In the wake of the horrible shooting recently that took the life of Lori Kaye-Gilbert and injured three at the Chabad of Poway in California, on the last day of Passover, Chabad of Yonkers welcomed residents and elected officials May 3 to an evening of unity, solidarity and prayer at the synagogue, where Shabbat candles were lit to bring extra light to Yonkers, and to stand together as a community.
“Our hearts are shattered by the cold-blooded attack on our brothers and sisters – Jews of all walks of life gathered at Chabad-Lubavitch of Poway in celebration and prayer to the Almighty on Shabbat and the final day of Passover,” said Mendy Hurwitz, rabbi of Chabad of Yonkers. “We mourn the holy soul of Lori Gilbert-Kaye, and we pray for the healing of all the injured.”
Standing in front of the synagogue’s ark containing the holy Torah scrolls, speakers shared words of prayer, comfort and healing, and a call to action.
“With the passing of Lori Kaye, the world became darker,” said Hurwitz. “We can only respond to darkness by adding in light.” People were asked “on this Shabbat, go to your Chabad or local synagogue. Bring a friend and encourage others to #ShareShabbat,” said Hurwitz. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, asked people to know that just as a little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness, so, too, in these times, we must do acts of goodness and kindness
