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I am overwhelmed with a whole host of emotions right now. The Chabad Shluchim throughout the world are in shock, actually we’re crushed by today’s tragedy. I am also deeply touched by the volume of emails and calls from people reaching to lend their support. I know all of you were praying along with us, our 4000 colleagues around the world, and their respective communities. My dear friends, today is a moment of truth; a wake up call reminding us that we are all “mishpocho” – one big family of Am Yisroel. By extension – we are connected to all people of good will, all of whom are G‑d’s children.
I ask that you join me in doing a mitzvah today to honor Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkie Holtzberg. Women and girls from the age of 3, please light a Shabbat candle tonight, the candle Rivkie will not be able to light. (Candle lighting tonight in our area is 4:11pm). Also place a coin into a tzedakah box before lighting the candles, as is customary. (The blessing, to be recited after the lighting with your 2 hands covering your eyes is: BARUCH ATA ADOINOI ELOHEINU MELECH HALAM ASHER KIDSHANU BEMITZVOTAV VETZIVANU LEHADLIK NER SHEL SHABBAT KODESH). If you already do this please ask a friend who doesn’t to do this today, just for Rivkie. After all, this is what her life was all about, and no doubt what she wants now as her farewell gift… Men, pull out those old tefillin and put them on TODAY for Gaby (before 4:11). The Chabad House will be open from 3-4pm TODAY in case you need Shabbat candles or would like us to help you put on the tefillin.
Also, I suggest we get together tomorrow morning at 9:30am for Shabbat services, to pray, encourage one another, and just to hold hands. Certainly it would be very comforting to me and Sara if you joined us. Tomorrow is the birthday of little Moishele, the couple’s 2 year old son who is walking around looking for Abba and Ima and wondering why his world was suddenly turned upside down. Chabads the world over are making an international birthday party for Moishele by gathering people at their local Chabad Houses to pray for his wellbeing, while honoring the memory of these beautiful young people, true heroes who were gunned down in the line of duty, on the front lines serving in the Rebbe’s army spreading goodness and yiddishkeit.
I love you! Thank you for being such good friends.
We want Moshiach NOW!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel
P.S. Click here to watch our 4-minute clip on YouTube on the Torah's response to terrorism.
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MOMMY & ME:
