By Shelley Hubal

The world was recently stunned and heartbroken as we witnessed the senseless shooting death of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal law enforcement in Minnesota. Jewish tradition teaches that life is sacred. We are all created in the image of the Divine and we weep as one when there is tragedy, violence and loss.

My prayer is that we remember it is a choice to label ourselves and those around us as “red” or “blue.” What we really need to do is see beyond the labels and politics, and embrace that which makes us human; our compassion and the ability to love one another. For in the end, that is what God asks from us.

Many in the community are feeling overwhelmed or alone, so this is the time to reach out to friends, family and neighbors to check in. If you are feeling depressed, I suggest you find a way to engage and connect with others. We have several synagogues here in the Southern Tier that offer communal worship and fellowship that will help to heal a weeping heart.

Above all, let us set an intention to make compassion, love and respect for one another a priority. That is how we will heal ourselves and our country.