To the Editor:

On this past Friday evening, members and friends of Congregation Adath Israel gathered for our traditional Friday night Shabbat service. There was an upcoming wedding to look forward to, and the bride-to-be co-led a wonderful service alongside our rabbi. We also celebrated the birthday of a twice-former president of our congregation and the 27th wedding anniversary of a cherished couple. Amongst the celebration, traditional prayers, singing, and food, there was some sage advice doled out by the rabbi.

Rabbi Schectman explained that earlier in August marked a day of great tragedy in biblical Jewish history. It seems like so much of history is pockmarked with tragedy. However, the message he delivered was about more than tragedy. He reminded the congregation that tragedies will come, and they will pass. But these challenges that come with life should never dull the spirit from looking towards brighter things to come. The future is a wonderful thing because, as humans, we have the capacity to envision and frame a future of promise, of hope, of kindness, and mutual respect for all. As we consider the rabbi’s message, we know we not only have the capacity to imagine our own future, we have the capacity to actively shape our future, as well.

The following morning, August 24, our congregation was alerted by the Newtown Police Department that some person or persons made a failed attempt to disrupt our shared vision of promise, hope, kindness, and respect by defacing our synagogue’s walls with anti-Semitic markings and writings. But this hateful and intolerable act will never have its intended outcome or effect. Our Newtown community rallied around us that very morning to make immediate repairs and to offer support and faith; we stood tall with our friends and neighbors against all acts of hatred, in all places and against all peoples.

Our synagogue has been part of the fabric of the Newtown community for over 100 years. The congregation was formed as a Jewish farming community to support Jewish immigrants escaping persecution in Europe. Over the course of a century, our congregation has transformed itself and maintained its relevance. We practice a Conservative branch of Judaism which promotes a mission of openness, diversity, and inclusion to all. And all means all… whether that be mixed-faith marriages, our LGBTQ community, collaborating with clergy from other faith organizations, or welcoming community members with an interest to learn. This is what we stand for and represent — our faith and steadfastness will not be deterred.

Congregation Adath Israel will be marching on. Our programming, education, and community engagement events will proceed as they have done for 100 years. Come join us on September 13 for our Shabbat service commemorating our 100 years in Newtown. Stand with us against hate; stand with us for coexistence and community. Join us when we hold a community Chanukah Menorah Lighting or any of our wonderful programs or events throughout the year. We welcome you. We look forward with pride in being part of this wonderful and kind community for hundreds of years to come.

Benjamin Glazer, President

Congregation Adath Israel

115 Huntingtown Road, Newtown August 28, 2019