Parshat Vayera opens with a striking scene: God appears to Abraham as he recovers from his circumcision. This divine visitation, rare and profound, is interrupted by three strangers who approach weary and in need. Abraham then faced a choice: remain in his spiritual communion with God or extend hospitality to these unknown travellers. He chooses the latter in a remarkable act of kindness, embodying the Jewish principle of prioritising care for others even over personal spiritual experiences. This moment teaches us the value of collective responsibility over individual pursuits, a theme that resonates throughout Jewish ethics.

Abraham’s response to the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a profound model of moral courage and compassion. Here, Abraham does not remain silent or passive. Instead, he stands before God and challenges the decision, pleading for the possibility of innocent lives within the city, asking, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23). Abraham’s willingness to confront even God on matters of justice illustrates a central value in Judaism: the pursuit of righteousness and the sanctity of innocent lives, even in a society engulfed by evil.

The dilemma of confronting profound evil echoes through the ages and resonates in our world today. Just as Abraham grappled with the destruction of Sodom, modern societies face difficult questions regarding how to confront entities and ideologies driven by hatred and violence. In the case of Israel, where security concerns and existential threats remain, the necessity of defending the homeland can bring forth heartbreaking decisions. Hamas and similar groups, with their ideologies of destruction and the propagation of hatred, present complex challenges, particularly when their actions endanger the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.

For Israel, there is no other homeland; this is the heart of the Jewish people. The question of how to respond to forces that seek to destroy it is as pressing as ever. Abraham’s story underscores that while the preservation of innocent lives is paramount, there are times when confronting and eradicating evil becomes necessary, even if it brings great sorrow. In situations where a society or group is so overtaken by hatred and violence that it poses an existential threat, difficult actions may be needed to protect one’s people and preserve the possibility of peace.

Yet, as Abraham’s story also suggests, the hope for justice and mercy remains alive, even when hard choices must be made. Abraham’s plea is a reminder of the enduring Jewish commitment to weigh justice with compassion, seeking ways to minimize harm while protecting the innocent. Today, this moral framework guides Israel and others who confront similar moral dilemmas, striving to balance the imperative to defend against threats with a commitment to uphold the values of justice, humanity, and the sanctity of life.

They say that the MarChesvan is with any festival. However, it is the month of Yahrzeits. The month starts with Yahrzeit of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late Sephardi Chief Rabbi. Following this is the  Aish Hakodesh, Reb Klonymus Kalman, who was killed by the Nazis and whose teachings are a source of strength in grappling with suffering and evil. I refer you to my blog here: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-greatest-thing-in-the-world-is-to-do-somebody-else-a-favour

On 11th MarChesvan is the Yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu. I am sharing this emotional, painful video of the three courageous Rachels titled “Rachel weeping for her Children”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=jU350Gcfl2ewxSWs&sfnsn=wa&v=ZpCxgee7aDY&feature=youtu.be

This week are the yahrzeits of two iconic leaders and influencers on Judaism -Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks—who impacted Jewish prayer, thought, culture, and spirituality.  I did not merit meeting either in person, but they have profoundly impacted me. There is not a week that I have not quoted Rabbi Sacks in my writings or sung a Carlebach melody.

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s life mission was deeply rooted in a response to the trauma and devastation of the Holocaust. Witnessing the pain, dislocation, and spiritual crisis that followed this unprecedented tragedy, Carlebach dedicated himself to rekindling Jewish faith, identity, and resilience. He understood the need for a spiritual reawakening, a reimagining of Jewish community and identity that could heal wounds and bring vitality back to Jewish life. His life’s work was to foster a sense of belonging and connection for Jews who had grown distant from their heritage, a purpose that became the foundation of his life’s mission.

It is no coincidence that his yahrzeit falls on the anniversary of Kristallnacht (16th Cheshvan). See my blog here:  https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-palace-in-flames

In a different yet complementary way, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks championed Judaism’s intellectual and ethical aspects. He addressed some of the most pressing questions of our time, speaking to Jews and non-Jews alike. His writings, encompassing themes from faith and philosophy to societal justice, have become essential texts for understanding how Judaism can address today’s complex moral landscape. Rabbi Sacks reminded us that Judaism’s teachings offer personal insights and a framework for global ethical standards.

Both Carlebach and Sacks embraced a robust Jewish tradition of the particularism of Judaism with a universal message which is profoundly relevant in our times.

I penned these thoughts a few years ago.

The world is in turmoil. Israel is at a crossroads. God is under attack. The climate is failing. Our kids are living in a woke world and we require spiritual guidance.

There is a battle of the soul of Israel and Judaism. And our leaders seem to be failing us. Where do we go from here?

Israel is, in the words of historian Paul Johnson, “a pilot project for the entire human race” and, in the words of Rav Kook, a microcosm of all the salient moral dilemmas and challenges facing human society. If Jewish society in Israel, which reflects an intense gamut of views, can find space one for the other, we may provide both the example and impetus for all of humanity to find space for one another. Rav Kook has highlighted that this unity is possible through authentic, inclusive Torah values. (From Rabbi Doron Peretz)

In other words, we need” a Universalistic vision of Judaism with a strong sense of particularism. Yes – strong Jewish values, and through this strength of conviction, we, on an individual basis, on a national basis, can make a difference.

