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It might be seven years later, but it hurts like it was yesterday. There is no preparation that one can do for the annual commemoration; rather, you hope that it is not too painful. But why do we remember? Are we afraid that if we don’t remember, we might forget? I can only say that I will never forget, for even if I would want to, 10.27 is a part of me that I cannot discard. The reminders are all around me: the corner of Shady and Wilkins; regular mentioning in the news media, especially when an antisemitic act has been perpetrated; signs still in and around homes and businesses; the people; memorabilia in my home. Someone that I meet for the first time will frequently tell me what they were doing on that day at that time. Yet remembrance is insufficient. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins posted a thoughtful remembrance on Meta, and I share with you two responses verbatim:

1. The devil cult always get what it deserves it always has. Jesus first than America first.
2. I do remember Jews saying they didn’t want President Trump there. That’s hate.

If one would suggest without research that 10% of all Americans harbor antisemitic feelings, that would be 33 million people. What should our response be, when there are those who have rewritten the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence to read: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.-except for the Jews. I don’t think that those who have antisemitism flow through their circulatory system will change. However, there are a great many Americans who know little about Judaism, and we have an opportunity to create relationships with them. The words of comfort that I have received today from gentiles tells me that I am blessed to have a good relationship with these people, but more is necessary. 

With memory comes the obligation to use these memories to positive ends, and I suggest two simultaneous paths. My unending motto is: When they do more H, we do more Jewish. There are so many ways to express our Judaism, in word and in deed. For example, this coming month of November will be very difficult for government employees who remain furloughed as well as those who will not receive SNAP. What are you able to do to ease these challenges? The second path is to grow your relationships with those who are your gentile friends. Just a few examples might be: bring them to synagogue services; invite them to a Friday evening dinner in your home; join us for our annual outdoor Chanukah menorah lighting on Sunday evening, December 14 at 5:30PM; have a joint Christmas/Chanukah celebration; join us for the Christmas pageant/ Chanukah party at Calvary Episcopal Church. 

Most important is the reminder that being Jewish is about community - we celebrate in community and mourn in community. The response to 10.27 is to gather and express our Judaism as a community. May the memories of the eleven continue to be for a blessing.