Dear Congregants and Community Members,

On Saturday, Jewish communities across North America and beyond were rocked by an act of terror that took place during Shabbat morning services at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. The synagogue’s Rabbi and three congregants were taken hostage, and thankfully, after many hours made a heroic and safe escape.

We are happy that the hostages are now free and safe, and our hearts go out to them, alongside our prayers to help them in their healing.

Antisemitism affects us all, and it is the all too frequent circumstances such as these that force us to take pause in the face of hatred. Antisemitism continues to grow worldwide, and it is important for us all to be aware of what can be done to fight it. To that end, please visit the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada, and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies for more resources in the fight against antisemitism.

Security is always our utmost concern, and taking measures to keep our staff, congregants and visitors safe is at the front of our mind. Congregation Shaarey Zedek’s synagogue doors remain locked at all times, the space is under excellent surveillance, and various protocols are in place to ensure our staff remain vigilant for security threats.

To all of us in these trying times, and especially in the face of terror and persecution, we offer up Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s Prayer for Peace:

May it be Your will,
Holy One, our God, our ancestors’ God,
that you erase war and bloodshed from the world
and in its place draw down
a great and glorious peace
so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation
neither shall they learn war any more.

Rather, may all the inhabitants of the earth
recognize and deeply know
this great truth:
that we have not come into this world
for strife and division
nor for hatred and rage, 
nor provocation and bloodshed.

We have come here only
to encounter You,
eternally blessed One.

And so,
we ask your compassion upon us;
raise up, by us, what is written:

I shall place peace upon the earth
and you shall lie down safe and undisturbed
and I shall banish evil beasts from the earth
and the sword shall not pass through your land.
but let justice come in waves like water
and righteousness flow like a river,
for the earth shall be full
of the knowledge of the Holy One
as the waters cover the sea.

So may it be.
And we say:
Amen.

Ran Ukashi
Executive Director
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Direct Line 204-975-3482
Shul Office: 204-452-3711
ran@szwinnipeg.ca