Holding Our Neighbors in the Light

This past Shabbat, we honored the 15^th yahrzeit of Debbie Friedman, and the fruits of her work to create Jewish music that would bring people together in song and spirit.  This coming Shabbat, we will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the Civil Rights Movement.  Amidst their legacies, and our ongoing efforts to engage in Tikkun Olam and fulfill the vision of a better, peaceful world, to say I am, we are, heartbroken by the arson attack against Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi.  Once again, we are bearing witness to the impact of unchecked hatred in our country. 

We grieve the loss of this sacred space.  A synagogue is a House of Prayer, Study, Gathering.  The arsonist’s fire and smoke damage and destroyed the sanctuary, Torah scrolls, the Tree of Life display, and more – core elements necessary for prayer, study, and community-building, violating a fundamental principle of human dignity, and Constitutional law to be able to be able to live and worship in peace and safety. 

Beth Israel survived a firebombing by the KKK in 1967, and I have full faith in their ability to rebuild again.  I have full faith that when the flames in the building were extinguished, our inner spirit of commitment to justice and righteousness will burn brighter in the face of forces meant to engulf Jewish spirit and Jewish life. 

At Temple Israel, we continue to work closely with our security partners toward keeping our spiritual home a sacred and safe space, literally and figuratively, for all who enter.  And we continue our justice work with local partners toward a vision of a future where all can live and worship in peace and safety, regardless of race, religion, or identity, where hatred and fear of the other are banished by the light of understanding and open-mindedness.  I hope you will join me and Omega Baptist this weekend to uphold our values of love for our neighbors, hope for a better future, and pride in our faith.  Our annual pulpit exchange is just one example of how multi-faith engagement – the ability to show up as our full selves with partners who do not share our beliefs – can come together with shared goals and aspirations to continue the work started by those whose shoulders we stand upon.  As we do so, we hold the Jackson community in our minds.  Currently the community has a rebuilding fund, and has indicated this is the best way to support them at this time.