Shalom Friends,

It is heartbreaking to once again be responding to such horrific violence in our world. Jews were gathered at the Chabad of Poway, California yesterday, just as we were here at Havurah, to celebrate Shabbat and Passover and to recite Yizkor (memorial) prayers for their loved ones. We pray for comfort for the family of Lori Gilbert Kaye, healing for those who were wounded, and strength and support for the community in the wake of this attack. Here in Portland there will be a community-wide gathering tomorrow (Monday) night. See details at the bottom of this email.

It feels heartbreaking and also enraging to be writing another message like this one. But this is the moment in which we find ourselves. And what I most deeply want to urge is that we walk through this moment together. I feel profound gratitude to be part of a Jewish community like Havurah — in general, and in particular amidst moments like these. It is a blessing to be able to turn to one another and draw strength from each other in the presence of fear. And it is a blessing to learn from each other how to respond to these acts of hate with courage and wisdom. This particular act was against Jews, but it is part of a larger movement of white nationalism that is rearing its ugly head in far too many ways and in far too many places in our country and the world. As we join with each other and fellow Jews in the wake of this tragedy, we also join with those targeted in the African-American, Muslim, LGBTQ, and immigrant communities, and with all peoples who are vulnerable in the face of such hatred. We must strengthen our efforts to oppose white nationalism and all bigotry however we can, and work for a more just and compassionate and less violent world, including by limiting easy access to weapons of violence. 

We will continue to take the steps we need to for the safety of our community. And we will continue to engage in the work we need to in the name of building a safer and more loving world for all.

May we be strengthened in this effort.
Rabbi Benjamin

A Gathering of Light, Solidarity, and Prayer
In response to yesterday’s tragic shooting, 
join our Jewish community for a gathering 
in support of the Jewish Community of Poway and San Diego 
Monday, April 29 – 7:00 p.m.
Mittleman Jewish Community Center
6651 SW Capitol Highway
 
All in our community are invited to attend.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was shot in the hate crime attack said, “We need to create as much light as possible in this world, by participating in prayer services, supporting our local Jewish communities and mostly doing random acts of kindness. A little bit of light pushes out a lot of darkness.”
 
This gathering is co-sponsored by:
Chabad Centers of Oregon, The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the Mittleman Jewish Community Center