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Shabbat Message: “A Week of Joy, A Week of Hatred”

By Margie Miller, WLCJ President

Night after night, my many Facebook friends and family posted their menorahs shining brightly throughout the week of Hanukkah. Surrounded by smiling children and grandchildren, each family was celebrating this joyful holiday. We at Women’s League even coordinated our second annual virtual candlelighting on the second night of Hanukkah via Zoom. Our members from all over North America shared this experience together.

The week of Hanukkah, however was not exempt from more incidences of anti-Semitism. The persistence of such venomous hatred has overshadowed much of the news within and outside of the Jewish community. Once again, our collective voices had to speak out against this insanity.

The following is a statement put out by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations immediately following the incident in Monsey, New York. Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is a proud member of the Conference of Presidents.

“We are outraged at the latest attack at a synagogue celebration in Monsey, NY that reportedly left five wounded, several very seriously. There have been many attacks in the past week. There must be real measures by law enforcement, governmental leaders and judicial authorities at the city, state and federal levels. Immediate steps should be taken while longer term actions are pursued. There must be serious consequences for perpetrators. We urge leaders of religious, ethnic and other communities to speak out. All must work to end the incitement and join in clear condemnation of all who espouse hate.”

On this Shabbat, as we begin a new decade and a new year, let us all pray that our world will find a more peaceful way to navigate its future.

Shabbat Shalom,
Margie Miller
WLCJ President