“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.” Elie Wiesel
We mourn along with the entire country at the senseless deaths of seven Americans over the past two days - Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and five police officers guarding a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas. I affirm as a person of faith and conscience that black lives matter. I affirm as a Jew that it is my job to stand up for others who are are oppressed and suffering. And I thank those in law enforcement who are committed to reducing violence and protecting civil rights, and who risk their lives daily to make our world safer. To kill a single human soul is to destroy an entire world. May our world only be built up by our actions, and not destroyed over and over again.
Members of the Montclair faith community will gather in prayer and solidarity with St. Mark's Methodist Church at 51 Elm St. on Monday, July 11th at 7:30pm. The conversation will continue the following week with community conversations organized by the Montclair area NAACP. Please look out for notices in our blasts and on Facebook.
I wish you a Shabbat Shalom - a Shabbat filled only with peace and comfort.
