Dear HEA Community,
It is painful to witness war breaking out against Israel. 50 years after the Yom Kippur War – almost to the day - Israel’s enemies have killed hundreds, wounded thousands, and taken hostages in a heinous surprise attack carried out on a religious festival. As we watch in horror the events unfolding in Israel, we join in solidarity with local, national, and international organizations to express our concern, to pray, and to take action in support of Israel.
War is frightening, and each life lost is a tragedy. We may be physically far from the battle, but we can nonetheless help. One way you can help immediately is by donating to the JEWISHcolorado Israel Crisis Fund to support Israelis who have fallen victim to terror and violence.
We invite you to join the HEA clergy and other community leaders on Monday, October 9, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Temple Emanuel (51 Grape St, Denver) for a city-wide prayer vigil and rally organized by Jewish Colorado. The gathering will also be livestreamed.
More information about the Jewish Colorado community response can be found HERE.
Please know that HEA is in close contact with law enforcement and our community security partners, including Secure Community Network and JEWISHcolorado, and ADL to stay apprised of any security concerns to Jewish institutions and to ensure the safety of our synagogue.
As the holiday of Sukkot comes to an end – a time for which we affirm both our capacity to build shelter, but also recognize our own vulnerability from within it – we call out in the words of the siddur:
Guard our going out and our coming in, and grant us life and peace, now and always. Spread over us the sukkah of Your peace. Spread a shelter of peace over us, over all the People of Israel, and over Jerusalem.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald
Rabbi Sarah Shulman
Evan Kline, HEA Board President
Caryn Osterman, HEA Interim Executive Director
