Call the light forward and be that light: Omer Neutra z”l

Bring Them Home banners greeted us in June at my daughter’s summer camp, Camp Tel Yehudah. Omer Neutra z”l was a focal point of learning and sacred work at Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake. As a member of the Young Judaea family, his presence permeated these camps, much as it pervaded our lives over the last 423 days. Helene Drobenare Horwitz, executive director, Young Judaea Sprout Camps wrote of Omer — as the campers called him — as a role model, an incredible human being who was much like them. He loved camp, basketball, and, above all, life. His smile reflected his passion for living each day to its fullest.

It was with shock and a broken heart that I learned this morning of Omer’s death on October 7, 2023, in the massacre employed by Hamas terrorists on Israel. His body remains hostage along with 100 other sacred souls in the bowels of Gaza. The news shook me. I grabbed my reading glasses to make certain I read the first post correctly. It was true. My eyes welled up with tears and I felt the primordial scream to which Rav Nachman of Bratslav refers rising within. I raised myself from bed to share the news with my daughter. She shook her head and said quietly, I know what we’re talking about in Israel minyan today.

I headed back to my room to begin the texts and emails to those in my universe so close to Omer and his family.

May you find comfort.
May you continue to make his name a blessing.
May we act on his behalf.

With every note I thought, how good it would be to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head, and hide away in the darkness. The still small voice stirred (actually, boiled) within, reminding me of my commitment to action, each day and especially today. Today, I had committed to stand in front of the offices of UN Women. Screaming for change and accountability. Calling out the scourge of Jew hatred. Demanding those who claim to support women denounce Hamas. Piercing the air — even with construction in the background — with the names of the 13 women held in captivity and the 97 humans stolen away on shiva b’Oktober who must return to their families.

(courtesy)

None of us can hide under the covers. The truth of the moment and the lives endangered for almost 14 months demand more. It is up to us to chase away the darkness. To open our mouths for those who cannot speak. My throat is raw from this morning’s rally. I have the privilege of a cup of tea with honey and enough water to drink to soothe what pains my body.

We need to act to salve to our battered souls. In this new month of Kislev, let us join together and bring the light about which we chant in Banu Hoshekh (below, and in translation). We cannot and will not give up. It is on us, together, to call the light forward and be that light.

בָּאנוּ חוֹשֶׁךְ לְגָרֵשׁ
בְּיָדֵינוּ אוֹר וָאֵשׁ
כָּל אֶחָד הוּא אוֹר קָטָן
וְכֻלָנוּ אוֹר אֵיתָן
סוּרָה חוֹשֶׁךְ הָלְאָה שְחוֹר
סוּרָה מִפְּנֵי הָאוֹר

We come to chase away the darkness. In our hands are fire and light. Everyone is a little light. All of us together are a firm light (together we shine bright). Go away darkness, go away night. Go away, because of the light!

Rosh Hodesh Kislev 5785
Day 423