Beyond the smoke and sirens, last month’s terrorist attack on Temple Israel has triggered some unintended actions — a massive outpouring of support for the synagogue, its staff members, families, and the whole Jewish community. It is unclear how long the building restoration will take, but there is no doubt that the immediate response reflects the strength of the congregation and solidarity with everyone who wants people to be able to worship in peace.
Temple Israel is a home to many members of the Berkley Schools community and countless more who have attended services and celebrations there. The attack sent a flood of messages and emails from non-Jewish members of our community, checking in and offering support to Jewish friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
BBYO chapters have also participated in supporting the community and those who bravely helped during the attack. Sophomore Abigail Hirschhorn is a member of Aliyah BBG. Her chapter has supported the community by raising money for Temple Israel and bringing gift cards, snacks, and posters to the Orchard Lakes Police Department to thank them for their bravery and aid during the attack.
Freshman Mia Levine has been a member of the Temple Israel community her whole life. She is the granddaughter of Rabbi Harold and Susan Loss, after whom the Early Childhood Center is named.
Members of YFTI, Temple Israel’s youth group, gathered days after the attack to personalize letters to every member of the temple staff and thank them for their hard work and heroism.
“This was such a horrible thing that happened in our community, so it’s really important that we help support our Jewish community,” said Levine.
Through all the chaos, some families had Bar/Bat Mitzvahs that were scheduled to take place at Temple Israel in the days and weeks following the attack. These families had to quickly shift their plans, having to change venues and times of their events.
Talia Dolgin shares her family’s story on their experience with her son Miles’s Bar Mitzvah. Fortunately, the sanctuary and social hall at Temple Beth El were available, so they could have the service and party as scheduled. Due to the sprinklers going off at Temple Israel, the prayer books were destroyed. Also in place of Temple Israel’s Havdalah set — candles, spices, and a wine glass used to mark the end of Shabbat — the Dolgins brought theirs from home.
Dolgin recalls her favorite part of the day, “One of the most beautiful parts happened five minutes before the service.” Her friend showed up with the Torah from Temple Israel for Miles to read from. “Miles could have used a Temple Beth El Torah, and the service would have been just as beautiful, but it made it all the more special to use one from Temple Israel.”
The attack on Temple Israel made national headlines in the hours and days that followed. The effects of the attack on the Temple will continue to play out for the weeks and months ahead. For all the uncertainty about safety and security, the community response has shown unwavering support from the broader community and the strength of those affected.
“We are not a people who cower to acts of terror. We are not a people who run when things get difficult,” said Rabbi Jen Lader. “We are a people who grow stronger. We are people who show up and are there for each other. And we are so proud to be who we are, and we’re not going to let them win.”
