Last Shabbat, yet another American synagogue became a scene of terror, when, for over ten hours, a gunman held four people (including the rabbi) hostage at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Thank God, with the help of law enforcement, first responders, and the extraordinary courage of the captives themselves, all hostages survived the terrifying ordeal.
Bearing witness to horrific events like these affects us all differently. If you are in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clergy (email the Rabbi or Cantor ).
Of course, we are relieved that those who were taken captive are now free and safe. However, our relief is subdued, because something like this should never have happened in the first place. No one, regardless of their faith, should ever feel unsafe in a house of worship.
Please be assured that Temple Beth-El takes every possible precaution to keep our congregants safe while ensuring a warm and welcoming space. We have a uniformed police officer present at every Shabbat and holiday service and at the Religious School (while in session). We regularly coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, local and national Jewish agencies like Secure Communities Network (SCN), and other experts for up-to-date security guidance, and we regularly implement their recommendations. We also recently received substantial federal funding for security upgrades to our Grove Ave. campus, many of which will be completed during the renovation. We plan to request funding for our Religious School campus as well.
Security equipment and personnel are costly, straining our already tight budget. We count on the generosity of our congregation to ensure that we are able to invest in these crucial safety measures while also being able to invest in our sacred work of helping people thrive and repairing the world. If you are moved, we encourage you to make a contribution to the renovation, which will also help cover security: click here.
At the same time, we know that these security measures alone are insufficient. While we must remain vigilant in defending ourselves against acts of violence, we must speak out against antisemitism wherever it manifests.
Furthermore, we must not let hateful people make us afraid to express our faith. We must defy their desire to defeat us by embracing our Jewish identities and commitments. You can stand against antisemitism by becoming more involved in the life of our congregation, or simply by joining us for services.
Ultimately, however, none of this will be enough if we don’t do something more fundamental and systemic. We will always be waiting for the next Colleyville if we don’t diminish the conditions that allow antisemitism to emerge and flourish in the first place. That means recommitting ourselves to our calling as Jews to build a world of love, inclusion, justice, and peace.
We will truly keep antisemitism at bay only by affirming and advancing our tradition’s insistence in the infinite and equal worth of all people, building deep and mutually supportive relationships with people of all faiths and backgrounds (starting with rejecting the Islamophobia that has sadly but predictably resurfaced in response to Saturday’s events), and urging our elected officials to partner with us in repairing the world. When we fill our world with love, there will be no room left for hate.
Let us recommit ourselves this day to that sacred and crucial task.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf Damien Timms, Executive Director Michael J. Doniger, President
Temple Beth-El 3330 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221
Temple Beth-El receives a percentage of sales at Kosher Wine when you use this link, or if you've ordered within 7 days you can go to www.kosherwine.com/give-back and apply our charity code: 8383530
