I am sure almost everyone reading this letter is aware of the recent tragic shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh that took the lives of 11 people and wounded several others. Within hours of this horrific incident becoming national news, many members of the Fountain Hills community reached out to our congregation with offers of help and meaningful expressions of solidarity.

As we grappled with the tragedy, it was heartening to see so many join us on Sunday afternoon, as we offered prayers for those who lost their lives, as well as for the survivors who now have to find solace and cope with the consequences of this senseless brutality.

I am writing this letter to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire Fountain Hills community for its support. In the face of this tragedy, and recent acts of violence against other houses of worship as well, now is a time for us to pause and give thanks to the Almighty G-d that we live, and worship, in a community with the insight to understand that such tragedies touch us all, and with the will to reach out and help each other in times of need.