Rabbi Howard Morrison

It is ironic that this week's Israeli elections coincide with Parshat Lech Lecha. In the Torah portion, God selects the first Hebrew (the term "Jew" was not yet known) in Abraham. As part of the covenant, God assures him and his descendants,  "I will assign this land to your offspring (Genesis 12:7)."

Fast forward four thousand years later, now a modern democratic State of Israel, elections were held this week. Once again, Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu won the election and is now tasked to form a majority coalition government.

As Diaspora Zionists, we support Israel's democratic governmental process. We do not side with any particular political party but with the citizens of Israel's collective decision to form its internal leadership.

Every Shabbat, we recite a prayer for Israel, which is relevant even more so this week:

"Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel: Bless the State of Israel, the dawn of our redemption. Shield it with your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel.  . . . Bless the land with peace and its inhabitants with lasting joy."

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison