It is difficult to believe that it has been less than a week since the tragic shooting last Sunday. So much has happened, yet it is all still so fresh, and heartbreaking. Sitting around our Seder tables I hope that we all gained a newfound appreciation for all that are dear to us on this family-centric holiday even as we shed tears for the grieving families.
We had two opportunities to gather as a community. On Wednesday, the second day of Yom Tov, we gathered in our home to allow us to talk and process what has happened. Everyone added to the discussion, whether it was a personal experience, an insight, or just being present.
On Thursday the entire Jewish community gathered at the JCC for an event of Unity and Hope to commemorate the three victims, William Corporon, Reat Underwood and Terri Lamanno. I was moved by the comments of their Pastor who spoke of the faith of the family and their desire to make only good come from this tragedy.
I was also struck by the repeated comment that it is not our place to ask God why this happened or engage in philosophical speculation. God too is heartbroken by this event; He is crying. This resonated with me and the Jewish concept of Imo Anochi B’tzara, “I am with them in their anguish” (Psalm 91), that God is with us, even k’vyachol, emotionally, at times of distress.
I felt a strong sense of unity and togetherness that encompassed the range of feelings, from grief and vulnerability, to strength and faith. I found the whole event to be very moving and quite powerful, and I was honored to take part as a member of the spiritual leadership of the community.
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This weekend is Shabbat Chol Hamoed Pesach. We will read Shir Hashirim, the Song of Songs, on Shabbat morning. It is the story of the lover and his beloved, a beautiful allegory of the relationship between God and the Jewish people. It recounts the ups and downs of our journey as a people, and is very much a story of renewal, faith and hope in the face of uncertainty and despair.
On Monday we will read the Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea, and on Tuesday, the final day of Yom Tov, we will recite Yizkor. May the final days of the holiday bring both solace and joy to all.