The news of the tragic shooting at Chabad of Poway on April 27 was “a real shock” for Torah Learning Center’s (TLC) Rabbi Levi Perl. Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, the rabbi who has been characterized as special and brave, is Rabbi Perl’s uncle, his mother’s brother. Rabbi Perl said some of his fondest memories involve traveling south from his home in Los Angeles to Poway, a suburb of San Diego, to spend Shabbat with the Goldsteins.
“On Shabbat it was time to walk the brisk night air to one of the most inviting synagogues I’ve been to,” Rabbi Perl recalled.
After services the family, and many others, walked to the Goldsteins’ home for Shabbat dinner.
“I am inspired by the beauty of the scene. The entire Shabbat, my aunt and uncle are inspiring, helping and being friends to everyone they encounter. I see true devotion to the Jewish people,” said the young rabbi, who is married to Brachie Friedman and serves as TLC’s director of development.
Rabbi Perl said he was shaken by last weekend’s event, and knows the family of Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was murdered that day.
“Lori is one of the kindest, warmhearted people in the community. The news is heart-wrenching. Coming from Passover, the festival of freedom, we are supposed to feel liberated, inspired, uplifted ... but I am numb ... I mourn the passing of Lori and pray for the speedy recovery of my uncle and those wounded.”
Rabbi Perl confirmed reports that both of Rabbi Goldstein’s index fingers were hit by bullets. Doctors could not save Rabbi Goldstein’s right index finger and they do not know if his left index finger will heal.
“He will definitely need physical therapy and, with G-d’s help, will fully recover,” Rabbi Perl said.
He noted that there were many miracles and unnatural occurrences that day.
“Rabbi Goldstein said he raised his hands to cover his face from the attacker as the terrorist shot a few bullets at him. Given that both index fingers, when raised, are immediately next to the face, it is a clear miracle that only his fingers were hit and not, G-d forbid, his face. Also, as has been reported, the rifle jammed after just a few moments. This unusual occurrence, given the evil and calculated intent of the terrorist, is clearly the hand of G-d,” Rabbi Perl explained.
Following the events of April 27, as well as terrorists acts at other synagogues and churches in recent months, Rabbi Perl said TLC is currently assessing the strength of its security. He would like to see active shooter training for all members. But physical security is not all that is important to the young rabbi who has been in the area since 2015.
“As much as we must strengthen our physical security, we must also strengthen our trust and faith in G-d, that He will guard us, protect us and deliver us, just as He has assured us,” he said. “As we just read in the Haggadah: ‘This is what has stood by our fathers and us. For not just one alone has risen against us to destroy us, but in every generation they rise against us to destroy us; and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hand.’ ”
As an emissary and member of the Chabad movement, Rabbi Perl said he is inspired by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory.
“He taught that we must counter evil and darkness with light. If one terrorist can bring so much evil, just imagine how much light all of us can bring. Let’s take upon ourselves to add more light by strengthening ourselves, each other and our children’s mission and purpose.”
In memory of Gilbert-Kaye and for the speedy recovery of his uncle and the others injured, Rabbi Perl asks that people consider taking part in public acts of good.
“Light Shabbat candles this Friday night, as Lori did; put on tefillin this week for the recovery of the hands of Rabbi Goldstein. May we all know only peace from here on.”
He also requests donations to the emergency security fund at the Torah Learning Center; visit torahkc.org/donate.