Here we are again, another Shabbat morning slaughter, this time at the Chabad of Poway, Calif. No religion seems spared: churches, mosques and synagogues all prey for hate-filled murderers. Each equally tragic, each victim an immeasurable loss. And yet for us Jews, the images of another bloodied Shabbat morning sanctuary seize and break our hearts.
In her new book, “Anti-Semitism Here and Now,” Emory University historian Dr. Deborah Lipstadt is asked to explain anti-Semitism to two of her students. She writes, “It is hard, if not impossible, to explain something that is essentially irrational, delusional, and absurd.”
As we summon prayers for comfort and healing for the victims of this terror attack and their families, our response must be both practical and an act of faith. First the practical. Our temple leadership’s decision to dramatically increase our security measures at temple was wise and necessary. I know it’s an added expense, and I am grateful for your support. We continue to benefit from their guidance and training in addition to our security agents’ daily presence
Nonetheless, we must not allow our fears to paralyze us or to draw us away from our Jewish faith. Come to temple for prayer, for learning and for fellowship. We will defy hatred and demagoguery with a reaffirmation of our commitments to Jewish life, to each other, and to the Jewish future. And more. The purveyors of bigotry and anti-Semitism want us to retreat into our tribes and turn against each other. We will refuse and we will continue to fight for security, dignity and justice for all Americans, celebrating our diversity and elevating what unites us in common purpose and patriotism
This Wednesday evening begins Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Our commemoration will take place this coming Friday evening at Shabbat services at 6:45 p.m. Under the direction of master teacher Abbie Laskey, a group of sixth-graders and their parents will lead us in a beautiful, inspiring reflection on months of learning about the Holocaust. This is the sacred antidote to lethal anti-Semitism: our students, in humble reverence, both paying homage to the victims and affirming a bright and vibrant Jewish future.
Come worship with us this coming Friday. Listen to these remarkable students. Together we will lift each other from fear and vulnerability and declare Am Yisrael Chai, the Jewish people live and will live with pride, dignity and hope, here and around the world, today and tomorrow and forever.
Rabbi Michael A. White
Temple Sinai of Roslyn
