Last night tragedy struck in Israel. As you may have seen, more than 40 people have died in a crush while celebrating Lag B'Omer in Meron, northern Israel. Many more are injured. Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared Sunday a national day of mourning. We will be holding an event online on Sunday: details are below.

The news is devastating. We are heartbroken that a night of celebration could so quickly turn to a day of mourning. We share the pain of all the families who have lost a loved one and pray that the injured recover.

As the Chief Rabbi said this morning: "As we struggle to come to terms with the horrific scenes of tragedy in Meron, the worst peacetime loss of life in Israel's history, this is a moment to unite in grief and prayer. May the memory of those lost to us forever be a blessing and may the injured be granted a refuah shelemah, a speedy recovery."

Please join us in reciting Tehillim, Psalm 21 and Psalm 130 and 'Acheinu'.

This Sunday: an evening of prayer and mourning

On Sunday we will be holding a short evening of reflection, mourning and prayer together with the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue. We will be addressed by the Chief Rabbi and the Israeli Ambassador as well as going live to Israel. You are all welcome to join us live on Sunday (2 May) at 8.15pm via this link. (Meeting ID: 885 4201 2978; Passcode: 436189). The event will be recorded for those who can't watch live and uploaded afterwards to TheUS.tv.

A short reflection

What does Lag B'Omer represent? The United Synagogue's Rabbi Michael Laitner offers some thoughts about Lag B'Omer in memory of those who tragically lost their lives at Meron last night. You can listen to this short podcast here.

Besorot tovot, may we only hear good news.

Shabbat shalom,

Michael Goldstein

President,

United Synagogue