From the Bima Blog

Dear beloved Temple Shalom community,

It continues to be a very difficult time for our community as we watch painful and tragic news unfolding in Israel. We are taking this situation very seriously and are writing to inform you about our plans at Temple Shalom to care for our community and for Am Yisrael (the Community of Israel.)  

1. We have heard that there will be a tremendous uptick in very difficult images and videos being shared on social media (especially Tiktok), YouTube and global news. For people caring for children, we recommend carefully monitoring their use of these platforms. For adults, we also encourage you to care for yourself in the media you choose to consume. 
    
2. While there are no current credible threats to synagogues in this country, we are taking added security precautions. The Newton police will offer additional patrolling and our security company will provide additional coverage throughout this week.
    
3. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to gather on Wednesday evening on Zoom at 8 p.m. with our clergy and a mental health professional for a conversation on talking to children and teenagers about conflict and war.
    
4. We will gather this Shabbat at 6:30 p.m. for a service of hope and comfort. 

Additionally, we ask for your help in maintaining the security of our Temple building.  If you are here for a meeting, school drop-off, or spiritual gathering, please do not let people you do not know into the building. If you have a code to our building, please do not share it with others.  With our doorbell and camera system, our office staff and security will respond to building entry inquiries.

Many Jewish organizations are responding to this emergency and its crises including Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Union for Reform Judaism who are directing funds towards Jewish Federations of North America. 

Our clergy are always here to support you.  Rabbi Gubitz will be available on Zoom today from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Rabbi Abrasley will be available on Zoom tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/11) at 12. Cantor Keren will be available on Zoom on Thursday, October 12, from 12-1. Rabbi Berry will be available next week.

Praying for peace in Israel,

Your Temple Shalom Clergy, Staff, and Lay Leaders

Additional information: For Families with Children
You may be concerned about speaking with your child about what is happening in Israel.  Here are two resources from the Union for Reform Judaism and Professor Sivan Zakai at Hebrew Union-College.  

Union for Reform Judaism,  How to Talk to Children About the Conflict in Israel
Professor Sivan Zakai, How to talk to kids about what’s happening in Israel right now