guest educator at Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling. It’s the first week of camp, and they are fortunate to have a number of Israeli counselors working with them. Sadly, some nearby camps were not as fortunate, scrambling for coverage when counselors were unable to leave Israel. As I watched the young Israeli staff members keeping up with energetic first graders, I wasn’t sure what the “right” thing was to say. So I just walked up and said: “Thank you.” 

That moment reminded me of this week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach L’cha, where twelve scouts are sent to explore the land of Israel. Ten return with fear and despair. Only two—Joshua and Caleb—respond with faith and courage. They see the same reality but choose a message of hope. They don’t minimize the danger—they simply refuse to abandon their people to fear. 

In this moment of global uncertainty, we can choose to be like Joshua and Caleb—to be the ones who show up. Whether it’s attending a community event, reaching out to a friend, or simply whispering words of gratitude to an Israeli counselor doing their job far from home—these acts of presence, however small, matter. And of course there is always prayer, as well. 

So please join me Sunday evening. Let’s gather not just as spectators but as supporters. And if you cannot make it, think of other ways you can be present—because in times like these, showing up is an act of faith, of hope, and of love.  

Shabbat Shalom, 

Matt Rissien