Dear Friends,

Following the Holocaust, Pastor Martin Niemöller wrote these incredible words regarding his initial silence during the Nazi years:

“First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me”

My rabbinical school classmate and dear friend Rabbi Zach Shapiro recently wrote these words inspired by Pastor Niemöller. 

“When women didn’t have the right to vote, I spoke out - because that’s what Jews do.

When Jim Crow laws segregated blacks in America, I spoke out - because that’s what Jews do.

When LGBTQ were denied the right to marry, I spoke out - because that’s what Jews do.

When immigrants needed asylum, I spoke out - because that’s what Jews do.

And yet when Jews are being harassed, bullied, and targeted - where are others to speak out?”

Dear World, this is your chance to speak out and make a difference.

Tonight, we celebrate Confirmation. We pray our Confirmands as they go out into the world, will have the courage to speak out and the skills to make a difference.

On a personal note, my last service at the Temple will be June 14th. Please save the date and come so I may thank you in-person for the experiences we have shared during the past four years.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David Wilfond