Shabbat Shalom ~ Parashat Vayera 2026

This week I observed with interest as the election results from Israel poured in. As many had predicted, the results were not immediately conclusive: neither of the likeliest two coalitions garnered enough votes to declare an unambiguous victory. This is where the coalition building begins, as the parties scramble to assemble the necessary majority to govern. It may take weeks before a coalition forms, or, failing that, new elections are scheduled. Our care about and concern for Israel compel us to keep a close watch on these developments.

Despite this murky outcome, there were two notable developments from the initial results. First, the turnout was the highest it has been in decades (5,697,290 ballots), as seemingly all voters recognized the consequential nature of the election and took their responsibility as citizens seriously.  This is a sign of health in a democracy: Israelis believe that their votes matter and could make a real difference in the outcome. Secondly, the participation of Israeli Arabs in the election surpassed previous levels, and it seems like the Arab parties will hold the largest number of seats ever. This is also, to my mind, a sign of heath for Israeli democracy-a sector that has been historically underserved and underrepresented (sometimes by choice) is using what they have (numbers) to get what they want (representation in the government). This is more evidence for the oft-cited claim that Israeli Arab citizens enjoy equal civil rights.

Many of us made meaningful connections with residents of Kibbut Re’im who visited us a few years ago. Elections results are available at a very granular level, and in case you’re curious, about 40% of Kibbutz Re’im voters voted for Yashar, about 24% for the Democrats and about 18% for B’yachad. 283 ballots were cast out of 393 voters, slightly under the overall turnout rate.

These are simply my own observations, and I invite you to let me and Rabbi Arnowitz know what you think as this process continues.

We have our own similar opportunity to exercise our duty as citizens of a democracy and vote in the general election. Early voting is underway (including at the Mamaroneck Town Center just across the street from WJC) and Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3rd. We encourage all eligible voters to cast a ballot to make their voices heard.

Two upcoming events promise to help us further our care and concern both for Israel and our local community. The Shuk is coming to Mamaroneck. On Thursday, November 5 from 4-8pm, Israeli artisans will fill WJC with the ceramics, jewelry, and craftsmanship they’ve been quietly making through two of the hardest years in Israel’s recent history. For many of them, this evening is the biggest sale of their year and the first time in two years they’ll see their work in American hands. Come and explore the beautiful pieces available!

On Sunday, November 8 at 4pm, WJC is proud to co-sponsor the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, this year held at Trinity Church in Larchmont. Many of you joined us last year for the first time when we were privileged to host it, and we hope you’ll join us again as we enter the Thanksgiving season with our neighbors.

 Tonight we’ll gather for Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:30, Shabbat morning at 9:15 and mincha at 5:30pm.