Tag: Am Yisrael
Trayvon Martin
My prayers go out to the family of Trayvon Martin. The pain of their loss is only compounded by the verdict in the George Zimmerman case. The jury has found Zimmerman “Not Guilty.” Although this is the verdict we are forced to accept, I wonder if the prosecution did the best it could to try the case or did it fail to meet the burden of proof the jury required. But no matter what the outcome of the trial, the devastating and tragic loss of a young life remains a stark reality.
May Trayvon Martin’s memory be a blessing, may his family find some comfort in their sorrow, and may we act to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring.
Tisha B’Av prayers
During Tisha B’Av, as we contemplate our losses, let us also remember the hope that comes from our capacity to rebuild after tragedy. Let us also take time to reject Sni’at Chinam, the baseless hatred that rips the fabric of Am Yisrael from within. Let us work to build our people based on respect for every Jew’s serious engagement with Judaism, even when we do not agree or accept it as our own personal practice.