Page 60 - LIN.FEBWEBSITE

IMAGINE WHAT OUR

C MMUNITY

CAN BE

by Rabbi Adam Miller
J ohn Lennon’s memorable lyrics from “Imagine” stir the

soul as we contemplate his dream of a future in which all
could live together in peace with one another. The power
of that dream came to fruition not long ago at the powerful
Shabbat of Solidarity at Temple Shalom. Nearly 1500 over-
flowed the sanctuary, social hall, lobby and beyond – some
standing on the patio outside, others turning away because of
traffic to watch the service via livestream technology. Cars were
parked alongside Pine Ridge for a half mile in either direction.
The event began as a community response to the vandalism
of the Temple Shalom sign on Pine Ridge Road. A shotgun was
used to damage the sign, and spark fear. Reaching out to faith
and community leaders, I invited them to participate in a service
of solidarity at the congregation. We could never imagine the
immense outpouring of emotion and love that resulted from
that call to action.
In the days before the service I received dozens of emails,
phone calls, and messages of support. More than one person purchase, and a society in which the seeds of injustice can-
offered to pay for any repair costs, as one gentleman explained, not flourish and bloom. We prayed for the strength and
“If hate mongrels can destroy [the sign], lovers of all people can courage necessary to continue standing up to hate and in-
keep on fixing it.” Jews, Christians, Muslims, Ba’hai and other justice. As well as the wisdom needed to build bridges that
faiths attended the Shabbat of Solidarity service. The speakers connect us, while tearing down the walls that divide us. All
included: Father Bob Kantor (St. Agnes), Reverend Dr. Dawson left with the message that there is no “us & them” only “us.”
Taylor (Naples UCC), Reverend Dr. Kathy Kircher, Reverend That evening demonstrated the strength of our com-
Kathy Schillreff (St. Monica’s), Imam Mohammed al-Darsani munity to come together in a time of need. We must now
(Islamic Center of Ft. Myers), Reverend Tony Fisher (Unitarian take steps to ensure that the hope and awe we experienced
Universalist Church of Naples), Amy Snyder (Holocaust Mu- at the Shabbat of Solidarity was not a one-time event, but
seum & Education Center of Southwest Florida), Jeffrey Feld a recurring theme. It is time to immerse ourselves in the
(Jewish Federation of Collier County) and Mayor Bill Barnett. work of building bridges, and creating the world as we
The video of the service, including their moving messages can imagine it could be.
be viewed on our Temple Shalom website at www.naplestemple. Through all of these efforts, we pray that we will con-
org under the Media tab and livestream archive. tinue to build on the sense of community created by the
As I shared that night, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Shabbat of Solidarity, as well as brighten our community
described his experience of marching alongside Rev. Dr. Martin for many months and years to come.
Luther King Jr. as, “Praying with my feet.” We prayed with our
feet at the Shabbat of Solidarity. Our joint prayers that night In Peace,
focused on creating a community in which hatred can find no Rabbi Adam Miller

60 Life in Naples | February 2017