Statement from Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz
October 28, 2018
MEMORIAL SERVICE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 6:30 PM
AT THE CHABAD JEWISH CENTER
1803 S. MAPLE GROVE RD., BOISE, ID 83709
ACTION ITEM: Do a Mitzvah for Pittsburgh
We are heartbroken and pained by the horrific attack that took place on our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh. This is an attack on all of us, and we grieve with the families who have lost loved ones and pray for the recovery of those who are injured.
Truthfully, the pain is too great and the wounds too fresh to speak at length about this.
But, here are a few important points.
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1.
Community & Safety
I am certain that law enforcement will do its utmost. The Boise community has already demonstrated tremendous support. We are in contact with local authorities to review our security. We have been assured that we are under no known additional risk. Boise Police has already added additional patrols to our facility.
We are grateful to all our neighbors, friends and the wider community for the outpouring of support. It is truly heartwarming during this difficult time.
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2.
An Evening of Reflection, Prayer & Solidarity
Please join us for a brief memorial service on Monday, October 29 at 6:30 PM at the Chabad Jewish Center, 1803 S. Maple Grove Rd., Boise, ID 83709.
We will remember those whose lives were tragically lost. We will pray for the families and communities of the victims. We will reflect. And we will commit to be there for each other.
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3.
What Can We Do?
My mentor, the Lubavitcher Rebbe often reminded us of the biblical verse “and the living shall take to heart.” Alongside the natural mourning and grief, there is a need to focus on things that will result in action and positive change.
What can each of us do?
In this instance, in particular, Jews were attacked while praying and observing mitzvot. So, here are some suggestions:
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Increase in unity. The attacker harbored senseless hatred towards Jewish people. We must increase our love for every one of our people. We are all one family. This is the time for each of us to reach out to someone we haven't gotten along with or haven’t spoken to in a while.
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Show Jewish pride. Especially at this time, we must show everyone that we are proud of our Jewish identity. Let's affix mezuzahs on our doorposts; wear our kippahs proudly. We are proud of our Judaism!
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Add a mitzvah in memory of the victims. Whether wrapping tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles or any other mitzvah, let’s each add one more act to our routine and dedicate it to the memory of those ruthlessly killed.
Let us pray that G‑d send healing and comfort to the grieving families. We pray for the day when all evil and hatred will vanish from the world, with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.
In the merit of our collective mitzvot, may we each bring much comfort and peace at this extraordinarily challenging time.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Mendel & Esther Lifshitz
Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho
208.853.9200
jewishidaho.com
P.S. If there is any way we can be of assistance during this difficult time, please don't hesitate to get in touch—that's why we're here.
https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/boise/article220771750.html
https://www.kivitv.com/news/jewish-community-in-treasure-valley-reacts-to-pittsburgh-tragedy
https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/boise/article220766690.html
