Saturday began in prayer for Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, and we were relieved that it ended with prayers of gratitude to God and to all who helped liberate the hostages. No one should ever be afraid to assemble in their place of worship. This situation is a sobering reminder that we must continue to combat and condemn antisemitism and all forms of hatred in America. The partnership that has developed in recent years between local law enforcement, FBI, the Jewish community, and national organizations including the Anti-Defamation League and Secure Communities Network was critical in putting the relationships in place that allowed everyone to work together toward resolving this crisis.
Temple Shaari Emeth continues to partner with our local law enforcement, The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, and other local and national organizations to keep our emergency response training, equipment and procedures up to date. We are in the final year of implementing a $100,000 Homeland Security Grant that is being used to enhance our physical security infrastructure. The Manalapan Police, along with police officers from other communities, have used our building for SWAT training. We continue to adjust as best practices are updated by our local, state, and national partners. Please reach out to Stuart if you have specific questions.
We invite you to consider saying a prayer of healing for our Jewish community, with these words by Rabbi Seth Goldstein:
Source of All Life and Blessing, Free those who are in captivity Protect those who are in danger Heal those who are in pain Strengthen those who are weary Give peace to those who are in strife Bring justice to those who do wrong.
Source of All Life and Blessing, May hatred and violence be eradicated from our communities May we continue to not only build walls, but bridges. May the spark of the divine in each of us be visible to all May righteousness and compassion guide our steps.
Amen.
May the Holy One who makes peace in the heavens grant peace to the members of Congregation Beth Israel, to us, and to all of humanity.
L'shalom, Rabbi Melinda Panken Cantor Wally Schachet Briskin Jennifer Fessler, President Stuart Brown, Executive Director Melissa Pescatore, Director of Religigious Education Sheryn Cohen, Director of Early Learning Center