United Jewish Community Prayer Service

Hamilton’s rabbis call on the entire Jewish community to unite for a community-wide Zoom prayer service
for the residents and staff at Shalom Village and all Hamilton residents, as the victims of COVID-19 steadily rise.

״כִּי עָלָה מָוֶת בְּחַלּוֹנֵינוּ בָּא בְּאַרְמְנוֹתֵינוּ…״
“For death has come in through our windows, entered into our palaces…” (Jer. 9:20)

As the rabbis of Hamilton’s Jewish community we watch with sadness and trepidation as the numbers of those infected with COVID-19, as well as the numbers of those dying from it, continue to rise. We fear for all residents of our beloved city, Hamilton. And we are especially distressed by the outbreaks at Shalom Village, which, with constant dedication and tirelessness, cares for the beloved, treasured elderly members of our community. We are concerned for the vulnerable residents, and we are equally concerned for those who care for them.

Our tradition teaches us that the power of prayer and community is immeasurable.
״אֵין הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מוֹאֵס בִּתְפִלָּתָן שֶׁל רַבִּים.״
“God never rejects the prayers of the many.” (Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 8a)
As such we call upon the entire Hamilton Jewish community to join us on Zoom for a communal prayer for healing and protection, led by the rabbis of all Hamilton’s synagogues.

In merit of our sincerest communal tefilot we hope to hear of the outbreaks ending, the sick healing, the arrival of a vaccine and the eradication of this deadly disease once and for all, bimherah v’yamenu, speedily, in our days.

״…וְעֵת צָרָה הִיא לְיַעֲקֹב וּמִמֶּנָּה יִוָּשֵׁעַ׃״
“It is a time of trouble for Jacob, but he shall be redeemed from it.” (Jer. 30:7)

Our prayers are only as good as the actions which accompany them. We would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone of the religious obligation to meticulously follow all current health regulations and recommendations: Stay home whenever possible, do not gather in groups, stay 2 metres away from others, wash your hands frequently, and wear masks.

May we all know no more sorrow or suffering.

Signed,
Rabbi Jordan Cohen
Rabbi Daniel Green
Rabbi Hillel Lavery-Yisraeli
Rabbi Aaron Selevan