CONGREGATION OHAV SHALOM AND ISRAEL
Ohav Shalom is a Zionist congregation. We advocate for and support the right of our people to live as a free, safe, sovereign and democratic Jewish state in our historic homeland. We believe that Israel’s existence is a necessary part of the survival and flourishing of the worldwide Jewish people and a true benefit to the international community. Ohav seeks to maintain ties to our brothers and sisters – and all people – living in Israel through involvement in Israeli culture, openly supporting the state in times of crisis, deepening ties with individuals and communities there and visiting Israel as a community. In times of existential crisis for Israel, we as a community put aside entirely political differences to support the Jewish state and its people morally, physically, politically, and financially.
As a congregation with a diverse membership that is committed to welcoming all Jews and their families, Ohav does not apply litmus tests of loyalty to Israel or any viewpoint on Israel, nor do we monitor views that are stated – whether publicly or privately – outside of the synagogue. However, the community expects that all people joining us leave their public expressions of their political views on Israel “at the door of the synagogue.” This prevents our worship services and programs from becoming polarized and hostile, allowing us to remain ohavei shalom, lovers of peace. Our goal is to strengthen our internal unity by fostering Ohav Shalom as a Jewish community for all Jews of diverse Jewish backgrounds and their families. Maintaining our communal space as one that is politically neutral to the greatest extent reasonable is one important means by which to do this.
We pray fervently for the just resolution of all conflict between Israel and her neighbors speedily and in our day. As our prayers teach us: May God Who makes peace in the heavens, grant peace to us, to all of Israel and all humanity.
