Rabbi Ed Feinstein Articles

Dear VBS Family,
The tragedy of Newtown, Connecticut has left us all shaken this week. The pictures of families attending the funerals of their children only sharpens the sense of emptiness and loss. At the Newtown memorial service on Sunday evening, the President spoke movingly of our collective responsibility to turn rage and pain into a commitment to change the elements in our national culture that threaten the well-being of our children. This is the best way to heal such a tragedy. 

There are several funds set up to help the families of Newtown should you wish to make a contribution.

• Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown has established a fund in memory of Noah Pozner, the youngest victim of the tragedy: CLICK HERE for more information
• The United Way of Western Connecticut has established a support fund for victims' families: CLICK HERE for more information
• Newtown Youth and Family Services provides counseling and support for the community: CLICK HERE for more information

We join with families across America, families of every faith and culture, in a prayer that the families of Newtown might know they are not alone. At this time of Winter Solstice, when the days are so short and so dim and the nights so dark, we pray that light can penetrate darkness, love can penetrate bitterness, and hope can overcome despair. 

Rabbi Ed Feinstein

The national leaders of our Conservative Movement have joined the call for a change in gun laws. Below is a link to their statement: Conservative Movement Leaders Express Need for Restrictions on Gun Ownership

Position Statement of the Interdisciplinary Group on Preventing School and Community Violence
This statement was authored by the leading scholars of school and youth violence, including VBS member, Prof Ron Astor.  CLICK HERE to read