Congregation B'nai Or
The St. Croix Jewish
Community
St. Croix, USVI
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Statement Of Union For Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs Responding To Shooting At Tree Of Life Congregation In Pittsburgh
Statement Of Union For Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs Responding To Shooting At Tree Of Life Congregation In Pittsburgh
New York, NY; October 27, 2018 - The slaughter of our brothers and sisters praying in their holy synagogue this Shabbat in Pittsburgh breaks our collective heart.
The murders took place during a prayer service in the Tree of Life congregation where, like synagogues all around the world, they were reading from Genesis recounting how Abraham welcomed perfect strangers into his tent. How painful and ironic that we live in a time when we have to temper our loving welcome of strangers as we protect our communities from violence and hate.
There is much which is unknown about today’s horrific killings. We will learn more over the next hours and days. We will continue to work with our nation’s synagogues and other houses of worship and law enforcement to enhance security and provide effective protections for our communities – and our nation.
This time the Jewish community was targeted, in what may be the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history. Other times it has been African-Americans. Or Sikhs. Or Muslims. Or members of the LGBTQ community. Or too many others. What we know is this: the fabric holding our nation together is fraying. It is our task to ensure that it does not come apart.
We mourn as one people along with all people of conscience.
The murders took place during a prayer service in the Tree of Life congregation where, like synagogues all around the world, they were reading from Genesis recounting how Abraham welcomed perfect strangers into his tent. How painful and ironic that we live in a time when we have to temper our loving welcome of strangers as we protect our communities from violence and hate.
There is much which is unknown about today’s horrific killings. We will learn more over the next hours and days. We will continue to work with our nation’s synagogues and other houses of worship and law enforcement to enhance security and provide effective protections for our communities – and our nation.
This time the Jewish community was targeted, in what may be the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history. Other times it has been African-Americans. Or Sikhs. Or Muslims. Or members of the LGBTQ community. Or too many others. What we know is this: the fabric holding our nation together is fraying. It is our task to ensure that it does not come apart.
We mourn as one people along with all people of conscience.
Note: We know now that eleven people tragically died when a gunman opened fire at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh,Pa on Saturday, October 27th during a prayer service. The oldest was 97 and youngest was 54 years of age. Among those who lost their lives was a pair of brothers, a married couple and a dentist committed to volunteer work.
Welcome Rabbi Marcy Delbick!
Rabbi Delbick is our new rabbi and will be joining us on St. Croix for the high holidays!
To learn more about Rabbi Delbick, click on:
Clergy
Passover 2018!
Mezuzah Learning and Creating
At Jan Mitchell Larsen Studio
March 18th, 2018
Rabbi Marna and congregants participate in a
Genizah burial at the Jewish cemetary in Christiansted
March 25th, 2018
Over the years, our Jewish community has accumulated many, many damaged old prayerbooks and other holy books. Because they contain God's name, they cannot be merely disposed of, but must be properly buried.
Welcome to the St. Croix Jewish Community
We are a diverse group of Jews and fellow travelers.
We encourage you to join us!
Our synagogue is a warm and welcoming blend of the
liberal and the traditional.
Our Community
We celebrate Shabbat and major Jewish holidays together, and offer educational programs for children and adults.
Our Passover seder is always well-attended. We host book discussion groups, movie nights, social gatherings
and provide volunteer opportunities!
