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WHEELING -- In two days, Wheeling's Temple Shalom congregation will open its doors to the public for a Holocaust Memorial Day service and film. The event is the congregation's continuous effort to remember the Jews who fell victim to the horrors of the Holocaust.
However, the service also will be an opportunity to remember the victims of the shooting attack at yet another synagogue over the weekend in California, said Rabbi Joshua Lief at Temple Shalom.
"Once again, violence has been perpetrated against our fellow Jews, specifically because of our faith. It is our faith that leads inspires us to partner with God to heal the broken parts of our world. It is our faith that teaches us to share our blessings with any and all who are in need. This is why an attack against any house of worship is an attack on all people of faith everywhere: together we must continue to work to repair our world," Lief said Sunday.
On Saturday, a gunman opened fire on the congregation at Chabad of Poway in San Diego County in California, killing one person and injuring three others, including the rabbi.
The shooting came six months after the Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that resulted in 11 deaths and at least seven injured.
Lief said the Jewish faithful continue to battle the prejudices it faces still today.
"With violence against Jews still a reality in our world today, the echoes of the Holocaust reverberate in our lives. 'Never again' is a goal we have yet to accomplish."
Temple Shalom will observe Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, with a short service and candle lighting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a showing of the film, "Woman in Gold." All are welcome, from our wider Wheeling community, to join us for this special evening, Lief added.