"Shabbat is a precious oasis after six fast-moving, multitasking days. Leading Friday-night services as the senior rabbi at Central Synagogue in Manhattan never feels like work; it fills me with a buoyant Sabbath spirit. The rest of my Shabbat includes lively meals with friends and family that linger until sundown. Shabbat is a sacred luxury; it releases me from errands, email, and exercise, and gives me the freedom of knowing that there is nothing else I should be doing beyond communing with people I love."
"At first I ignored the call, assuming that whoever it was could wait."
Shabbat served as a restorative pause after six busy days and typically included leading Friday-night services, lively meals, and freedom from errands and electronic tasks. On January 15, 2022, my routine changed after a phone check on my parents; my father had COVID and my mother was worried. A transcribed voicemail warned: Rabbi. Gunman. Says he has bombs. The voicemail identified Rabbi Charlie Cytron‑Walker of Beth Israel, Colleyville. A quick web search confirmed a seminary connection. My synagogue's head of security urged calling back and alerted security partners. Jacob called 911 while I called the Texas number; someone picked up on the third try.
Read at The Atlantic
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