Rabbi David Wilfond’s Message – Friday, October 21, 2022
October 20, 2022
Thanksgiving @ TST
November 2, 2022| Dear Friends, The rise of antisemitic hatred should have us all concerned. Fortunately, the public outrage against Kanye West’s call for “Death con 3 against Jewish People,” is heartening. Even Adidas, a company with a Nazi past declared, “Adidas does not tolerate anti-Semitism and any other sort of hate speech.” This week marks four years since the worst massacre of Jews in American history. In 2018, 11 Jews were murdered during Shabbat services in a suburban Pittsburg synagogue. We have learned a lot in four years. Our synagogue in Bedford is now safer than ever before. A huge debt of thanks is owed to our CSS, the Community Security Service. Under the leadership of Carey Hollander and Steve Adler, 11 congregants have been trained in counter surveillance. Carey told me “It is better to know what to do in case of an emergency than not to know what to do.” He expressed to me that we really need to recruit more congregants to achieve a team of 30 members for our CSS. “Please help keep our synagogue and community safe,” said Carey. Temple Shaaray Tefila also employs professional armed security, but the support of our CCS volunteers adds an additional level of protection. Benjamin Disraeli, the Jewish Prime Minister of England said, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” This describes our approach. You can make a difference. Please join our CSS. Please contact Carey Hollander or visit the CSS website to learn more. The safety of our community is our responsibility. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David Wilfond |
