JACKSON HOLE, WYO – In the wake of the horrific Poway Chabad Synagogue shooting on the last day of Passover, as Jewish communities worldwide seek to express their unity with the victims, their families and the Poway community, the Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming is encouraging local Jews and the broader community to #ShareShabbat by joining a candle lighting and solidarity Shabbat prayer service this weekend and by bringing along a friend as well.
Additionally, Chabad encourages women and girls everywhere to #LightForLori in honor of Lori Kaye, who was murdered in her synagogue, by lighting Shabbat candles this Friday evening before sunset.
“The gunman wanted Jews to cower in fear, leaving synagogues empty,” said Raizy Mendelsohn, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming. “Let’s fill up Jackson’s Chabad Jewish Center and synagogues to show that we will never back down in the face of hatred.”
Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming will hold a candle lighting and Shabbat services this weekend on Friday night, May 3. Prayers for the recovery of those wounded in the attack will be offered. The Friday-night service will be followed by a community Shabbat dinner. R.S.V.P. for dinner by Thursday, May 2 by calling 307-462-0847 or by email at info@jewishwyoming.com.
“Cold-blooded, fanatical hatred can only be uprooted by filling our world with pure, undiscriminating love and acts of kindness,” said Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn of the Chabad Jewish Center in Jackson.
As Rabbi Goldstein said just moments after the attack: “We are going to stand tall, we are going to stand proud of our heritage. If a little light can dispel a lot of darkness, then many lights can truly illuminate the whole world.”
The campaign is being sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming, a local Jewish organization.
Meanwhile, the Jackson Hole Jewish Community Congregation will also be hosting monthly Shabbat services at 6pm at its space in the Centennial Bldg. Join friends and members of lots of Shabbat songs and prayer led by chazzan Judd Grossman. Larry Thal will give the D’var Torah. Oneg to follow. Families welcome!
