From the Bima Blog

Yesterday, we gathered in sacred community to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year – a solemn and yes, joyful day to reflect on our lives and renew our purpose. Our sanctuary was full and vibrant. We felt the beautiful strength of community as we prayed together and recommitted to Judaism’s central values of compassion, justice and love. The spiritual high note of this connection still lingers for many of us.

This renewed connection – to ourselves, our community, and our Judaism – makes yesterday’s violent attack on a synagogue in the UK all the more shocking and heartbreaking. This was not a random act, but rather a targeted act of antisemitism. As the story continues to emerge, we mourn with the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue community. We hold the families who lost loved ones in our hearts, and send prayers of healing to all who were injured. 

We also recognize the challenges faced by so many in our community because of the recent government shutdown. It is unbearable to think of the additional struggles faced by so many already managing so much.  We pray that the voices of righteous courage will prevail and people’s lifelines and livelihoods will soon be restored. In the meantime, Temple Shalom stands by to help those who are struggling. Please reach out to us so we can understand who and how our community is affected.

With the prayers and music of Yom Kippur still fresh on our lips and deep in our hearts, we remember the words of yesterday’s Torah reading. We ‘choose life’ –  וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים (u’va’charta ba’chaim) – and stand together against all hatred in all forms.

With blessings for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Abrasley, Rabbi Gubitz and Cantor Keren