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October 12, 2023“Shabbat Shalom” (Sabbath Peace) is the traditional Sabbath greeting for faithful Jews. The first Sabbath since the terrible events of last weekend begins tomorrow (Friday) at sundown and lasts until dark on Saturday evening. I am sure that all around the world, Jewish people will be seeking the solace of community and prayer. The despicable violence and murder visited upon Jewish men, women and children last weekend has traumatized a people who have suffered too much violence for too long. It is so heartbreaking to see that the hate filled perpetrators did not even spare the elderly, the young, or the infirm.
Even far from the killing fields, our Jewish neighbors here in Rhode Island are grief stricken and afraid. They need to hear from us. I ask the Catholics of Rhode Island to be good neighbors and express our love and support – to wish our neighbors “Shabbat Shalom.” You might wish to consider placing a Star of David in your window this Sabbath. It would be a beautiful way to encourage and reassure our neighbors that we see their grief and unite ourselves with them in prayer and solidarity.
- Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence
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A nighttime view of the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem. The Western, or “Wailing Wall,” and the Temple Mount that it supports is the holiest site in Judaism.
Photo by RICK SNIZEK/Rhode Island Catholic
