Interfaith event in Naperville to comfort Jewish community after tragedy
Feeling vulnerable in the wake of a shooting that killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue, members of Naperville's Jewish community are grateful to find support from so many others.
Congregation Beth Shalom is giving people from all faith backgrounds an outlet to share their well wishes during an Interfaith Solidarity Program from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the synagogue, 772 W. 5th Ave., Naperville.
The free, public event expects to draw a large crowd as 10 religious leaders from the Naperville area offer short speeches and prayers, said Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph of Congregation Beth Shalom.
"We know that there are many people who are shocked and outraged and who support the Jewish community," he said.
The gathering Sunday evening will help those hurting after the shooting as they process emotions.
"It's an opportunity for our larger community to get together and mourn together, to lament together, to express our anger together and our resolve to move forward together," Rudolph said. "It's an opportunity for all of our faith communities to rally around this horrible event and express solidarity."
Since the shooting Oct. 27 in Pittsburgh, Naperville police have increased patrols of all religious facilities. Synagogues and other houses of worship have renewed discussions about security measures and safety training.
Despite safety concerns, opening up to people of all faiths Sunday feels like right thing to Beth Shalom, a large community with a worship space that seats 800. Working through the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association, which frequently hosts nondenominational discussions and gatherings, Rudolph and other congregation leaders planned Sunday's event as a chance to connect after a disconcerting tragedy.
"Frankly, the Jewish community is quite shaken by this. It's made us feel quite vulnerable," Rudolph said. "The support of elected officials, of different faith communities and just of our neighbors is really important to us. The fact that they have responded so strongly, have reached out to offer their sympathies and condolences and support to us, has been very, very reassuring to us."