Dear TEE community,

We enter Shabbat this week with the impact of yesterday morning’s horrific news of the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. There is much we still don’t know about the shooter’s motivation or intentions. What we do know is that two precious human lives have been taken. We know that political violence has once again shattered our sense of wellbeing as Americans and as Jews.

It is natural to feel a sense of hopelessness in the face of such wanton bloodshed. At the same time, we have a responsibility to do what we can to counter the polarization and “othering” that leads to such acts. This is a task we can undertake both inwardly and outwardly.

Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav taught, “The whole world is a narrow bridge. The essential thing is not to fear unnecessarily.” The word “unnecessarily,” omitted in the familiar song, is crucial. Our history of oppression can make us feel that the world is against us, leading to a perception of heightened vulnerability. Since the onset of the Gaza war, this understandable feeling has been exploited to further polarize Jewish perspectives on Palestinians. In this moment, I feel compelled to reaffirm the fundamental Jewish values of human dignity and equality, ensuring that the actions of one individual do not condemn all who advocate for Palestinian freedom. I am reminded of Emma Lazarus’s words: “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” I support Palestinian liberty because I believe it is essential for Jewish liberty.

We also need to reflect on how our own public actions contribute to the polarization and “othering” behind political violence. For several years, I have largely stayed off social media, because its business model relies on outrage and division. When we make public statements or engage in conversations, we must ask ourselves whether our words unite people or drive them apart. Are we repeating assertions that feel right but may not be entirely accurate? I pose this question as someone who is as prone to this as anyone else. In times like these, I remind myself of our Jewish belief in the immense power of words. Words created the world, and our words can reshape it.

Our tradition teaches that every life is a universe. At services tonight we will honor the immeasurable loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. We will also acknowledge the profound loss of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis whose names are unknown to us. Each of these lives is irreplaceable. May they be remembered as a blessing.

Rabbi Drorah Setel