There are not words....

 


Dear Friends,

As we once again began the reading of the Torah last Shabbat with the story of creation after the events which changed our world on Simchat Torah,  (the holiday that celebrated the completion of the reading of the Torah and beginning the reading again), I was so deeply torn.

On the one hand we read of the creation of the world and the potential for new beginnings and on the other hand, we were watching the tragic events in the Middle East.

As humans we have the potential to create a beautiful and meaningful world.   We also witnessed the potential that humans have to create chaos and destruction, and kill in unspeakable and horrible ways. 

I want to share what Yehuda Stolov, the founder of the Interfaith Encounter Association  in Israel wrote in response to  the horrors which occurred.  Please check out the website and think about  supporting their meaningful work.  

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the events that started yesterday. We deeply mourn the loss of lives, we pray for the safety of our communities, as well as a fast recovery to the wounded. 

We are also determined to continue to consistently build and strengthen inter-communal bridges, of constructing partnership and overcoming hostility, until they are solid enough to uproot hate and violence.


Let us pray and work together to  create a world of peace and understanding.

Rabbi Bruce Aft

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