Shalom Shaarei Kodesh,
I wanted to begin by sharing the words I sent to our community following the hostage incident at Congregation Beth Israel last Shabbat. In the letter, I stressed how important it is to show up for each other after yet another synagogue was violated by antisemitic violence in this country. I also thanked those who protect us, our security company, the South Palm Beach Jewish Federation and the National Jewish Federation network, our local law enforcement, our volunteers, and more. I humbly ask that you click on the link and take a moment to read my words:
As the week went on, I was both inspired by some of the responses in both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and disheartened with others to this tragedy. We are living in truly traumatic times with increased antisemitism and a once in a hundred-year pandemic. The question is, when we watch horrific events unfold against our people, what is our reaction? Are we angry and/or fearful, and connected to our fellow Jews, or are we desensitized and exhausted? How should we react as Jewish-Americans? Please join us on Shabbat morning, in person, or on Zoom, where I will offer my thoughts on how we can take the necessary next steps as we move forward.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Baum
