Keeping Our Faith and Finding Comfort After the Pittsburgh Massacre
In the wake of this past Shabbat's horrific massacre, Jewish people the world over are reeling in pain; feeling profound vulnerability, frustration and even anger. How does a faithful Jew react and respond to evil perpetrated and its tragic consequences? Here are Torah-true perspectives – drawing on a range of traditional sources and authentic Jewish teachings.
| Topics: | Faith; Belief in G-d, Pain, Suffering & Tragedy, Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting (2018) |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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My great grandfather my grandfathers step father was from squirrel hill in Pittsburgh. I would visit many times in my youth. One of my very best friends ever Steven who saved my daughters life was Jewish and this tragedy is close to my heart. I pray for healing for the family and synagogue. I care. It never should have happened. We had something similar happen in the Holy City where I currently live. Following our tragedy the pastor forgave the youth involved. It is very difficult to forgive someone who has done something so horrid. But the pastors wife did. The whole town gathered on our bridge and two birds were released one white dove and one pidgeon. Our town pulled together. I’m not saying you need to forgive someone that is violent or in the wrong but hatred will eat your heart. I was touched by the candle rememberance. I too suffered a loss like yours when my fiancé was killed. He had built a church physically to help others. He died a Martyr to that church. You are in my pray.