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#ProtectAllWomen From Gun Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when we devote time and energy to making ourselves and those around us aware of one of the most insidious and silent problems that plagues women, men, and children in this country. Earlier this month on RACblog we discussed how can channel our moral outrage at domestic violence into action and urge our Members of Congress to support the International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 3571/S. 2307). You may be aware that domestic violence is an issue in this country. You may not know, however, about how crucial the issue of gun violence prevention is to the protection of victims of domestic abuse.
Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat (I Should Have Gotten Involved Sooner)
Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat is December 9-10 this year, and in the Torah portion, Parshat Vayishlach, Jacob wrestles with an angel to receive protection from a battle he foresees coming with his brother.
Saving Lives from Gun Violence: WA Ballot Initiative I-594
This month, Washington State will be receiving their ballots to vote on two contradictory ballot initiatives related to gun violence, which they will send in by mail by November 4. Ballot initiative I-594 would require universal background checks for all gun purchases, including private sales. Laws similar to this have been passed elsewhere, including last year in Maryland where the new law has already led to a significant drop in gun deaths state-wide. Confusingly, an alternative ballot initiative I-591 would act to prevent state background checks unless a federal law was established. I-591 relies on the fact that a bipartisan federal background check law failed last year.
A Prayer for Victims of Gun Violence
At the Washington National Cathedral's interfaith prayer service to mourn the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, I offered the following words of comfort and prayer.
Reform Jewish Leader Offers Prayer for Victims of Gun Violence
For Immediate Release
October 3, 2017
Do Not Stand Idly By As Your Neighbor Bleeds: We Need to End Gun Violence
More than 30,000 people are killed by firearms each year in the United States, according to statistics. Each year, there are more school shootings, more incidents of gun violence in homes and more suicides by guns and yet, each year brings another round of congressional inaction to address this violence. But, there is more we can do in our communities to meet this challenge. The Reform Movement has partnered with Metro Industrial Areas Foundation to reach out directly to local mayors to ask gun manufacturers to lead reform in their industry. To do this, mayors will ask the gun manufacturers to create first-rate networks of dealers that meet high standards of security, record keeping and cooperation with law enforcement and bring child-proof, theft-proof guns to market – along with a variety of other gun safety technologies.
A Kaddish after Gun Violence, for When Humanity Fails Itself
The Mourners Kaddish begins "Yitgadal v'yitkadash sh'may rabba," "Exalted and Holy be Your great name" - yet little feels holy today, following another mass shooting.
Stunned By Carnage, Again, We Cannot Be Idle
Thoughts, prayer, and words are appropriate – but they’re not sufficient. Our words need to be followed by long overdue actions and hard work.
Jewish Resources for Coping with the Las Vegas Shootings
As Reform Jews, our task is to challenge America's conscience and not stand idly by the blood of our neighbor. We offer words, prayers, and concrete ways to take action to prevent gun violence.