Waking up to missiles in Tel Aviv, bombing in Gaza, a bloodbath in New Zealand. The mosques of Christchurch, now scenes of senseless slaughter, are far from the synagogue in Pittsburgh, the church in Charleston and so many other sanctuaries defiled by demonic violence – yet all are one and the same – in faith, and in fury.
White nationalists, angry men afraid of losing their patriarchal privilege or their frustrated fantasies of dominion, sow sorrow for generations.
Hearts ache today for the death and grief of so many, our Muslim sisters and brothers in New Zealand and worldwide. May the wounded heal, the mourners supported and loved, the memory of all martyrs honored as a blessing and a reminder to work harder for justice and wake us up to more gun laws, more compassion, and less fear and hatred of the “others” who are our brothers and sisters.
On the Jewish calendar this weekend is Shabbat Zachor – the Sabbath of Remembrance – remembering the biblical battles and the age-old hatred of Hebrew, Jews, Semites, from then till now. Many of us choose to carry the trauma and cling to fear of the other. It’s a legitimate and familiar trope. And we can also breathe deep, honor the pain of the past, and move beyond towards healing old and new wounds. We can look the other in the eye, remembering that all minorities and all others in all cultures get attacked for being different and unique.
This Shabbat of Remembrance, let’s remember to stand together against the real enemies of humanity: fear that breeds bloodshed and xenophobia that desecrates and destroys entire ecosystems. As Jews, let’s remember not only that we had and have enemies, but also that as a people we carry the obligation to courageously keep caring, to resist tyranny, to remember our core divine humanity, to fear less, love more, and hold hands across the world, together.
Please join Lab/Shul in Brooklyn tonight at Sabbath Queen as we gather to refuel our souls, taking time to sit in silence, pray for healing and peace, and to stand for each of our 49 Muslim siblings senselessly killed while praying. All are welcome.
Let’s raise our voices, remember to resist hate, rise above the pain, and sow the seeds of hope – together.
سلام שלום Peace
-Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
