On Sunday I’ll take the train to Washington DC for the annual AIPAC Policy Conference, but I won’t be alone.  I’ll be joined by Rabbi Kirshner, 62 other Temple members, and 18,000 other friends of Israel.

We go to learn – about the latest developments in Israel on both the political and technological scenes.  We go to connect – with old friends from across the country and make new ones.  We go to be inspired – by big-name speakers and the stories of unknown heroes.  And we go to lobby – urging our members of Congress to support Israel at every opportunity.

When we stand in the room 18,000 strong, our members of Congress get the message that Israel matters to us.  Letters, emails, and phone calls help, but they don’t convey the same commitment.  I leave AIPAC feeling proud to be a supporter of Israel and motivated to do what I can to help.

In this election season, which is as partisan as I can remember, we must double down to ensure that Israel does not become a partisan issue.  It must be a shared value of both Republicans AND Democrats.  When we vote for a President in November, we shouldn’t have to choose between a candidate who supports Israel and one who doesn’t.  It’s on us now to do the work that ensures that all candidates are committed to a strong US-Israel alliance.

All of us are able to support Israel financially to different degrees.  All of us are able to support Israel politically as well, even with our limited time.  Our members of Congress need to know their constituents value Israel as an important issue.

In the Torah, we begin the Book of Leviticus this week.  We learn of the prescribed sacrifices different people make at different times in their lives.  Ideally, sheep and goats were offered.  But if one couldn’t afford them, he brings two doves. But if this is too much, he brings grain instead. The point the Torah makes is that we can all give something: those who can give more should, and those who can give less should.  Everyone can give something.

When it comes to supporting Israel, the same is true.  Some can afford to take trips there and contribute directly.  They should, but not everybody can.  However, everyone can support Israel politically, even if they have limited time.  AIPAC is the best address I know for that involvement.  Policy Conference is a major sign of commitment.  But for those who can’t attend, they can follow what’s happening on the AIPAC website or get involved locally.  Just ask me how.

Next Wednesday night we celebrate Purim: the story of how days of darkness turned to days of joy and light.  That was only possible because Mordechai and Esther got involved politically with the king.  Light must be fed in order to remain aglow.  All of us can contribute to the light that is Israel.  Indeed we must.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Alex Freedman