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When we pray for something from the depths of our souls, desperately hoping that certain news won’t come, as the very thing we feared materializes before us we are left to grapple with a profound sense of loss and sorrow. Our hearts are broken by the devastating news of the deaths of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas. While acknowledging the ongoing tragedy of the 1200+ people murdered on October 7, the hundreds of IDF soldiers who have fallen in battle over the past 16 months, and yes, the tens of thousands of innocents who have been the casualties of war, it is undeniable that the fate of the Bibas family has occupied a place of distinct concern in Israel’s and our entire Jewish community’s collective conscience. Despite the enormity of loss suffered by so many, still, there are no adequate words or explanations that can make sense of the unfathomable way in which the lives of a mother and her four-year-old and infant sons were taken from the world. Confronting this great sadness, we are reminded that, despite our best efforts to shield ourselves or loved ones from pain, life is once again testing our resilience, challenging us to seek out sources of hope and comfort amidst despair. May we find solace in each other, and in the unbreakable strength of our Temple Sinai community.

A message sent to our Preschool families included these words:

“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.”

As we gather as a community this Shabbat – to recite Kaddish for loved ones, to celebrate a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, to acknowledge the important work of community agencies, to learn with a visiting scholar, to enjoy another opportunity to be together with friends and loved ones in this holy community – let us also pause, even if only for a moment, to consider life’s fragility and embrace all who are dear to us with love and words of blessing.