On Kol Nidre, as Jews in Belleville gathered to stand before God, gunfire broke the holiest day of our year. Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters of Congregation Sons of Jacob. No Jew should have to pray under threat, and no community should face that danger alone.
We also stand with Constable Jeff Smith, the officers of the Belleville Police Service, and every other force that answered the call. They ran toward danger to protect a synagogue and the people inside it. We pray for Constable Smith’s full recovery (refuah shleimah), and for the healing of every officer who was wounded and the strength of their families.
The Torah teaches:
לֹא תַעֲמֹד עַל־דַּם רֵעֶךָ
Lo ta’amod al dam re’echa.
“Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour.” (Leviticus 19:16)
This commandment asks us to act, not only to feel sorrow.
CIJA and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto are putting together a communal response. It will support the Sons of Jacob community, the wounded officers and their families, and it will include a chance for us to travel to Belleville and give our people a warm embrace in person. We will share the details as soon as we have them.
Until then, please keep Sons of Jacob, Constable Smith and all who protect us in your prayers.
To read CIJA’s statement, and for donation opportunities and to send a message of gratitude, click here>>
Warmly,
Brian Segal, President
Mitch Max, Chair of the Board
Rabbi Steven Wernick, The Anne & Max Tanenbaum Senior Rabbi
Phil David, Executive Director