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As soon as Pesach ended, we received the shocking news of the terror attack against the Chabad synagogue of Poway in California. Lori Gilbert-Kayes, 60, which everyone described as "a woman who thought about others before she thought about herself" was killed and three injured, including the Rabbi, Rabbi Goldstein.
Rabbi Goldstein refused to be taken to the hospital before making sure that all congregants were accounted for and before addressing them. This is part of what he told to the New York Times: (for full article, see here)
“ … I don’t remember all that I said to my community, but I do remember quoting a passage from the Passover Seder liturgy: “In every generation they rise against us to destroy us; and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hand.”
And I remember shouting the words “Am Yisrael Chai! The people of Israel live!” I have said that line hundreds of times in my life. But I have never felt the truth of it more than I did then.”
This message is especially important this week, as we remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust and pledge "Never again".
I will conclude with Rabbi Goldstein's words:
"I do not know G-d’s plan. I do not know why G-d spared my life in my Poway synagogue. All I can do is make this borrowed time matter. [...] I am going to be even more proud about walking down the street wearing my tzitzit and kippah, acknowledging G-d’s presence. And I’m going to use my voice until I am hoarse to urge my fellow Jews to do Jewish. To light candles before Shabbat. To put up mezuzas on their doorposts. To do acts of kindness.”
This is how we can remember the victims. This is how we can make our lives matter. This is how we can make the world a better place.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendel and Nehama Hendel