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Interfaith Vigil for Pittsburgh
November 1, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
I sit here, wavering between anger and sadness at yet another week of senseless violence perpetrated by domestic terrorists. At the insufficient responses from our government leaders and what their inaction is telling our children. That this is “the new normal” — to sit and offer up prayers or good thoughts but to do nothing to improve things or to call out evil and injustice. Beloved, there is nothing “normal” about violence of any kind, especially when it stems from intentional ignorance and fear. Normal is showing up for each other, speaking up to say, “We are here for you” and “NO, this will not stand!” when another’s life and safety is stolen by senseless fear.
We have an opportunity to do just that in a few days. Our sister congregation, Congregation Ohr Shalom (67 Kent Place in Summit), is hosting an Interfaith Vigil for Pittsburgh on Thursday, November 1st at 7:30 PM. I implore you and your children be in solidarity, holding our Jewish friends during this time of pain and saying in one loud voice, “Hate is abnormal and it has no home here!”
Our religious freedom is a right purchased for all people by the literal blood, sweat and tears our ancestors. Yet there are some in this country (many of whom live with access and acceptance that I’ll never see in my lifetime) that believe their rights outweigh ours because we don’t worship the same (or any) god. Because we choose to love who we love regardless of gender, sex, race, ability or creed. Because we are willing to give up some of our privilege to give someone else a fair chance to thrive. I choose to not be afraid of difference and I will embrace others as equals. That is the message I want to send to our kids. Please join us in this fight for our lives.
Holding you all in love and light,
Jamaine