Thought of the week

Dear Friends,

As we approach Shabbat, our hearts are turned toward Israel, which now faces an escalating conflict with the Iranian regime. We hold in our prayers all those impacted—especially our sisters and brothers in Israel—and we also think of the people of Iran, many of whom suffer under tyranny and have no voice in the decisions of their government.

We know there are members of our own Kehilla with family ties to Iran. Please know that you are not alone. Your community stands with you in solidarity.

It is hard to speak of war without sorrow. We pray for the safety of all innocents, and we are proud of the IDF’s commitment to act with restraint and uphold human dignity even under fire. The world must recognise: a nuclear-armed, aggressive regime in Iran is a threat not just to Israel, but to global peace.

We stand with Israel—not only in defence, but in hope. I believe that one day, a free and democratic Iran will be a neighbour and ally to Israel. May that day come speedily, in our time.

May Hashem protect the soldiers of the IDF, grant courage to those living under threat, and inspire leaders toward wisdom and restraint. And may this Shabbat bring peace, comfort, and light to us all.

Shabbat Shalom,
Ulrich Savary
Chair, Kehillat Or Tzion





Parasha, Beha’alotcha. (Sources Masorti UK)

In this week’s parasha, Beha’alotcha, we read: “Whenever the Ark set out, Moses said, ‘Rise up, G-d! Let Your enemies be scattered!’ And when it came to rest, he said, ‘Return, G-d, to the countless thousands of Israel.’”

These two verses are framed in the Torah by upside-down nuns. Our Sages say these two verses form a “book” of their own.

We repeat these same words when we take the Torah out of the ark and when we return it, turning a ritual into a living echo of Moses’ prayer. Beha’alotcha is full of fear, and a longing for certainty.  The people struggle with change, just as many of us do today.

But these verses remind us that G-d is with us not just in stillness and safety, but also in motion and transition. Even when the path is unclear, even when we rest and regroup, G-d is with us.