Despite our aspirations to the contrary, especially as we prepare for our Passover Seder, the shootings in Kansas City alert us again to the terrible acts of anti-Semitism both historic and present. Our hearts go to the families of those who were killed along with the entire Jewish community of Kansas City.

Tonight, as we dip our finger ten times for each of the plagues, thereby diminishing the cup of sweetness, I suggest we dip our finger an eleventh time in memory of the victims in Kansas City and to keep us alert to acts of anti-Semitism wherever and whenever they occur. Sadly, it remains a plague in our own time.

I wish you all a meaningful and lovely Seder.

Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein