Synagogues focus on building compassion for all those suffering from the Israel-Hamas conflict

At Congregation Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica, Calif., Rabbi Alex Kress welcomes people to a casual Sabbath service on a recent Friday night.

“Shabbat shalom,” he says. “We are going to start our service with candles.”

Kress lights the candles and a warm glow illuminates his face and the room. The cantor and congregation sing in the Sabbath. Children squirm in pews and wander the aisles. Outside, construction on a new security fence is mostly done. The fence is a recent sign of the times. These past seven months have been hard on Kress and his congregation.