Acts of gun violence, whether perpetrated against the Jewish community or not, are shattering the peace and sanctity of our lives at an alarming rate. As rabbis and Jewish leaders, we are called upon to provide comfort to the mourners and resources for those affected by these events, and to take action to ensure that future tragedies are avoided.
Below, you will find words of hope, as well as resources to support you and your communities. Please contact our communications specialist, Emily Jaeger, at ejaeger@rabbinicalassembly.org if you'd like to submit a resource to the list.
Rabbinical Assembly Statements on Acts of Gun Violence
- Rabbinical Assembly Expresses Solidarity with the Highland Park, Illinois Community (7/5/22)
- Rabbinical Assembly and USCJ Condemn Terrorist Attack in Buffalo, NY (5/17/22)
- Rabbinical Assembly Heartbroken by Shooting in Uvalde, Texas (3/25/22)
- Statement on the Shooting in Atlanta (3/19/21)
- Conservative/Masorti Movement Appalled by Chabad Poway Shooting (4/28/19)
- Rabbinical Assembly Condemns Attack on Pittsburgh Synagogue (10/27/18)
- Rabbinical Assembly Statement on Gun Control (8/17/12)
Relevant Resolutions
2016: Resolution on American Gun Violence
2014: Resolution on Sensible Gun Control in the United States
2013: Resolution against Gun Violence in the United States
2011: Resolution on High Capacity Ammunition Magazines
Resources on Gun Violence:
- Prayer for Healing written by Bryan Wexler, July 2022
- Gun Violence Source Sheet by Ashira Konigsburg
- Sermon Resources (from Clergy Against Bullets)
- Rabbis Against Gun violence Resource packet (2017)
- Position Pager by colleagues David Lerner and Menachem Creditor (2018)
Learn More About the Issues
- Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence
- Demand a Plan (A project of Mayors Against Illegal Guns)
- Video Project | State-by-State Data | 8 Ways to Take Action
Resources on Trauma and Disaster Spiritual Care
Jewish and Clinical Tools for Spiritual Recovery after Communal Trauma (Assembled by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, LCSW)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network:
- Talking to Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism
- The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting
- Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
- Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress:
- Grief Leadership: Leadership in the Wake of Tragedy
- Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events