Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, traditionally observant Jews have often responded to the crisis with prayer — chanting psalms, setting an intention to keep the tragedy in mind or pairing their ritual with activism.
A rally last month in front of the Israeli consulate in Midtown Manhattan mostly followed suit: A man wearing a prayer shawl stood in front of a small crowd and led mincha, the afternoon service, holding a prayer book.
But just feet behind the prayer leader, a sign blared an unusual message: “NOT ONE MORE DROP OF BLOOD.” And the service leader, Netanel Zellis-Paley, said he saw advocating for a ceasefire as part of his religious obligations. ….more
