Dear friends,

I wanted to reach out this evening in the wake of the most deadly attack on Jews in American history. 

I was at a Shabbat service this morning when I heard about the attack in Pittsburgh. As your rabbi, I want to let you know that we at Am Echod are here to support you as we all learn more about the tragic deaths of fellow-Jews coming together to celebrate Shabbat (and a bris, which was happening when the attacker entered the synagogue). 

We are devastated at the tragic deaths at Tree of Life Synagogue. Our hearts go out to the families grieving such innocent lives taken by hatred and venom against all that is good and dear and holy. 

We will do as much as we can in order to ensure the safety of our congregation. We live in violent and often scary times. It is my hope and prayer that our synagogue community will provide a sanctuary for you and your family, now and always. 

May God send comfort to all those who loved these precious lives and give all of us the strength to continue to be proud Jews committed to the loving, caring and moral tradition we must fight for every day.

May we yet see the end of hatred, bigotry, and violence in our midst and throughout the world.

– Rabbi Julie Adler