Mumbai

Instead of a commentary on this week's Torah portion, I wanted to talk about the events in Mumbai, India. Islamic terrorists thought it was a good idea to murder as many people as they could. As of right now, there are 160 people dead with another 327 injured. And the fighting is still going on.

At this point, we do not precisely know what they had planned to do. it looks like they were going after westerners. Over ten targets were attacked.

Among those targets was the Chabad House in Mumbai. Among those murdered were Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs Rivkah Holtzberg.

Here is a news letter I received today from a Chabad Rabbi in Memphis...

Dear Friend,

In shock, we join the 3000+ Chabad Centers & World Jewry in mourning the tragic and senseless loss of our fellow friend Chabad emissaries in Mumbai, India Rabbi Gavriel & Mrs. Rivkah Holtzberg who together with other Jewish hostages were killed by terrorists in the Mumbai Chabad Center.'May Hashem Avenge Their Blood'
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, taught us that during a time of intense grief, we will defeat evil and terrorism through acts of goodness and kindness. Where terrorists hope to create fear and hatred we will create love and joy
Let us all resolve and commit to strengthening our concern and compassion for each other by increasing our good deeds, our prayer and Torah study.
Make an effort to greet your neighbors and friends with a smile. Feed someone who is hungry. Clothe someone who needs clothing. Join a Torah class and participate in one more prayer service.
As we enter the Hebrew month of Kislev with the holiday of Chanukah, let us increase the light and warmth of Torah and mitzvot.

May we have ONLY good news to report. May the almighty send us the complete and final redemption though his righteous Moshiach NOW!