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-universal-message-of-reb-shlomo-carlebach/

The legacies of Rabbi Carlebach and Rabbi Sacks call us to this balance—to uphold compassion, pursue justice, and remain steadfast in the belief that our actions, grounded in God and ethics, can indeed make a difference. Their lives were testimonies to the power of faith, resilience, and moral responsibility, guiding us to act for a world where goodness can flourish, even in the face of profound challenges.

Rabbi Carlebach

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s legacy is one of boundless love, warmth, and spiritual rejuvenation. Often called the “Singing Rabbi,” Carlebach infused Judaism with a renewed spirit of joy and connection through music, storytelling, and a deep, empathetic approach to people of all backgrounds. His melodies are woven into the fabric of Jewish worship today, with many unaware that the tunes they sing in prayer and celebration originated with him. Carlebach’s life mission was to reignite the spark of Judaism, particularly for those who felt distanced from it, and he achieved this by creating spaces for people to experience the divine through community (“Friend .give me harmony”, song, and personal connection.

Born in Germany in 1925 and later raised in America, Carlebach grew up in a post-Holocaust world, witnessing a Jewish community shaken and, in many ways, spiritually dead and adrift. He understood that many survivors and their families carried profound grief and, often, a strained connection to their faith. Rather than focusing on the formal or dogmatic elements of Judaism, Carlebach centred his efforts on the heart and soul of Jewish tradition—bringing people back to joy, unity, and God through the most accessible mediums: music and personal warmth. His songs and stories captured the pain, hope, and resilience of the Jewish experience, becoming timeless expressions of the Jewish soul.

Carlebach believed deeply in the power of community and unconditional love. He often welcomed those on the fringes of society—the outcasts, the seekers, the ones who felt unworthy or disconnected. His approach was profoundly inclusive; he met people where they were, believing that each person had a spark of holiness, regardless of their background or beliefs. Carlebach’s message was that every soul is valuable and that everyone deserves to feel seen and loved. This approach resonated across generations and denominations, attracting thousands who felt touched by his embrace.

A gifted storyteller, Carlebach wove Hasidic tales and Jewish wisdom into his songs, making ancient teachings relevant and accessible. He brought the words of the Sages to life, sharing them in ways that touched hearts and inspired reflection. Carlebach’s ability to communicate these teachings in simple yet profound ways drew people into the depths of Jewish spirituality, allowing them to feel connected to something greater than themselves. His influence reached beyond the Jewish community, inspiring people from all walks of life to find meaning, joy, and compassion in their spiritual journey.

Today, thirty years after his passing, Carlebach’s music continues in synagogues, weddings, and gatherings worldwide. His melodies, like “Am Yisrael Chai”(originally composed for the release of Russian Jews, which has become a Jewish anthem) and “Esah Einai,” are sung in moments of joy and reflection, connecting people to their heritage and each other. Even as his music became a universal language of the Jewish people, his teachings have also endured, urging us to look beyond judgment and instead embrace kindness, humility, and empathy.

In addition to his message of love and unity, Carlebach was not afraid to take a stand. He was a vocal critic of those who opposed Israel and the  Jewish people and their values, understanding that compassion also requires courage.

Video-  Israel is our land 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmUcQkapiv8

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience within Judaism. His songs remain a source of comfort and inspiration, while his teachings on love, inclusivity, and connection continue to guide us. Carlebach’s message is timeless: that Judaism is not only a religion of ritual but of joy, of heartfelt connection, and of a deep love for all humanity. Through his music and his example, he gave the Jewish world a precious gift—seeing the divine spark in everyone and rejoicing in the beauty of every soul.

Featured video: Am Yisrael Chai with soldiers in 1973 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFjLQkNp4as

More readings:

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-universal-message-of-reb-shlomo-carlebach/

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/from-abraham-to-shlomo-a-new-hope-for-mankind/

His Yahrzeit is marked by worldwide musical events, with the main concert in Jerusalem. Hundreds of people gather at his gravesite through song and yearning. Here are the flyers and link.

https://www.youtube.com/@shlomocarlebach

Flyers and images used with permission of the Shlomo Carlebach Foundation

Rabbi Sacks

This week marks Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’s fourth yahrzeit (20th MarCheshvan), a profound loss to the world of faith, ethics, and intellectual inquiry.

There is much to write about Rabbi Sacks. I urge you to look at https://rabbisacks.org

Since his passing, Rabbi Sacks’ teachings have become even more of a guidepost. People from all backgrounds continue to turn to his works for insights on navigating the challenges of our time. His approach to the ethical responsibilities of individuals, communities, and leaders feels more urgent than ever as the world faces questions about justice, climate, inequality, and peace. His message of hope—that each person has a role in creating a better world—resonates even more strongly in an era that sometimes feels beset by despair.

On a personal note, I am learning about Rabbi Sacks’ profound writings on the Environment, and I use his teachings as a basis for my writings on Upgrading ESG (Environment, Social Governance) and the concept of a Good Society – See my blog:

Environmental teachings of the Bible as per Rabbi Sacks

Rabbis Carlebach and Sacks remind us that Judaism is, at its core, a religion of responsibility and hope. Each of us has the power to make a difference, to bring light to a world that so desperately needs it.