In the wake of yet another mass murder in Colorado, Club Q in Colorado Springs, as well as other recent mass murders, at the University of Virginia and a Walmart in Virginia, this Dec. 14th marks the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook school massacre that galvanized so many of us into action.

Perhaps John T. Earnest might have been stopped by our new gun safety law from murdering Lori Gilbert Kaye in Poway, but it seems that the law would not have prevented Al Aliwi Al-Issa from massacring 10 people in Boulder.

"What if my teachers, office staff or best friends get shot? What if the only people who have made me feel not alone and proud of who I am are killed?"

We are not powerless against this crisis, and we are obligated to take action to honor those who have lost their lives in this senseless, and in so many cases, preventable bloodshed. There are a number of actions that members of our community can take. 

It is with gut wrenching sorrow that we come together – again – to express outrage and deep concern for the continued gun violence in our country, especially that committed against children.

. This year's event is titled "What Works: Gun Violence Prevention in Communities." Our discussion will focus on various gun violence prevention initiatives that have been implemented at the local and state levels.

It is a relief to learn that the nearly 10 million Americans who live in Arizona, Montana and West Virginia feel safe from gun violence. Three Democratic senators from these states will not take all necessary steps to pass two gun-control bills that the House of Representatives approved last Thursday.

Please join us in wearing orange this weekend, June 5-7, in support of National Wear Orange Weekend, sponsored by the national gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety.

Sadly, there is a connection between suicide and gun violence. Come to Congregation Har HaShem to learn more from an expert panel that will discuss suicide and the role of guns.