Remarks from Temple Emanu’el Shabbat Service

My friends and neighbors.  Shabbat Shalom!

It is a joy and an honor to be with you again!  Thank you!

To be with you is not extraordinary, as I have many times before enjoyed the company and hospitality of Rabbi Davidson, his predecessor Rabbi Posner, the gracious staff, and this historic congregation.

What is somberly extraordinary for this evening is that I come at a very ominous time for you.  The recent hate crimes and vitriol shown against you, my esteemed elder brothers and sisters in the faith, is frightening, despicable, and nauseating.

Yes, people of many creeds and races have been targeted by this animosity, including us Catholics, but the Jewish community always bears the brunt, historically and right now.

My parents raised me to let neighbors in trouble know that we love them, stand with them, and want to help.

And that, my Jewish neighbors, is what this Catholic friend down the block, says to you tonight.

Thanks for welcoming me to say it.

Shabbat Shalom!