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December 17 is "Operation Not By Might, Nor By Power"

Posted 12/04/2009 - 15:57 by Rabbi Brant Rosen

“Not by Might, Nor By Power But By My Spirit....”
Zechariah 4:6 (from the Prophetic portion read during Hanukkah)

On the first anniversary of “Operation Cast Lead” Ta’anit Tzedek - Jewish Fast for Gaza invites you to participate in

“Operation Not by Might, Nor by Power:
A National Day of Prayer, Study and Action
December 17, 2009/Sixth Day of Hanukkah 5770

The next monthly fast day of Ta’anit Tzedek - Jewish Fast for Gaza falls on December 17, the sixth day of Hanukkah. On Hanukkah last year, Israel launched “Operation Cast Lead” - a military assault that eventually killed over 1300 people,destroyed thousands of homes and devastated much of the infrastructure of Gaza. Since this attack, Gazans have been unable to rebuild as the continuing Israeli blockade prevents the import of building and other essential materials.

As Jewish tradition prohibits fasting during the festival of Hanukkah, we invite supporters of Ta’anit Tzedek and all people of faith and conscience to devote December 17 to “Operation Not by Might and Not by Power,” a day of study, reflection and action.

We invite you to consider the following:

  • Join with friends and/or members of your community to discuss the situation in Gaza and actions you could take in response to the ongoing crisis. You may invite an expert on Gaza and/or religious leaders to lead the event.
  • Gather and discuss the teachings of your religious tradition regarding the ethics of war, justice and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
  • Light Hanukkah candles on Thursday night and offer a prayer for the people of Gaza and for the safety of all people, Israelis and Palestinians.
  • Make a donation to the Milk for Toddlers program of ANERA (Amercian Near Eastern Refugee Aid).
  • Write and send a letter to your Senator/Congressional Representative calling for an end to the blockade and to provide leadership in bringing about a just and peaceful solution to this tragic conflict. (A sample letter can be found in our Resources Page).

If you are not yet a participant in Jewish Fast for Gaza, sign up! (The January fast will take place on January 21).