A Message from Rabbi Cohen: Dear Friends, I want to share words with you that come from the Chicago Board of Rabbis (I currently have the honor of serving as its president), the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Rabbinic Action Committee of the Jewish United Fund. Even as we approach the light of Shabbat there is a deep darkness that shadows us. The Islamist terrorist murder of 12 French citizens is a menace to all democracies and free societies. As of this note, an assault today at a kosher supermarket in Paris ended with four hostages murdered, several critically wounded, and 15 rescued. This follows a growing series of anti-Semitic attacks that have taken place in France over the past few years. This is part of a larger pattern of anti-Semitic attacks against individual Jews and Jewish institutions in Europe. It goes without saying that it is important to keep our community aware of the threat that Jewish communities face, and in particular the French Jewish community. We begin the book of Exodus with two young Jewish women standing against the tyranny and all the might of the Pharaoh. The book of Exodus calls upon us to stand against tyranny and for the dignity of humanity. As we bring in Shabbat, we have in mind the victims of the Parisian terror. We have in mind and in our prayers the wounded and the families of the victims. We pray that the Holy One of Blessing hear our prayer. Please join us for Erev Shabbat Worship tonight at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary as we seek comfort, offer support, and welcome Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Paul F. Cohen, D.Min.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:10:33 +0000