So much is weighing on our hearts: 

These continue to be tough days of turmoil and tensions, mid election season drama in NYC and all it’s bringing up (more about that soon..)  the continued violent war in the Middle East that keeps claiming innocent lives and rupturing realities for Israelis, Palestinians, Iranians and so many of us everywhere; and as Pride is celebrated in NYC this weekend, we are reminded to keep on fighting for progress, dignity and democracy – for all of us. 

Not to mention the heat. 

Today, I want to share two personal notes with you – from my hurting heart. 

One note is written with deep grief for the loss of a communal leader and beloved friend. The second is with awed gratitude for the courageous solidarity of two new friends from Iran, brave partners for peace, healing and hope. 

I’ll begin with gratitude: 

Mamnoon ممنون – that’s Farsi for Grateful. 

Our beautiful Gala, celebrated last week, opened with a solemn meditative moment, as we recited the Mothers’ Prayer for Peace, lighting a candle for the wellbeing of families, friends and strangers in Tel Aviv and Tehran, Gaza and Jerusalem, all hurting hearts, everywhere. 

Joining us on stage were two new friends – originally from Iran – artists and academics who’ve found sanctuary in the US and advocate for peace, progress and humanity. 

Majid translated the prayer into Farsi and recited it while Kian lit the candle. Please see these photos and video from this moving and meaningful ritual moment. 

Our heartfelt hugs helped frame the festive night on which we honored leaders and marked our community’s growth, echoing this year’s theme – face to face, forever now. I’m so grateful to Lab/Shul Partner, Natalie Cuchel, for inviting Majid and Kian to join us, and honor these brave and beautiful new friends whose presence reminds us that we are human-first, co-creators of tireless visions of justice and peace for all of us, despite differences, beyond borders. 

We hope that the ceasefire lasts, diplomacy prevails, and attention can return to ending the war in Gaza, bringing home all hostages, bringing urgent aid to Gaza, and moving away from combat towards reconciliation and repair, beyond ceasefires towards a lasting peace. 

💔

The second note I want to share with our community today, with a broken heart, is one of grief and mourning. Earlier this week, our beloved long time friend and beloved Lab/Shul leader, passed away in peace, in his home in Brooklyn, surrounded by his loving family. 

Andrew Kassoy — beloved husband to Margot, and father to Max, Jed, Etta, and Xavier — was a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of B Lab. He was also a devoted Lab/Shul supporter, celebrating many family milestones with our community over the years. In 2014, he became one of the founding members of our first Board of Directors.

Andrew fought cancer as hard as he could, held with care and kindness by doctors and caretakers, family and friends. A spiritual seeker till the end, his soul found comfort in poetry, and prayer, meditation and nature. Shira and I were privileged to pray, sing and sit with him in silence last week, holding his hand at the threshold of life and death. We sang together, for the last time, with tears, familiar tunes and words from the many years we’ve prayed together. 

Our deepest condolences to Andrew’s family who are part of our own: Your son, brother, husband, father, uncle and ex-husband – our friend – was truly one of a kind. We honor his memory with deep sadness and immense gratitude for the warmth and humor, wisdom, dedication and generosity he shared with us these many years, with a kind heart and big smile. 

He will be terribly missed. We are always here for you. His memory is forever a blessing. May you and all of us be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem and the world. 

Please click here to learn more about Andrew’s life and legacy and leave words of consolation and tribute. 

Wishing us all kinder days, better news, peace, pride and hearts that mend,
Rabbi Amichai