April 27, 2019
23 Nisan 5779
Dear Rodeph Sholom Family,
We mourn with Jews and caring people around the world over the tragic assault at the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California. This attack took place precisely six months after the Tree of Life slaughter and, once again, occurred during Shabbat morning services. The rabbi was among the injured.
When anti-Semites seek to destroy Jews, they could not care less what denomination those people belong to. At this upsetting moment our hearts and hands are joined. We are not Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or Chassidic. We are Jews united in history and destiny. We truly are one.
Next Friday night we will join together to affirm the strength and values of our wonderful synagogue community. You will notice all we are doing to make sure our security is top notch. We will spare no effort or expense to make sure our children, members, staff and visitors are as safe as we can make them.
We shall never let those who hate undermine our determination to live Jewish lives of purpose and love. We will choose life.
Warmly,
Rabbi Robert Levine
Senior Rabbi
