My Temple is in a very diverse suburb of Detroit and often takes part in many progressive causes and activities.
Its membership is diverse, we've Black, White, and Asian members of all ages, and it amazes how active our leadership is in getting involved in all matters of causes.
So I was not suprised when I received the following email today, but I thought I would share it today, as it puts into words my thoughts better than I ever could.
We at Temple Emanu-El join with all people of faith and goodwill in expressing our condolences to the families of those whose lives were taken and refuah sh'lema, healing of body and spirit, to those who were injured and to the entire community that has been traumatized by this violence.
"For all congregants - from the youngest children in religious school, to young professionals engaged in religious life, to long-time stalwarts of the community - houses of worship are places of safety, comfort and inspiration. For the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church to have become [Tuesday] night a place of such horror tears at the heart of every person of faith and goodwill."
Rachel Laser, deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Our Temple Community joins together to mourn the deaths of these nine lives.
May their souls be returned to God, and may their memories be treasured by all who knew them.