Although we’re hearing about irrational hate and violence more and more in this country, we never think that it’s going to happen in our own backyard.  Well, this past Saturday, while I was writing on my computer, my husband called me in to our bedroom to see what was on the television.  There, on the TV screen, were the words “active shooter” and the image of the Tree of Life Synagogue, a lovely building that is a couple of blocks from my house which I pass by every day.  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, especially as the number of the dead went from an initial report of four people to the final count of eleven dead, six wounded.

These were devout, sweet people, whose lives were taken as they sit in their place of worship, praying to God.  It was unthinkable, and it immediately sent my family and our neighbors into a state of shock.  And they were older individuals — the oldest among them was an amazing 97 years old.  What an unspeakable tragedy.

In the days that followed, we watched the news, attended unity marches, and drove by the synagogue, which was now covered with flowers, memorials and other personal messages to the victims.  Our neighborhood came together as one, decrying the violence and underscoring the need for love and the continuation of our faith — irrespective of our actual religion.  This was always a kind, inclusive community, where Catholic children played with their young Orthodox Jewish neighbors, and everybody accepted each other as they are.  This incredibly sad act of violence actually underscored just how important spirituality is in our lives — how it has the power to bring us together, to share our thoughts, and to heal.

Please join me in praying for those individuals who perished due to this unthinkable act, and for their families and friends, as well as for the policeman, clergy and caregivers who came together to protect and take care of all concerned.