Our hearts break with the news of the attack on the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California, near San Diego. We are heartbroken not only for the victims and their families and the members of the congregation, but also for our fellow Jews everywhere, for an attack on Jewish worshippers in California is an attack on all of us. And an attack on one community of faith must be seen as an attack against every community and person of faith, and indeed against every person of conscience and decency. It is unthinkable that ours is now a world in which people of faith cannot gather in sacred spaces for prayer without fearing the next eruption of malevolence from men indoctrinated in white supremacist hate, emboldened by the cynical words of callous leaders, radicalized on the internet, and armed with dangerous weapons thanks to political cowardice and negligence.
According to Jewish tradition, the first day of Passover celebrates the ancient redemption of the Children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, but the last day, which just ended last night, celebrates the future redemption, ultimate redemption, a time when war and bloodshed cease, when a great peace will embrace the whole world; when nation will not lift up sword against nation, and the human family will not again learn war; when justice and righteousness will flow like a mighty stream, and God’s peace will fill the earth as the waters fill the sea.
As Jewish worshippers conclude Passover, we redirect our gaze from the past to the future, envisioning and yearning for a world of righteousness, justice, and peace. But our faith insists that it is not enough to dream of and pray for a perfected world. Rather, we must actively strive to bring that world into being, to repair what is broken in the world that is and help fashion it into the world that ought to be.
Yesterday, on the last day of Passover, we dreamed of ultimate redemption. Today, we mourn this cruel reminder that we have not yet merited to see that redeemed world. Tomorrow, let us all join together in the work of making a better world — a perfected world, a just world, a peaceful world — a reality.
In times like these, many of us find it meaningful to gather together for prayer and community. In that spirit, if you are so moved, we invite you to join us for minyan this morning at 9am at the Religious School building. We also invite you to participate in the Yom Hashoah program this afternoon at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Cantor Rosenblatt will be participating in the memorial service, and Jonathan Greenblatt (CEO of the Anti-Defamation League) will be the keynote speaker. Details can be found at www.vaholocaust.org/?event=yom-hashoah-4&event_date=2019-04-28. And, finally, should anyone need an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on, both of our doors are open. Your clergy are here for you.
May the One who makes peace above make peace for us, for all the people Israel, and for all who dwell on earth.
L’shalom, Rabbi Michael Knopf and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt
Temple Beth-El 3330 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221
