Special Message From Rabbi Hyman

Dear Friends,

Below are the poignant and penetrating words written by the great teacher and sage, Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Clearly, his words speak to us and move us in the aftermath of Buffalo and Uvalde.

Yet again, we have had horror forced upon us. Yet again, we stand witness to a tragedy that defies understanding on many different levels. Yet again, we stand frustrated and angry, confused and exasperated. Columbine took place in 1999. Sandy Hook happened in 2012 and was followed by the horrors of the Pulse Night Club in 2016, Las Vegas in 2017, Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 2018, and Tree of Life in 2018 along with other horrifying moments of tragedy and fright.

How long must we, as Americans, as a nation, as a society, as citizens, and as people suffer from this epidemic of gun violence? We are “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” We are “the shining city on the hill.” How painful and embarrassing is this reality.

Last week, Senator Chris Murphy addressed his colleagues, urging them to take action and respond to this national crisis. As he spoke to them, tears were streaming down his cheeks. Senator Murphy’s first experience with the horrors of a mass shooting involving young children was at Sandy Hook.

We must communicate clearly, powerfully and unambiguously to our elected leaders that change must occur, that they must enact legislation that responds to the issue of gun acquisition and gun ownership.

Sane gun legislation is in no way a threat to nor an attack on the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sane gun legislation is a statement communicating that human life is valuable, important, and precious, and the protecting and preserving of life is the ultimate priority and our ultimate responsibility.

Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav wrote:

May it be Your will,

Holy One, our God, our ancestors’ God,

that you erase war and bloodshed from the world

and in its place draw down

a great and glorious peace

so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation

neither shall they learn war anymore.

Rather, may all the inhabitants of the earth

recognize and deeply know

this great truth:

that we have not come into this world

for strife and division

nor for hatred and rage,

nor provocation and bloodshed.

We have come here only

to encounter You,

eternally blessed One.

And so,

we ask your compassion upon us;

raise up, by us, what is written:

I shall place peace upon the earth

and you shall lie down safe and undisturbed

and I shall banish evil beasts from the earth

and the sword shall not pass through your land.

but let justice come in waves like water

and righteousness flow like a river,

for the earth shall be full

of the knowledge of the Holy One

as the waters cover the sea.

So may it be.

And we say:

Amen.

Rabbi Nachman’s words touch our hearts and speak directly to the reality of our time and age. May we have the vision and the strength, the courage, and the fortitude to legislate, implement and enact the change that is so desperately needed.

The Book of Proverbs reminds us: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

L’shalom – For the sake of Peace,

Rabbi Peter E. Hyman