From: Dina Misho

From DARKNESS....

 ......

TO LIGHT.......

Today a very special person called me, one that I had begin to think was not what I had thought he was..  

in the end I learned that it was not he that lied, and hurt people it was the evil of another...( that no longer matters to me).

Let's just say that I, the not so typical Catholic girl was asked to attend a Jewish Memorial & Solidarity gathering. Being asked to go made me feel special. Special and sad at the same time. Being able to interact with people who are all in religion ONE, yet so different in many ways. From the typical "West Bloomfield" reformed, to the modern Orthodox, to the most Orthodox of Orthodox they gathered as one.   

For those of you who may not know a massacre happened in Mumbai India. Last Wednesday November 26th, 2008

Jews all around are struck by the cold blooded murder of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg who left behind all the comforts of their life in the West to go and help other Jews.  

 -four other Jews were shot inside the Chabad House, another 169 people killed and 240 wounded. Somehow G/d was looking after the Holtzberg's 2 year old son when the Indian nanny re-entered an upper floor of the Chabad house to rescue Moshe who instantly became an orphan in blood soaked clothes.

This is a very sad and horrible event that took place, not only for the Jews, but also for people all around the world that would like to be able to practice and engage in their religion freely without the attacks of the terrorists that think their religion is the one.

Looking around me as I listened and prayed made me realize that the Chaldeans and Jews are so close from the looks, to the language, to the morals and values instilled in us. It didn't matter whether I was a Jew or not. At this moment and every moment I live my life as a person who doesn't think I am any superior to anyone else. I wish more people can have the common interests I have in different cultures, people and religion for we are all one.

After seeing the pictures of the innocent people killed and heard all the cries of all the people gathered around me I walked away with a sense of peace, a sense of peace knowing that no matter what happens in life we cannot give up, we must all stand together as one. One community, one person, although (many) we must unite as one. For in the end without each other we are no-one. 

I hope that everyone who reads this can find peace within themselves..as for me I will pray not only for the people attacked in India, but for all the people in the world to find peace.

As for my friend who invited me to experience this Sad, yet Beautiful event I would like to say Thank you for allowing me to meet your family and spend such personal time with you and the people. I used to always wonder about the men with the long hair and beard that walk the streets on Fridays, but now I know their purpose in life, and I give them a lot of credit to dedicate their life to G/d and in the educating of the people. I was quite impressed with how many of them you knew, how much about religion you knew, and most of all impressed with one of the young men I had met and talked with...he felt just like a cousin.

....You thanked me time and  time again tonight and told me how I'm such a good spirit, and even text me with another thank you, but there is nothing to thank me for. I am truly very glad I came....  

More people should be as kind, thoughtful and caring as you...

Keep the people murdered in your prayers as the Rabbi asked of us...

Love you..

for those of you who did not attend I hope this touched you in some way.

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Dear Yudi

Thanks for thinking of me in sending this note. I attended this emotional and moving service. Francine and I resolved in gavi and Rivka's memory to have guests over every Shabbes possible to have them share in or be introduced to the mitzvah of Shabbes observance. Somehow I missed seeing both you and Francine there, but she says she and you made contact. B'shalom,

Bob  

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Hi Itty -
 
After dropping off Shlomo at his Bar Mitzvah lesson tonight, I hope to attend the JCC memorial service.  Shlomo has decided to make his Bar Mitzvah - Mitzvah Project connected to raising funds to help rebuild the Mumbai Chabad Center, thereby honoring and perpetuating the Holtzberg's life mission by carrying on their important work to spread the love and light of Torah and Mitzvot all over the planet.  We met with Hillel Administrators after school today to facilitate the circulation of a Tzedakah Box for this express purpose, as well as taking up a bottle/can collection effort for return deposit redemption - all proceeds to be donated to rebuilding the Mumbai Chabad, a fitting tribute to their dedicated and beloved Rabbi & Rebbetzin, of blessed memory.
 
I'll be in touch about the progress we are making with Shlomo's project.  Do you have any suggestions of where else we might place collection bins to raise awareness?  I'm sure we'll be in touch.  Take care.
 
Peggy
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Hi Itty,

I wanted to tell you that all of our Monday Night School students last night dedicated their studies to the memories of the victims in Mumbai, and to Rabbi and Rivka H., in particular.  

I hope that we have a peaceful week and that all who mourn will find comfort.

Keren Alpert
Rabbinic Associate
Temple Beth El