Like so many of you, I continue to be deeply shaken and outraged by what is unfolding in Minneapolis. The loss of life and the violence we are witnessing are horrifying. This must stop—full stop.
At the same time, I am profoundly concerned about the toll this moment and the broader climate we are living in are taking beyond the streets themselves. I am watching families argue and friendships strain under the weight of fear, anger, and mistrust. When everything feels like shouting, the damage doesn’t stay “out there.” It comes home.
As a rabbi, in moments like this, I feel obligated to help us hold onto our humanity and one another—to insist that justice and compassion, accountability and care, conviction and receptivity must travel together. These are not competing values. They are the very qualities that allow us to act with urgency while still showing up in ways that help build, not destroy.
Jewish community leaders in Minnesota have spoken with care and clarity about this moment, calling for accountability alongside concern for human dignity and affirming the importance of upholding the rule of law as part of a humane response. They have also shared urgent needs. You can read their joint statement here.
I have made a donation to Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota to support their work during this crisis. If you are able, I invite you to join me in giving.
This is a painful and frightening moment. We can each do our part to bring healing by offering support where we can and by refusing to let violence and fear define who we are—or how we treat one another.