One of the limited joys of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is the ability to temporarily disconnect from the outside world and engage in deep reflection. The goal of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar is to get yourself sealed into the Book of Life for the coming year. Part of the service focuses on prayers known as short and long Confessions. The shorter one catalogs a litany of sins we’ve committed such as abuse, betrayal, cruelty, destruction, rebellion, theft and transgression. The longer one begins each sentence “We have sinned against You…” Together, they enable Jews to beg for forgiveness and atonement, which speaks to the holiday greeting, Gmar chatima tova or “Have a good final sealing.” 

And yet, the desire to disconnect from the outside world proves impossible even on Yom Kippur. 

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The recent shooting outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ont., on the evening of Yom Kippur serves as a horrible reminder of our inextricable connection. According to  conservative and unelected Jewish groups that dominate discourse and claim to speak on behalf of all Jews, the shooting “must be a wake-up call for Canada.” 

“This is the predictable violence that ensues when hateful language and inciting conduct are normalized,” B’nai Brith said in a statement Monday. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) struck a similar tone in its condemnation. “For three........

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