“Memory is a master painter, lining indelible pictures upon the mind’s canvas. Time pilfers our years, our hopes, even our grief. But it cannot cross the threshold that leads to the domain of Memory. Here we resuscitate the past. Here we gather once more water lilies that have died, but come to life again in the pool of remembrance.” Alexander A. Steinbach
Time is indeed a heady concept. Time has the ability to soften the pain of the past, even as its scars remain etched upon the heart forever. But time can never obliterate the past as long as we remember!
As we approach the second anniversary of that most dreadful day when 17 members of our community were gunned down by a mad gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we tremble still at the horror. Some grieve uncontrollably, unable to find their way through the darkness. Others, while hurting, still are able to pick up the pieces and move to a place of uneven healing. All feel the pain of the communal whole, seeking solace and perspective to “move on.”
With this in mind, please know that Kol Tikvah will join with our Parkland community in the various programming, events, activities and interventions offered throughout the day on Friday. Please follow this link to find out what is happening in the larger community.
Here at Kol Tikvah, throughout the day, our sanctuary will remain open for prayer and meditation. Cantor Arnold and I will be available for pastoral care, quiet reflection or just a hug, either in the synagogue or at Pine Trails Park.
I invite you to observe a moment of silence wherever you are at 2:21 pm and follow it up with a random act of kindness.
At 5:00 pm, please join us for a brief interfaith service led by the Interfaith Coalition of Coral Springs & Parkland at Pine Trails Park Amphitheater. This will be followed by our own service of remembrance at 6:30 pm back at Kol Tikvah as we transition from this day of sorrow to the sacred joy and renewal that Shabbat uniquely offers as a gift to all who seek her blessings.
We will kindle 17 candles at the beginning of our Service and invite especially our teenagers to be present to participate in the lighting.
I also urge you to join us on Sunday, February 23rd at 9:00 am for Mitzvah Day to counteract the evil of that dreadful day with acts of lovingkindness. Let us banish the darkness with our unselfish acts of love for others less fortunate.
In whatever way you choose to mark the heaviness of this day, please know that you are NOT alone and that loving arms are here for you to hold you and share your grief.
Please feel free to reach out, whenever you feel the need. Finally let us never forget the unfinished lives, whose physical essence was cut short simply for being in school on that fateful day.
May the spiritual legacy of each of our 17 fallen angels live on in our minds and shine on in our deeds. May their memories always be for a blessing.
Alyssa Alhadeff
Scott Beigel
Martin Duque
Nicholas Dworet
Aaron Feis
Jaime Guttenberg
Chris Hixon
Luke Hoyer
Cara Loughran
Gina Montalto
Joaquin Oliver
Alaina Petty
Meadow Pollack
Helena Ramsay
Alex Schachter
Carmen Schentrup
Peter Wang
Rest in peace.