February 20, 2025
Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious Affairs, delivers a prayer following the return of murdered hostages by Hamas.
When the High Priest Aaron’s two children perished on what should have been his happiest day – the dedication of the Tabernacle – our Torah tells us that Aaron reacted with silence – “Va-yidom Aharon,” “And Aaron was silent.”
To this day, when we enter a shivah house to comfort the mourners, we are instructed not to speak until spoken to by a mourner.
When our words elude us, our tradition guides us in what to say.
From Eikhah, Lamentations:
Her enemies are now her masters, her foes are at ease…her infants have gone into captivity before the enemy.
Look about and see: Is there any agony like mine, which was dealt out to me?
Hear, all you peoples, and behold my agony: My maidens and my youths have gone into captivity!
I cried out to my friends, but they played me false.
From Tehillim, Psalms, recited even on our wedding days:
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory even at my happiest hour.
And on every Shabbat, also from Psalms:
May God grant strength to God’s people. May God bless them with peace
