This week we announced our theme for the coming year, “My Heart is in the East.” The line comes from a poem written a millennium ago by Yehuda HaLevi, who spent most of his life in Spain. The poem speaks to his connection to the Land of Israel even from afar. He, like us, was a lover of Israel, a supporter of Israel, a defender of Israel and maintained a keen, thoughtful connection with Israel through thick and thin. He longed for Israel, prayed for Israel, debated around Israel and dreamed of Israel.

We chose this theme knowing it would mean different things to different people. For some, “My Heart is in the East” speaks to angst and worry. Israel remains locked in war. Threats loom from the north. The international community remains firmly opposed to every Israeli action. We worry about Israel’s security, Israel’s future and no doubt the hostages who remain in places unknown. Peace seems so elusive. When will it come? Will the words of our prayerbook ever ring true: ‘Grant us peace Your most precious gift, O Eternal source of peace.’

For some, this theme is very much about joy. We embrace and enjoy all aspects of Israeli life and culture. We revel at Israel’s fortitude and can-do attitude. We come back to Israel’s stunning vistas and iconic landscapes. The words of Numbers ring in our ears: ‘How beautiful are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places O Israel.’ The words of Deuteronomy appear before our eyes: ‘God gave us a land flowing with milk and honey.’ We can envision the words of Isaiah: ‘The land is at rest and tranquil, as we break out in song.’ We are upbeat and effusive in our Zionism. Israel is a place that inspires. Israel represents the best of architecture, science, technology and innovation; it is a place forever being shaped and re-shaped.

For some, the theme speaks to struggle and the tensions we feel around the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. We wonder when the war will end. We wonder when Palestinians will be released from the stranglehold that Hamas leadership has placed around their necks. We remain unnerved by those who would use innocent souls as shields. We balk at the squandering of aid and the relentless building of fortresses and tunnels, rather than infrastructure and safe haven. We urge the IDF and Israel’s leadership to live up to the highest of Jewish ideals, even on the battlefield.

I come from all of these places. Maybe you do as well.

No matter who you are or what you believe, there is something in this theme for you. We each have a heart that is captivated by Israel. Whether from a biblical, spiritual, environmental, political or cultural place, Israel is part of you (and you are part of Israel). I pray that this theme leads our community to even more introspection, reflection, learning and growth. I pray we draw closer to Israel together. I pray – most of all – that the coming year be one of greater peace and compassion for all.