Our God and God of all Humanity.
We come here today to express our grief in the aftermath of the tragic and horrific act of terror that took place less than 48 hours ago in Christchurch, NZ.
Our hearts are broken as we think about the violence and hatred that stole away the lives of at least 50 precious souls who did nothing other than come to a sacred house of prayer to worship on their holiest day. We grieve with their spouses and parents, their children, family and friends who will have to deal with this senseless act of violence and terror for the rest of their lives.
For Members of the Jewish community, today is also a holy day. We have come here-some who have walked long distances in observance of the Shabbat- because we know the pain, the fear, the anguish of being targeted.
Four and a half months ago, our synagogue- Temple Emanuel- was filled to overflowing - just as this holy Mazjid is also filled- with people of every faith, skin color and creed. The aftermath of the tragedy in Pittsburgh-showed members of the Jewish community that we are bound together with our sisters and brothers in the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and every other religious tradition in solidarity as we confront the evil of racism and intolerance.
We pray that the God of Abraham and Ishmael, of Moses and Muhammad (Peace be upon him), of Jesus and Buddha of everyone who sees the holiness implanted with all humanity might inspire every human heart with compassion and determination to end our potential for hurt and see the good within all of us.
We come together in peace.
We come together in love.
We pray that our next gathering will not be the result of violence- but a promise of hope.
עושה שלום בימרומיו, הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל יושבי תבל.
May the One who makes peace in places far beyond our understanding, send peace to us and all humankind -and let us say, amen.
