The Central Conference of American Rabbis is thrust into mourning once again, together with all decent people worldwide, in the aftermath of another attack on Jews at worship. We mourn the precious soul lost to this world in Poway, California, at the hands of the murderer. We pray for the healing of all who were injured, including our Chabad colleague, and stand in solidarity with the whole community of Chabad of Poway.

Exactly six months ago, a mass murderer took the life of eleven Jews at worship at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. More recently, Muslims and Christians have been massacred at prayer in Christchurch, New Zealand and at multiple churches in Sri Lanka.

Houses of worship are intended as sanctuaries from the hateful violence that too often characterizes our world today. Security measures are important if regrettable necessities, but they do not take the place of loving hearts, celebration of religious diversity, and a worldwide human commitment to end the scourge of hate-fueled violence.

Reform rabbis join in prayer for the realization of the Prophet Isaiah’s vision: “Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, nor devastation and destruction within your borders” (Isaiah 60:18).

Rabbi Ronald Segal

President

Rabbi Steven A. Fox

Chief Executive

Central Conference of American Rabbis