After Pittsburgh Shooting, Rabbis Talk to Children About Responding to Hate

A culture of hate is so prevalent in society, we are surrounded, consumed and overwhelmed by it. The media referred to the Pittsburgh tragedy as the worst case of racism against Jews in our history. Racism in all forms runs deep in the hearts of many, we're all vulnerable at the hands of those carrying around some sort of gripe in their twisted, perverted minds who set out on a mission to shoot as many unsuspecting victims as they can. Rapid fire weapons make it all the more possible to slaughter people in greater numbers, like sitting ducks.

Sneaking a silenced cell phone into shul during shabbos is probably pretty common in a Reform congregation, but a gun?!? "We will have the police patrolling (no security officers on the street; it’s not the message we want to send). Plus, many if not most of my congregants have conceal-carry permits. We meet with the F.B.I. next week. — Rabbi Rachael Bregman, Temple Beth Tefilloh, Brunswick, Ga. (Reform)" I started googling and, as I should have expected, it's not nearly as simple as expected. Obviously, CYLHA if this concerns you. Some stuff I'm reading... http://hirhurim.blogspot.com/2008/09/guns-on-shabbos.html https://www.torahmusings.com/2017/03/gun-ownership-in-jewish-law/ I don't really have time to finish this search right now. However, I think it's safe to say that OUR Rabbi wouldn't be promoting concealed carry to shul, for which I am profoundly grateful.

I understand the fear for family and discomfort that these people fell after all of this, but wonder the value of putting armed guards or encouraging members to carry concealed weapons into a house of worship. It seems like the stereotypically American thing to do any plays right into the NRA meme about a good guy with a gun being the answer to a bad guy with a gun. Our country continues, step by step, along a path to becoming an armed madhouse, where armed people and security guards are everywhere. We have probably the most armed citizenry of any nation and yet we are not safer because of it.

It is impossible to find any deep meaning in the Pittsburgh tragedy. It is simply a reminder that all minorities have to be more vigilant than ever in the darkness of the Trump era. I am very proud of our City that held a well attended inter-faith prayer vigil last nite. Leaders of all faiths shared their common humanity and support for the murdered Jews last Saturday. Last nite was very reassuring. All racial and religious minorities are at risk from the emboldened white supremists.And must stand together.

May the memory of those who perished be eternal and may each of us do some good today to turn the tide of darkness and hate that must be overcome with acts of compassion and unity. Our congregation is in the community next to Sandy Hook. We had to completely alter building security after the shooting. Our facilities, like many other religious facilities, was always open to a wide variety of community groups. Every night there was AA or NA or Scouts or Garden Club or some civic organization. The new security requirements made that openness impractical and locked doors were especially not conducive to the purposes of AA and other 12 step groups. Now the building is dark many nights. The ripple effects of this danger and insecurity are damaging to the fabric of our community and to the very programs that either work to prevent isolation and anti-social behavior or directly support people for whom isolation is a critical problem.

I was wondering what the talk would be in the synagogues and places of worship. This kind of trouble isn't over. We must prepare ourselves for the worst. If that means armed guards, so be it. New York must should be on alert, too.

There's been lots of talk about how we can address the proliferation of mass shootings, of hatred among various groups, etc. And while we talk about things such as better mental health care, people needing to get out into the real world and get to know each other...talk to each other...versus engaging in back and forth vitriol on social media. But of course, one other big factor is the easy access to weaponry within the US. All countries have citizens with mental illness. All countries struggle with divisiveness along lines of politics, social issues, race, religion, etc. But yet, the US is the only country with rampant gun violence that is unrelated to war or actual street crime. Mass shootings. Domestic violence. Suicide. Gang shootings. 'Accidental' shootings of toddlers/young kids, enabled by reckless, irresponsible adults who left loaded weapons within reach of children. Etc. When are we going to start showing the reality of gun violence within the US? Why did the NYT consider it a 'huge decision' to show the suffering taking place in Yemen, but yet, we have such an aversion to seeing the suffering that is enacted on a daily basis within the US, and by way of guns? It's interesting how many people reacted upon seeing the photos of starving children from Yemen, and wanting to do something to help. It's interesting how suddenly the UK and the US are coming down on Saudi Arabia and their war with Yemen. Why can't we effect similar action re: gun violence?

In many parts of Europe(Italy, France etc) the synagogues and places that have significant Jewish connections such as Holocaust memorials, Jewish Museums etc are all protected by heavily armed police and/or soldiers. These are not retired "rent-a-cops" but active police/military. At a community outdoor menorah lighting in France we had to have it in a park with high fences and gates that lock plus a significant contingent of heavily armed soldiers and police. It's sobering to consider that this is the direction that the US is heading but it may well be. Personally, I'd opt to have congregants with ample training carrying a gun while they are there. Just a single security guard outside is a sitting duck. While one hates to think about having to be armed at services it is clear that there is a need to be proactive. As horrific as the shooting last Shabbat was, it could well have been far worse if the shooter had ventured into a shul that was crowded with people. Let's not let there be a "next time". Never again.

As a Jew, and a 2nd generation Holocaust family survivor, I am very aware of anti-Semitism, anywhere & everywhere. I do think that the message, overwhelmingly, is that there is much hate and violence and mental instability in this world. Whom the haters choose to unleash upon is anyone they deem as "other". It's a universal human tragedy that haters kill and destroy. Their targets are not limited to any race, creed, religion, color, sexual or lifestyle preference. We are ALL vulnerable, for one reason or another. This is against all.

Please tell us the answer as to why I am hated by some? Exactly what can I tell my 6th grader?

The question is Why did the American people allow this to happen not why did God allow this to happen.

I am not Jewish but these comments made me cry. I am so sorry that this happened. I don't understand this hate and I do not want to. To our Jewish countrymen and women please know, more people love you than you will ever meet and know. More people support you than you can ever meet or know.

Why was there only ONE orthodox Rabbi quoted?!

AntiSemitism ebbs & flows, but is always present. It is a wonder that the murders at Atz Chayim Synagogue were the worst in American history. During WWII Nazi sympathizers demonstrated in Yorktown Manhattan. Prior to the war they filled Madison Swuare Garden. Catskill Mt vacation spots had signs “no Jews, no dogs” A person I thought was a friend spoke of “Jewing down” someone. In nursing school Jews were called “Sheenies.” A Palestinian speaking to me at a wedding breakfast said, “why didn’t all the Jews remain in Europe?” Trump’s Margo Largo was the first club in the region it’s in to accept Jews as members. Amazingly on the morning the 11 people were killed a local radio station was playing the overture from the Merchant of Vevice. I could fill a book with my experiences with anti-Semitism as a third generation American.