Let's call it what it is. This is not about free speech or assembly.  It is not about airing grievances. This is about hatred, disgusting  and reprehensible. There is no moral subjectivism here. We, as Temple  Israel clergy and our extended community, thoroughly reject such  heinous behavior and regard what has happened on the streets in  Charlottesville, Virginia and in Bloomington, Minnesota as domestic  terrorism.

The words of the prophet Isaiah, which we read just a few weeks ago, ring true:
Cease to do evil; Learn to do good; Devote yourselves to justice...  (Isaiah 1: 15-16)

In these trying times, we take these words as eternal truths to turn  our hearts toward that which is good and right. We pray our leaders  will heed them as well.

We are working with our interfaith partners to organize a community  response which we will share as information becomes available.

In addition, our synagogue leadership and our Executive Director, Dan  Deutsch, continue to actively partner with law enforcement and to take  every precaution to ensure the utmost protection of our community.

May these days bring us strength and courage as we move forward with hope.

Rabbi Elaine Zecher
Cantor Roy Einhorn
Rabbi Matthew Soffer
Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
Rabbi Jen Gubitz
Rabbi Ronne Friedman
Rabbi Bernard Mehlman