We Jews are no strangers to tragedy. This week brought violence and hatred into the midst of Shabbat morning for our extended family in Pittsburgh.
Like Abraham arranging to bury his beloved Sarah in this week’s Torah reading, first we must honor our lost loved ones and comfort their families. Even in doing this Abraham strived to be a mensch, a person of integrity, and a good neighbor, by honorably dealing for the land in which he would inter Sarah.
We must do the same. As we honor our dead and care for our wounded, we must proceed with bold integrity that enables us to join with our neighbors to demand a world that will not tolerate hatred in any guise. I share with you my own heartbreak in the face of loss, and my determination to be resolute against the dissemination of incitement to do violence, and for justice for everyone.
Sending everyone sympathies and blessings from Israel,
Jonathan