Yesterday afternoon, sadly again, I held my kids close to me when they came home from school. I did this, if only to convince myself that everything was and will be okay.
Yet, I am quite aware that there is evil and hatred in this world. To make matters worse, there are a plethora of vehicles people use to fuel the flames of this evil. Because of all of this and more, we find ourselves in a world that seems to have normalized things like school shootings and mass killings.
In response to this inclination, I declare, “No, I must not let this be the new normal.” My heritage encourages me to say proudly, “I will not stand idly by…” My tradition challenges me “…not to be afraid, though the world feels like a narrow bridge.” My Judaism strongly states, “Seek justice and pursue peace.”
Because we have been affected by this most recent action, I plan to have a special discussion with our 8-12th graders tonight from 5:30-6:30 PM on the topic of Judaism’s response to Gun Violence. All of our young people are invited, even if they have never come to Chai School. Especially if your teen feels “a little out sorts” or honestly affected by yesterday, please have them come. Now is not the time for our young people to feel they are alone.
Additionally, at tomorrow evening’s Shabbat services, we will not only say special prayers, but we will have some time to unpack Judaism’s response to these types of heinous actions as a community.
We all can use some community when these tragedies strike our lives. Please consider joining us, as we support one another.
