I was at the Toledo Zoo today working with a group of elementary school aged children as one of the zoo’s educators taught them about how different animals play different roles in the world. It was a very sweet experience and when, as part of the lesson, they were introduced to an armadillo and a ball python, the kids’ eyes widened.

The kids were fascinated by the animals and carefully touched them as directed by the staff. It was an opportunity to say a blessing that I often say when I’m at the zoo: “Shekacha lo b’olamo”, Blessed are You O God, whose world is full of fascination and beauty. 

But I couldn’t say the blessing and I couldn’t concentrate fully on my responsibilities because my phone kept ringing with updates on the horrendous attack which took place at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. My mind was racing as I looked at update after update and only when I read that the situation was resolved and that no children or staff were injured, did I relax for a moment. 

That moment passed quickly, however. 

None of us can relax as these attacks against the Jewish community are becoming more and more commonplace. None of us, within or beyond the Jewish community can relax as the threat of terrorist violence increases with every day. 

Let us be clear that acts of this kind are acts of pure hatred for which there is no logic, no possible explanation and no possible justification.

As a Jew, I fear for my community. As an American, I fear for what is happening in our nation where a culture of violence, a culture of hatred of the “other” and a culture where extreme rhetoric is valued and honored.

The Jewish community is strong and has, by necessity, become well-schooled and well trained in security procedures. That training prevented today’s attack from becoming a horrendous disaster and those that acted decisively deserve our greatest appreciation. I wish those law enforcement officers who were injured a complete recovery. 

The world is full of beautiful animals and beautiful experiences. I pray that our young people will always be able to find beauty in the world. Attacks like the attack at Temple Israel today reminds\ us that any beauty in the world can be hidden by acts of hatred. May we see the day when the miraculous nature of God’s world will not be lost behind the horrible acts of evil human beings.