RCA Calls on All Congregations to Stand United this Shabbat Against Anti-Semitism

May 1, 2019

The Poway attacker entered the Chabad Shul and began shooting at 11:23 AM last Shabbat.  Accordingly, the Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, calls on all congregations, this Shabbat, May 4, 2019, at 11:23 AM, to stop the service and mark it with the recitation of Psalms, or a moment of silence, or an appropriate prayer or a song, and a meaningful word about our sacred responsibility to recognize anti-Semitism and hatred when we see it and to combat this dark ideology by bringing more light into the world, as Rabbi Goldstein of the Chabad of Poway, has so powerfully declared. (Many congregations may have finished their service by 11:23 AM.  We urge them to dedicate another moment for this important initiative).

RCA member Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern of the Young Israel of Scarsdale, NY, observed, “Time after time we have seen forces of anti-Semitic hatred rise around us – leaving vitriol, slander and violence in its insidious path.  Time after time we have been left to bear the tragic results and figure out how to respond.  Time after time we, as a united Jewish community, have shown resilience as we bring forth light from the darkest of situations.  This time is no different, for at no time can we become indifferent.  From Pittsburgh to Poway we will not be silent…Time after Time.”

Rabbi Elazar Muskin, president of the RCA, said, “Let us all pray for the holy soul of Lori Gilbert Kaye, of blessed memory, for the speedy recovery of those injured, and for the day when we will see peace in this country, upon all Israel, and upon all humanity.”