Condolences to the Muslim Community of San Diego
This week, our hearts are with all communities that experience violence in their sacred spaces, but particularly, the Muslim community of San Diego following the devastating shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We mourn the loss of life, hold the injured and traumatized in our prayers, and extend our deepest condolences to all those whose sense of safety and sacred belonging has been shattered by this violence.
Jewish tradition teaches that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim — in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). To attack a community gathered in prayer is not only an assault upon human life, but upon the sacred dignity carried within each person. The Talmud teaches: “Whoever destroys a single life, it is as if they have destroyed an entire world” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5). Each life lost in this tragedy was an entire world of relationships, memories, hopes, and love.
Our tradition also reminds us that houses of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of refuge and peace. In the Book of Isaiah, God’s vision for the future is that the Temple shall become “a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7). Places of worship — mosques, synagogues, churches, temples, and sacred spaces of every tradition — should never become places of fear. They should be places where human beings gather to seek meaning, connection, healing, and the Divine.
Our community is profoundly grateful for all of our security partnerships around our beautiful basin, including The Secure Communities Network, Placer County, and El Dorado County. As a Jewish community, we know too well the trauma that follows violence directed toward people because of their faith. We know the heartbreak of wondering whether sacred spaces are safe. And because we know that pain, we are called to stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors and with all communities targeted by hatred.
Pirkei Avot teaches: “In a place where there are no human beings, strive to be human.” In moments such as these, may we choose compassion over indifference, solidarity over isolation, and courage over hatred. May the memories of those who were killed be a blessing. May healing come to the wounded and traumatized. And may the day come soon when every person can enter their house of worship in peace and leave it in peace.
