Our tradition teaches that Shabbat is a time for celebration, rest, and renewal. It is our day of peace, our day of wholeness, our day of shalom.

This morning, we learned of a shattered peace in the Pittsburgh Jewish community. We mourn the losses, we pray for the injured, and we find ourselves deeply troubled by the forces of hatred, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism that can lead to such despicable acts of hatred and violence.

We are reaching out to the Pittsburgh Jewish community and the Tree of Life Synagogue with words of condolence, prayers of healing, and messages of support. If you’d like to share your thoughts as part of our temple community, please email a message to us at [email protected] and we will forward them on collectively.

Please know that our security team remains in close contact with local law enforcement and that the safety of our temple and school community remains our highest priority. If you are in need of a quiet space for contemplation or prayer, you can always find sanctuary at Stephen Wise Temple. Join us as a community this coming Shabbat, November 2, at 6:15 p.m. for prayers of hope and gratitude and for the comfort that community can bring.

The best way we can respond to acts of terror like these is by reaffirming our Jewish commitment to being God’s partner in building a world of justice and compassion. Justice demands that we vigorously exercise our rights and obligations to protect our communities. Compassion impels us to redouble our efforts to build bridges, combat hatred, and urge our leaders to take steps to build a more united, civil, and harmonious America which cherishes the safety of all its inhabitants.

May the memory of those who were killed today be for a blessing and may their families be comforted among all who mourn.

With prayers that the week to come be filled with peace, security, and love,

Yoshi Zweiback, Senior Rabbi
Janine Kolodny, President