Last week actress Mayim Bialik posted on her Facebook page an emotional video about the synagogue shooting that happened a few weeks ago. She is Jewish — just like me.
Ever since this horrific event, I have felt spiritually connected more than ever, and this video brought it full circle.
She said she encouraged Jews and anyone who isn’t necessarily religious or of Jewish faith to attend synagogue in support of the victims this last weekend. She also said people should come together to support the Jewish community at a Shabbat service — a holy day and religious ceremony traditionally taking place on Fridays. My heart ached to attend a Shabbat. I wanted to feel closer to my faith more than I ever had before.
Services aren’t offered in Moscow on a regular basis. So, that option was gone in an instant.
My spirituality led me to discover a Jewish community group in the Palouse — who aren’t that well known. Even though there is no synagogue in the Palouse they have services in the 1912 Center when they can for the community. Jews, students and guests are all welcomed to attend.
Lindsay Trombly | Argonaut
After the horrific event that occurred, I expected a spiritual service this last weekend. I was disappointed to find out there was nothing — not even a Shabbat.
An email in my inbox appeared Friday from, letting me know they don’t hold weekly Shabbat on Friday nights.
They weren’t even holding a service the week following the shooting.
Not having a service the week following the shooting in Jewish communities — even in smalltown Moscow — is wrong.
Horrific events of anti-Semitism need to be recognized and not dusted under the rug. We need to acknowledge these things exist and move past them as a community. We can’t do that without praying together, without singing together and without spiritual worship.
Being spiritual and being around those of the same religion are essential to moving on from this trajedy.The shooting has affected me. It has also affected many Jews around the country. We are scared for our lives and we need Shabbat services more than ever.
The Jewish community in Moscow could be better represented if we opened ourselves up more. We must realize this is what the community needs right now — each other.
People may hold their own service in a home or maybe not at all, but we need to stick together. We need to worship in a common space. Whether it be a synagogue or the 1912 Center.
My synagogue I attend in Boise have services every week for the community. All are welcome no matter age, color, or religious faith.
So, why do these offered services stop when I reach the Palouse?
It is important to be close to your religious faith spiritually, and for me that happens in synagogue. If there is no synagogue, investing in a Jewish community is the next best thing.
Even though I don’t attend synagogue on a week by week basis, I and so many others, should have the freedom to be able to attend as much as they want. They should have the option to attend a service every Shabbat.
This shooting may have made me fearful for being Jewish but it also made me prouder of my faith.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at[email protected] or on Twitter @lindsay_trombly