Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

The heart of the Jewish community tanked and filled with dread as we learned last Shabbat that a gunman was holding four Jews hostage at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX. Memories of the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh flashed before us, in addition to the tragic violence at other houses of worship (and schools, street corners, nightclubs, offices, theaters, and more) in recent years.

Julie and I have not seen Rabbi Citron-Walker in more than a decade, but we can attest that reports of his genuine kindness are accurate: he is thoroughly kind and personable.

We at Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation take the security of our congregants extremely seriously. It is a paramount concern. We are reviewing our security protocols. We do feel we are well guarded. We are, in fact, guarded by a trained security professional at every service. Still, it is prudent to conduct regular security reviews.

In the meantime, we are struggling through a tenacious pandemic. All EHNT services for the time being will be virtual only. The severity of the pandemic fluctuates, however, and we will continue to evaluate what is best for our community.

Friends, the pandemic feels like a grind at times, and I truly miss being physically together. I am grateful, though, that so many of you tune in by Zoom, and we will sing a joyful Shehechiyanu when we all feel comfortable being together – praying, singing, eating, schmoozing, learning – once again.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill