Community Reflections

This week, the Weber School community gathered for a special Tekes (ceremony) in the Tzadik Performing Arts Center to honor the memories of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino z”l. These six innocent lives, held hostage in Gaza for 329 days since October 7, 2023, were tragically found murdered this past weekend. Their loss has reverberated throughout Israel and the global Jewish community, touching the hearts of many, including members of our own Weber family.

Rabbi Adam Mayer, Dean of Jewish Studies and Mashpia Ruchani (Spiritual and Religious Counselor), led the ceremony with words of reflection and sorrow. He shared the devastating reality of their captivity and the profound sanctity of life that we, as a community, hold so dear. Rabbi Mayer reminded us of the importance of coming together during this time, asserting that our gathering is a testament to the resilience of our hearts and the strength of our collective hope.

“The entire Weber School community appreciated the leadership of Rabbi Mayer, working with Morah Keren Ben Haim, Ms. Michelle Geppert, and Principal, Ms. Shlaina Van Dyke, for organizing such a meaningful and powerful ceremony, one that included prayer, reflection, and song and that offered our school community an opportunity to grieve for our murdered brothers and sisters and to stand yet again in solidarity with Israel and Israelis,” said Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Head of School. “As always, we are grateful for the initiative and leadership shown by Weber’s Rams for Israel and for their participation in this important memorial.” 

In this time of deep mourning, we recall the words of our prophets, who urged us to speak from the heart and to each other. As we navigate this painful moment, we find solace in our community, prayer, and the shared belief that our hope is not lost. Together, we continue to support one another, drawing strength from our unity and our enduring faith in peace. As Rabbi Mayer expressed, “We gather in the face of adversity and affirm the value of life. In this way, our act of gathering together here at Kehillah is a holy act.”

May their memories be a blessing.