Blog

Dear Friends,

Our hearts are shattered alongside yours as we mourn the unfathomable loss of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas. There are no words that can make sense of such a tragedy, no explanations that can ease the horrors of the way we lost them.

We find solace in each other, and in the unbreakable strength of our Sinai Community.

Shiri, Kfir and Ariel’s laughter, presence, and love—though stolen from this world—will never be erased.

We say these words as a prayer and a promise:

"Rest, rest sweet children. Rest beneath the earth. Nobody can harm you anymore. And up here, we will cry. Yitkadal, vayitkadash. Three of God's sweetest creations. Your souls finally free. Rest. Rest sweet children. Your memories, forever a blessing."

Jewish tradition teaches that even in the midst of deep sadness and fear, we continue to find joy in the beauty that surrounds us. Even as we mourn, we hold onto hope and the small moments of light that remind us life is still sacred.

This Shabbat, as we tuck our children into bed and whisper the Shema, we recognize the profound privilege of wrapping them in love and tradition. In this sacred moment, we can place our hands upon their heads and bless them—whether with the traditional words passed down through generations or with our own personal prayers, hopes, and words of love.

Y’simcha Elohim k’Ephraim v’chi-Menashe. (May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.)
Y’simeich Elohim k’Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, v’Leah. (May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.)

יְבָרֶכְךָ ה’ וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָּ
Y’varechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha.
(May God bless you and protect you.)

יָאֵר ה’ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka.
(May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.)

יִשָּׂא ה’ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom.
(May you live in a world that knows true peace.)

As we embrace our children, we hold the weight of both unbearable loss and immeasurable gratitude—the pain of those stolen from this world and the sacred duty we have to cherish and protect those still in our arms. Our prayers rise like a shield over the Bibas family, and may their memories forever be a blessing.

With love, sorrow, and unwavering hope,

Rabbis Ron Segal, Sam Trief and Brad Levenberg & Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer