This week, Temple Judea  joins with the global Jewish community to mourn. This week, we say Kaddish.This week, Temple Judea  joins with the global Jewish community to mourn. This week, we say Kaddish.

This is the week that we marked Shloshim, the 30th day of mourning for those killed in the October 7th massacre in Israel. At the same time, we also prepare for the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” a pogrom viewed by many Holocaust scholars as a violent prelude to the murder of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. 

During Kristallnacht on November 9, 1938, just as happened on October 7, 2023, the private and sacred spaces of Jewish civilians were invaded, ransacked, and destroyed. Families, the elderly, and young children were terrorized. In 1938, and again in 2023, innocent Jews were brutally murdered, and many more were violently captured, taken into custody, and tortured. 

So this week, we come together. Not just to mourn, but to uplift one another. We hold the victims and their families in our prayers. As Jews did in 1938, we join together to say Kaddish for those souls who perished, and Mi Shebeirach for those in captivity, offering solace to their families, and fervently praying for the freedom of those who remain captive. 

The Museum of Tolerance website notes that for Jews after Kristallnacht, “...there was the terrifying realization that political antisemitism can lead to violence, even in Western Civilization. It also demonstrated that apathy can still pervade the world when the lives of Jews or other minorities are threatened.” These lessons from history weigh heavily upon us, as we face the stark reality that even in the 21st century, the rising tide of hatred and violence towards Jews poses a tangible threat to Jewish communities both globally and here at home in the US.  

So what can we do? Fear, silence, and passive hopes are not the answer. Instead, we need collective action and unwavering solidarity so we can combat the darkness of prejudice and bigotry. Join Tuesday evening, November 28 @ 7:30pm, as Temple Judea welcomes Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of  the StandWithUs Legal Team, for an insightful discussion on “Identifying, Defining, Exposing and Acting Against Antisemitism.” Ms. Rothstein will offer practical guidance to stand against this insidious hatred, empower awareness, and shield ourselves against acts of antisemitism. This event, hosted by WTJ, is free to all Temple Judea members, but registration is required. Want to bring a friend? You can also purchase non-member tickets for $18. REGISTER HERE. 

Looking ahead, our B’tzelem newsletter in December will focus on the concerning issue of antisemitism, particularly on college campuses. If you or someone close to you has concerns or experiences to share, please email . 

Your presence matters and your voice is crucial. As members of Temple Judea, you are part of a strong, vibrant, connected community with whom you can pray, find strength, and process what is happening in the world. Please know that Temple Judea is dedicated to fostering a supportive space for our community as we confront these challenges together. This week, and always, we are here for one another. Am Yisrael Chai!

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