In solidarity: Temple Israel prays for peace amid outrage for 'inhumane loss of life'

Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat
Updated ·1 min read
Rabbi Sidlofsky leads a ceremony of prayer, song and readings at Temple Israel as a time for community members to show solidarity and support for Israel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.
Rabbi Sidlofsky leads a ceremony of prayer, song and readings at Temple Israel as a time for community members to show solidarity and support for Israel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

Temple Israel welcomed Tallahassee community members to show solidarity for the people of Israel on Monday night.

Disbelief, tears and countless prayers for an end to the violence traveled through Jewish and Israeli communities in the United States this week following the onslaught by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas Saturday morning. Some groups and temples held prayer meetings as the death toll overseas from the battle climbed above 1,600, including at least 11 Americans.

With prayers, music and readings, the congregation of more than 70 in Florida’s capital city said prayers of peace and healing to those impacted by the battle raging overseas.

Rabbi Sidlofsky leads a ceremony of prayer, song and readings at Temple Israel as a time for community members to show solidarity and support for Israel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.
Rabbi Sidlofsky leads a ceremony of prayer, song and readings at Temple Israel as a time for community members to show solidarity and support for Israel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

"We are outraged by the inhumane loss of life of innocent people," said Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky. "We pray for the healing of those injured physically and emotionally."

Rabbi Sidlofsky paused the gathering for a moment of silence, giving individuals time to offer their own personal prayers.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Temple Israel in Tallahassee prays for peace after Hamas attack