Dear Temple Beth El Family,
Temple Beth El is heartbroken to learn of the attack against the Jewish community of Boulder, Colorado. We are sending our love and prayers to all those wounded in yesterday’s horrifying act of domestic terror and to the entire Boulder community.
Yesterday afternoon, on Erev Shavuot, the day Jews prepare to receive Torah, a community gathered peacefully in Boulder to call for the return of hostages still held in Gaza. A man attacked them with fire. Twelve people were injured, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
This was not protest. It was not about Gaza. It was not about peace. It was antisemitism. It was terrorism. Using the actions of a government as a pretext to harm Jews in Boulder, in Washington D.C., or on our college campuses is not justice. It is hatred. Let us be clear: terrorism will never lead to justice. Violence will never lead to peace.
Shavuot reminds us that Torah is received anew in every generation. We carry it forward with purpose, with love, and with one another. This attack will not break us.
Hate cannot burn what we carry.
Not our covenant.
Not our memory nor our resolve.
Not our commitment to bring the hostages home.
Not our hope.
We are still here, and we are not going anywhere.
Today, we had planned to send a reminder about our Annual Meeting, which will take place tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00pm. We hope you will join us. As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments and leadership of our congregation, we will also come together with prayers for peace, for justice, and for the safety of Jewish communities around the world.
Events like this only reinforce the importance of security in our operations at Temple Beth El on a daily basis. We partner closely with Shalom Park Security and local, state, and federal law enforcement to monitor for threats and respond in real time. Shalom Park Security operates at a consistent level of heightened alert and will be adjusting patrols for more visibility with armed law enforcement patrolling, as well. Please know how seriously our teams take this responsibility and that they will be vigilant and focused on keeping our community safe.
Your clergy are here to support you and be a listening ear. If you would like to talk, please reach out to Renata Rosenberg, Clergy Assistant, to schedule a time to speak with us.
With care and strength,
Rabbi Asher Knight
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Rabbi Beth Nichols
Rabbi Lexi Erdheim
Jonathan Friedman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
