How is the epidemic of gun violence in the United States affecting our children?  What is the Santa Cruz County Office of Education doing to address gun violence in our schools?  Dr. Faris Sabbah, the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, will address these vitally important topics at the Shabbat service on November 17, 2023. 

The threat of school shootings brings the gun violence epidemic close to home.  In the first nine months of 2023 alone, there have been 58 school shootings nationwide.  Schools in Santa Cruz County have been forced to go on lockdown due to threats of gun violence, and our children now regularly take part in school shooting safety drills.

Jewish tradition emphasizes the sanctity and value of human life.  The Talmud teaches: “One who takes one life, it is as though they have destroyed the universe, and one who saves one life, it is as though they have saved the universe” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5).  In line with Jewish values, the Social Justice Committee of TBE has been supporting advocacy and education on gun violence prevention, including lobbying the California Legislature and Governor for increased funding for gun violence prevention programs.  Dr. Sabbah’s talk at the Shabbat Service on November 17, 2023 will provide us an opportunity to educate ourselves further on the problem and solutions to gun violence in our schools.

This service will be hybrid, in person and on Zoom.