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Good morning friends.
Like you, I am heartbroken at the senseless acts of hatred and violence that struck the Kansas City Jewish community yesterday. But also like you, I have received dozens of heartening calls, emails and text messages from friends and colleagues all over the country and even the world.
This one hits so close to home. I have spent many hours in the Kansas City JCC, as have many of you, and my daughters were in the building when the incident took place (they're both fine). I pray for the well-being whose who survive, and was moved by the determination of the mother and daughter of the victims last night to, as she said at the vigil, "have more life."
I want you to know that, although we believe this incident to be an isolated one, we will take every appropriate precaution over the next little while to ensure the safety of our community. There will be a police presence outside the building for the seder on Tuesday night. and we have asked the police department to keep a closer eye on the LJCC, especially on Friday nights.
But we must do what the Jewish community has always done when tragedy strikes - we must go on - with our lives, and with our mission. Tonight we will gather with family and friends, and tomorrow we will gather as a community, and our joy in liberation will be tempered by the cost it takes to attain it. We will continue to witness to the possibility of redemption, continue to look forward to and to work toward the day when hatred and violence will cease, and the world will turn toward the Source of All - the Source of Goodness, of Life and of Peace.
Hug your loved ones for me.
Hag sameah - happy Passover.
Rabbi Moti.
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