RABBI'S REFLECTIONS

5.27.22 - In the Talmud, Rabbi Yehuda Nesiah teaches that “the world only exists because of the breath of schoolchildren.”  As a parent of young children, I am amazed each day at how much love and care my children receive from their teachers in a place where they feel safe.  Like all parents, I would do anything to keep my children safe and happy in their schools.  Yet this week we again come face to face with the ways that we as a wider culture have failed as we watched the senseless slaughter of 19 children and two adults at their school in Uvalde, Texas.  We grieve for their devastated families and pray that they find some kind of peace, but we also know that “thoughts and prayers” will not be enough to prevent future tragedies.  None of us can solve the problems that allow mass shootings in schools to happen, but each of us can play a role.

If you are scared because of the prevalence of guns in our country, I encourage you to become familiar with the work of Sandy Hook Promise.  Founded by parents whose children were murdered in Newtown, Connecticut, this organization aims to unite all people who value the protection of children.  On their website you can learn how to advocate for legislation that advances school safety and mental health supports and prevents gun violence.  You can also learn about warning signs and how to respond to them.

If your first response to this shooting is to be concerned about mental illness, then please support the work of NAMI Charlotte.  Mental illness is more prevalent than most of assume, but it is treatable and there are organizations in every community that are there to help.

If you hear about a shooting and think that schools need more security, then do your part to help schools put security in place in a way that makes sense.  Temple Israel shares our beautiful campus with two schools and security is a major part of all the organizational budgets.  You can help Shalom Park keep our children safe by contributing to the Foundation of Shalom Park Security Fund.

I am sick of reading about mass shootings and the death of innocent children and adults and I am scared for my own children.  In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Tarfon teaches, "you are not expected to complete the task, but neither are you free to avoid it.”  Do something, now, while the memory of the shooting in Texas is fresh in your mind.