Since last Shabbat I have had, and have heard, a lot of reactions to what occurred in Colleyville. Fear that antisemitic attacks can occur anytime, anywhere. Anger that we still need to be vigilant about it. Relief that the hostages escaped. Solidarity from and with our partners in the ongoing fight against hate. These each have a rightful place in our consciousness.

And since there will be more antisemitic attacks in our country, and possibly in our community, the IADS leadership is working to schedule another security training so we can refresh our skills in advance of a crisis, and review the security measures we have in place.

This Shabbat, as I process these emotional and practical reactions, I am also trying to focus on gratitude. One of my favorite teachings from Fred Rogers (and there are many) was “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

And so I am looking for the helpers. And there are many. And I am grateful. First, of course, to my colleague Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who demonstrated astounding composure and bravery. And I am grateful to my colleague Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, who had the courage to speak to a gunman in the midst of a crisis. In Jewish tradition, we recognize how much of what we say and do is based on the wisdom of our teachers. So in addition to being grateful to my colleagues, I am grateful to their teachers in rabbinical school and in security trainings who taught them how to respond in the face of tremendous danger.

And I am grateful to the over 200 brave women and men who stood outside the synagogue working to keep the hostages safe. I am awed by the specialists who flew in from Virginia to be on the scene, and by our government who chose to send them in order to help save Jews in danger.

And I am grateful to my friends and colleagues across lines of faith and race and geography who have reached out to me over the past week to express their love and solidarity. I am part, and we are part, of an unspeakably beautiful network of helpers.

This Shabbat, in the midst of a broken world, I am focusing on the hundreds of people who came to the aid of four human beings who needed them. And the thousands of people–security professionals, government officials, parents, teachers, clergy, friends, strangers–who have spoken out against hate.

Although COVID is preventing us from gathering in person this Shabbat, I look forward to seeing you online. And on Saturday February 12, we will have the opportunity to show up for each other in solidarity. May we be grateful for, and commit to being, the helpers that this world needs.

Community Resources

After Texas, Jewish Security Network launches ‘Be Aware’ community training program

Registration for Be Aware: An Introduction to Situational Awareness, Community Training Program

How To Talk To Children About Antisemitism

Explaining the News to Our Kids