Special Officer Stephen Johns - In Memoriam
Our entire congregation is both outraged and heartsick over the brutal murder of Special Officer Stephen Johns, as he stood at his post at the entrance of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. Johns was often characterized as a "gentle giant" by the museum staff, whom he greeted each day with friendliness and courtesy, as he greeted all who entered the museum in peace. Johns was married, and had an 11-year-old son. He was 39 years old. His death reminds us that we still have a long way to go in our nation in our quest to eradicate anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds, and the violence that it all too often spawns. We remain committed to that quest, in the hope that one day all of God's children will be able to live together in peace and mutual respect.
In this spirit, and in keeping with the practice of tzedakah, the Jewish community has established several funds for the family of Special Officer Johns. The information appears below. Many thanks.
Zecher Tzaddik Liv'rachah - May the memory of the righteous be for a blessing.
Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman
1) Checks payable to USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund may be mailed to USHMM, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington D.C. 20024. Contributions can also be made by calling 877-91USHMM (877-918-7466) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or going to the museum's Web site: http://www.ushmm.org/memoriam/detail.php?content=johns
2) The American Jewish Committee has set up a fund for donations in memory/honor of Special Officer Johns. Please mail checks payable to the American Jewish Committee, with "Holocaust Museum Memorial Fund" on the memo line, to: American Jewish Committee Washington Chapter, c/o Melanie Maron Pell, 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 1201, Washington D.C. 20005. Donations will also be accepted at the AJC Web site: http://www.ajc.org/johnsfund
3) Wackenhut, Johns's employer, asks that contributions be made by check or money order payable to Zakia Christina Johns in care of WSI Wachovia, 4440 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33410.
Dr. George Tiller - In Memoriam
As Rabbi of Union Temple, I express both deep sadness and moral outrage at the brutal murder of Dr. George Tiller on Sunday, May 31st, as he greeted his fellow parishioners in church before the start of Sunday services. I add my voice to those of countless Americans of faith, who support the right of women to exercise their moral agency in making decisions over their own reproductive lives.
Dr. Tiller was an obstetrician. He devoted his life to saving life, and providing women with the highest quality health care. He also performed abortions for women in greatest need – women with late-term complications and emergencies, some of them with crushing medical conditions, who often had nowhere else to turn. In the face of threats, intimidation, and physical assaults, he was determined to ensure that safe and legal abortion, and high quality medical care, remained available for ALL women. Once women got past the gauntlet of angry demonstrators outside his clinic, they found a warm and welcoming refuge inside: a compassionate staff, a well-run medical practice, and the sense that they were respected and safe.
A proud veteran, Dr. Tiller hung the American flag at his clinic every day. He believed that providing safe and legal abortion services to women was upholding the rights and freedoms for which he and his compatriots fought. He believed that those who harassed and threatened abortion providers were tyrants, determined to undermine our most basic freedoms as Americans through coercion and violence. George Tiller himself was continually harassed. His home, his church, and his clinic were picketed. His clinic was burned down, and he was shot in both arms by a demonstrator who is now in jail. Yet, he stood his ground.
His fellow parishioners at Reformation Lutheran Church of Wichita, KS, said in a statement:
“We reject any notion that violence against another human being is an acceptable way to resolve differences over any issue. We must always strive to engage in peaceful discussion. Our faith calls us to this. Our humanity demands it."
Dr. George Tiller was an American hero. He lived his life according to his values and his faith, with great fortitude and courage. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and colleagues, his staff and patients. We pray that reason and respectful discourse ultimately will prevail against the forces of fanaticism and violence. At this time of such distress, we all pray for peace and healing. May the memory of George Tiller be for a blessing - Zecher Tzaddik Liv’rachah.
Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman
Rabbi, Union Temple of Brooklyn;
Vice President, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, NYS Affiliate;
Clergy Advisory Board, Concerned Clergy for Choice, Albany, NY
The congregation of Union Temple is a diverse, yet closely knit group of thoughtful and compassionate people who draw together in times of joy as well as times of sorrow. It has been a privilege for me to serve as Rabbi since 1992. On behalf of our congregational family, I invite you to celebrate our past, share our present, and be a part of shaping our future.
Union Temple' School of Religion is accepting registration for 2009-10.
