Dear members and friends,
Last Saturday’s news of the hate crimes and killings at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburg, PA was devastating. Coming on the heels of similar hate crimes and senseless killings, including the killing of two African Americans in a supermarket in Jeffersontown, KY, we might ask ourselves, “How much longer?” “How many more people need to be killed?” “What will it take for things to change?”
These are all understandable, normal, common responses. There is a place and a time for all of our feelings. Yet, at times like this, the best thing that we can do is to respond in ways that demonstrate our solidarity with those impacted. What that looks like varies from person to person, and only you know what is right for you in your situation.
Let me suggest three ways that we can respond, with the hope that one of these resonates for you, or spurs on something else that is right for you.
1. Come Together
Being with other people is one the most critical things that we can do in times of crisis. Though it may feel like the last thing we want to do, connections offer healing and restoration that is life giving. Come with us as we join with greater Newburyport in attending Shabbat service and vigil at Ahavas Achim this Friday, November 2 at 6:30pm. A group of us will be meeting outside of FRS at 6pm and walking over to the synagogue together. You can come with us or meet us there. Please note that out of respect for the Jewish faith, everyone is asked to wear a kippah or hat. We will have kippahs available when we meet at FRS for anyone who needs one.
This is a request put out by Rabbi Benjamin Resnick. He wrote: “As we mourn the victims in Pittsburgh—and as we are all still struggling with how to respond—it would mean a great deal to the Jewish community to feel embraced by our neighbors and if possible I would like to try to fill our sanctuary Friday night.”
2. Spend Time in Prayer or Meditation
Take time to remember each of the persons who was killed, and their families. Do this in quiet meditation, or by reading their names aloud with a loved one. Pause after each name to honor them, and send peace.
Remembering Those Who Were Killed:
Joyce Fienberg
Richard Gottfried
Rose Mallinger
Jerry Rabinowitz
Cecil and David Rosenthal
Bernice and Sylvan Simon
Daniel Stein
Melvin Wax
Irving Younger
3. Educate and Spread the Word
Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Director of Interfaith Affairs, put together some resources to help us respond to what has occurred. Many of these resources are helpful to parents of children and youth. Julie will be supporting our children in holding what occurred as a part of RE this Sunday.
Above all, and always, be good to yourself and those around you. Walk gently, offering everyone the space that they need to process yet another incredibly painful event. Remember that people are doing the best that they can. Your compassionate presence may be exactly what they need to maintain, or regain, hope.
Know that my door is always open if you wanted to talk further.
I look forward to seeing you on Friday evening and on Sunday in church.
With love,
Rev. Rebecca