Showing Up for Shabbat

After the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Jewish communities across America sought additional safety, whether in the form of increased security, religious gatherings, or support from fellow citizens and interfaith organizations. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history, with eleven people brutally murdered as they prayed. When Rabbi Joel Sisenwine learned that the American Jewish Congress was planning “Show Up for Shabbat” events the next week, he bristled. Was now the right time to open the doors to the synagogue? 

The safety of the community, both physical and spiritual, was in danger: Would an interfaith event be appropriate, or welcome? If so, who should participate? Should it be a traditional Jewish Shabbat service, at a time when the community most needed it, or an interfaith event? As he comforted his community and contemplated his sermon, he knew there were only a few days before people would be showing up for Shabbat.

The complete, updated case is included in the volume Pluralism in Practice.