Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, Rabbi of the Mill Hill Synagogue in London, wrote a public message following the massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Shabbos. The message has been widely shared on social media:
Shabbat is a time of peace and serenity. This tranquility was brutally disrupted with the devastating attack on Jews praying in their Synagogue on Shabbat day in Pittsburgh. We are all grieving along with the families in mourning. Because that’s what we Jews do.
We are shocked, in disbelief. Not just for the devastating loss of life but for the basis of these senseless murders. It’ll soon be eighty years since Kristallnacht. It beggars belief that “death to the Jews” is still a mantra heard on the lips of 21st-century haters.
But we must not give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity. We, the Jewish people are a collective affirmation of life. Our existence and achievements are a living testimony to one of Judaism’s greatest messages to humankind: the principled defeat of tragedy by the power of hope. Because that’s what we Jews do.
Shabbat commences with the lighting of candles and concludes with the lighting of a candle. All through the ages Jewish people have responded to their plight by permeating the darkness with the light of goodness and kindness.
As we pause to consider the enormity of the tragedy and ponder the question, “what can I do about it?” In the face of this darkness, look to illuminate the soul of another. In the face of such tragic death, make a difference to one other life.
May the souls of those tragically taken be bound in the bond of eternal life; May G-d send comfort to those who mourn and healing to those injured. May we see an end to all devastation and a “Shabbat world” filled with peace and harmony among all mankind.
Am Yisroel Chai – We the Jewish people have, are and will live on forever more. Because that’s what we Jews do.
Wasn’t for us to see if haman would kill us or not. It was for us to fast, pray…and then go after all our enemies
Follow their lead – and use your power, be it money or locally at the ballot box.
Hashem gave us brains.
Fight collectively at the ballot box, and the Jewish swing vote can produce more cops, more cameras and more money being spent on counter-terrorism ( that’s Fed dollars and US House of Re Yvette Clark’s job )
But, you have to clean up your own house and have regular elections, otherwise, no one will be inspired to vote for Jews on the CHJCC who appoint themselves for life.
Yaacov Yudewtiz
(not Israeli )
Alle gutte yidden should go to Shul!!! Just because………
Am Yisroel Chai!!!
Thank you Rabbi Schochet.
Hate is a good thing. It keeps jews from assimilating. Hate is a blessing to keep our survival.
When a tragedy occurs ( may it never again), it is cruel to say “this would have happened anyway bc it is part of Hashems plan”. Excuse me? Hashem does not plan shootings. G-d is good. But rshaim are evil and people are foolish when they fail to do teshuva and believe in fate instead of hashgacha protis. Huge difference!!!! Carrying a gun or not is a different shayla.
you really gona turn this into a gun debate? This was part of Hashem’s plan. No 22 or AK47 would help.
Uncle Yitzi always knows exactly what to say! Thank you!!
Every Jew a 22
I saw it, too, but I knew exactly who wrote it when I saw the line, “it beggars belief.” I love his writing!
Excellent response Rabbi Schochet!
I’ve seen this posted by different Rabbis everywhere. I wondered who the originator was. Should have been obvious.