The news of the eleven martyrs, and the injured, in Pittsburgh sent the entire Jewish community into mourning. That these individuals were taken from us solely due to their Jewish identity gives us pause, and compels us to speak.
For my part, I feel wholly inadequate to the task of finding meaning in these savage acts, or to somehow comfort those who, like me, were so saddened by them. Personally, I’ve taken great comfort in the outpouring of support that I’ve seen from so many who have sought to console the Community of Israel in this trying time. Our tradition teaches that when someone dies, it is left to the living to do good deeds in their merit. See Sefer Chassidim, Siman 1171.
In the language of the Chassidic masters, we seek to push away the darkness by adding in light. The most obvious manifestation of that light is the light of the Shabbos candles; and I think it would be a very good thing to commemorate these kedoshim, who were martyred on Shabbos, to increase in light through the lighting of Shabbos candles. Indeed, this coming Shabbos will be the last one in some time in which lighting Shabbos candles will be easy to do, given the busy schedules of so many of our membership. The time to light candles this week will be 5:23 pm. By next week, after the clocks change, it will be much earlier.
Another manifestation of that light could be in increasing in acts of goodness and kindness, including by giving tzedakah. As the Lubavitcher Rebbe frequently reminded us, the word tzedakah – traditionally rendered ‘charity’ in English – truly means justice. For those of us who have the ability to give – whether of our money or of our time and skills – it is incumbent upon us to do so. We were given what we have so that we could use it to heal this broken world.
And this world is in great need of healing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs, the wounded, and their families. May their memory be a blessing, and may the True Judge bring justice to those who mean harm to peaceful people.