Matanky, Leonard A. Missions: the first 100 days of the Gaza War / Leonard A. Matanky. [Privately published] Electronic version distributed by Koren, [Chicago, Illinois, 2024] 117 pages. No charge for download from https://mailchi.mp/korenpub.com/4eiyb31883
This review was originally prepared in February 2024. The publication decided that they couldn’t accept reviews of books that are privately published. I feel that this book is important enough that people outside of the original audience should read it. Mostly the book has his personal (that is first hand) observations and reports from his visits to Israel from October 2023 to January 2024.
At the time of publication Rabbi Matanky had completed four missions to Israel and a fifth was completed shortly after publication at the beginning of February 2024. This book is the edited version of the e-mails he sent to his shul, Congregation KINS of West Rogers Park Chicago, where he is the rabbi, and Ida Crown Jewish Academy, where he is the dean. This book also includes some sermons that deal with the issues of the war in Gaza. October 7th was supposed to be a happy day, Shemini Atzert in the Jewish calendar and my birthday in my personal calendar.
On his missions Rabbi Matanky documents contacts with hundreds of Israelis affected by the war. These missions were solidarity visits to support the moral of the people of Israel and to let them know here in the United States we care. The first mission was with the Rabbinical Council of America. The group was among the first to witness the sites of the tragedies console some of the survivors. The senior class of the Ida Crown Jewish Academy went to Israel for a month December – January. Rabbi Matanky was in Israel for part of the time.
The book is a story of extraordinary hope for a better Israel with more cooperation, unity and understanding of our fellow Jews around the world.
This well-written book is a must for those who want to know about Gaza war from a rabbi who is a keen observer and story teller. This book was prepared for members of the community. Please download a copy or read it online.
Daniel Stuhlman, MS LS, MHL, DHL
Librarian
Temple Sholom of Chicago
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