The Chatham Synagogue

Elie Wiesel wrote: "Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe." We are reminded of his words far too often these days. Today, the center of the universe is Congregation Chabad in Poway, CA, where a young terrorist armed with a semi-automatic rifle murdered 1 person and wounded 3. On March 15th the center of the universe was at the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwoo...d Islamic Center in Christchurch New Zealand where 50 worshippers were murdered and 50 more injured. In early April the center of the universe was southern Louisiana where three historically black churches were destroyed through arson. And on Oct. 27th the center of the universe was the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, when a gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle murdered 11 people and injured 7. We grieve with all of these communities. We mourn their loses and pray for their wounded. But, as Elie Wiesel also said, There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. And so, we add our voices to the others who demand that the language of hate and divisiveness be routed out of our national dialogue and we end this epidemic of violence and extremism. Next week, people around the world will gather to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Together, we can best honor the memory of those victims of the past by speaking out against the religious and racial intolerance and persecution of today.

"Conversation Pieces: Jasper Johns: 'Redo An Eye.'" Join us on Sunday, 3/24/19 at 2pm for an extraordinary opportunity to hear author/art historian Roberta Bernstein discuss her definitive monograph on celebrated artist Jasper Johns, as well as her experiences working with him on the 5-volume catalogue raisonne of his painting and sculpture. TCS: 1536 Route 28, Chatham Center

The Chatham Synagogue community deplores racism, bigotry, and violence wherever it rears its ugly head. We stand by our Muslim neighbors and offer our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims, family, and friends of those murdered and injured in the horrific New Zealand massacre.

Join us this Saturday at 6pm for the screening of an extraordinary documentary, "Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema", about the Jewish women who were the stars of India's early film industry. This Food & Film event will also feature Indian-inspired soups & tasty desserts. Admission is $15 See our website for more information. https://thechathamsynagogue.org/new-page-2/