Message from Jay Lavroff
Temple president
By now you have probably heard about the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh earlier today.
We condemn this outrageous attack and we stand in solidarity with the Pittsburgh Jewish community. We want to assure you that we take the safety and security of our temple community, especially our children, with the utmost seriousness.
We have a security protocol in place which we implemented this morning upon receiving news of the attack in Pittsburgh. This included securing the building and increasing situational awareness through frequent walk-throughs.
The Hillsborough police officers dispatched to the temple advised us that nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, and our inspection of the property confirmed that to be the case.
While there appears to be no evidence of a threat at Temple Beth-El, in an abundance of caution, we will have a Hillsborough police officer at the temple this evening to provide additional security for the musical performance by Banot. In addition, we will have a Hillsborough police officer at the temple tomorrow morning to provide additional security for religious school.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones.
We are strong. We are resilient and we will stand together against hate. May God give us strength and bless us all with peace.
L'shalom,
Jay Lavroff
Temple president
jlavroff@lindabury.com
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Mess
age from Rabbi Gluck
Our hearts break for the tragic murder of our brothers and sisters at Congregation Tree of Life in Pittsburgh this morning. And we decry the venomous anti-Semitic hatred that motivated such an outrageous and evil act. As Jews we stand in solidarity and share the pain of the Jewish Community of Pittsburgh, of Congregation Tree of Life, and especially of the families of the victims and survivors of the attack.
As Americans we stand with good people of every faith and race in refusing to succumb to fear, and in insisting that our leaders abandon the rhetoric of fear, division, and demonization that turns minorities and vulnerable people into targets of those who hate.
We are a resilient people. We will mourn our losses, take steps to secure our communities, and we will join with our friends to stand against hate in every form. The most powerful antidote to hate is love, so let love be our banner and our guiding light.
As people of faith we turn to God in prayer. Be with us, O God, in this dark time. Strengthen us and calm our fears. Send healing to the broken-hearted, hope to those whose lives have been shattered, and consolation to the bereaved. Cause the light of Your love to shine upon us to heal our wounds and remind us of the goodness of Your world and the blessing of this life You have given us. In the face of evil remind us never to despair of human goodness. Open our hearts to feel Your presence among us and within us. To You, O God, we turn in our time of need. Renew our hope, give us courage, and grant peace to us and all Your children. Amen.
L'shalom,
Rabbi Arnie Gluck
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