Dear Havurah,
 
Hearts are heavy throughout the country right now following Saturday’s tragedy in Charlottesville. We mourn the murder of Heather Heyer, killed by a crazed individual as she was peacefully protesting a hate-filled rally of white supremacists. Our prayers are with all those injured and all those whose lives were torn apart by Saturday’s tragic events. Let us utilize these prayers as a means of connection amidst the vulnerability of this moment. And let us channel these prayers and this grief into action — responding to darkness with the lights of faith and courage.
 
As we lit Shabbat candles here at Havurah on Friday night, I was sending light toward Charlottesville, knowing that several colleagues were traveling there to be present in witness and support. Alas, they witnessed tragedy. One of them who was there, Rabbi Malka Bina Klein, wrote a moving piece you can find here. She writes of appreciating “the importance of witnesses who can tell us the vitally important stories that are the real news of the day.”
 
For Rabbi Klein, at the heart of that real news are individuals who are resisting hatred. Amidst the terror and injustice, let us not forget these stories. And let us not underestimate ways great and small in which we each can be part of them, in which we can join together in responding to violence with resilience and love, guided by a vision of the world we are partners in creating. 
 
With blessings for Shalom,
 
Rabbi Benjamin
 

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Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian, and diverse Jewish Reconstructionist community. Steeped in Jewish values, Havurah promotes spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility.

Find our calendar and learn more at www.havurahshalom.org.

825 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-248-4662

Havurah Shalom
825 NW 18th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

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