Dear friends, 
 

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I will not be able to write my usual column for this edition. Unfortunately, there has been a tragic event in my community that has left me grieving and unable to focus on my work. 

Shimon Boyer A”H and his children, who were a part of our Shomer Shabbos Scout Troop, suffered a devastating loss last night in a fire that took the lives of Shimon Boyer, a single father, and two of his children.

 Two of his other children, are in the ICU in critical condition and not expected to make a recovery, barring a miracle. 

The entire family has been destroyed, and it was my job yesterday to tell an entire community and the press about it. I am not able to really focus on anything else at this point. But maybe I can help others at this point.

As a Rabbi and BSA Scout Chaplain, this family had come to me for counseling and was a part of our troop, so this loss has deeply affected me. 

I am saddened beyond words, and my heart goes out to the Boyer family and all those who knew and loved them.

In times like these, it is important to remember the value of family and to support those who are grieving. As the Torah teaches, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Tehillim 34:18).

 We must come together as a community to provide comfort and support to those who have suffered such a tragic loss.

The Jewish Talmud states, "A person who has suffered a loss should not be left alone" (Taanit 20a). We must be there for the Boyer family in any way we can, whether it is through prayer, offering support or just being a listening ear.

As I reflect on the tragic loss of the Boyer family, I am reminded of the profound importance of family in Jewish tradition. The Torah teaches us that "God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). This highlights the divine nature of every human being and underscores the deep value of human life.

But when we experience the devastating loss of loved ones, it can be easy to forget these teachings and feel overwhelmed with sadness and grief.

 As a Rabbi, I have seen firsthand the pain that families experience when they lose someone close to them. My own children are struggling to come to terms with the loss of the Boyer family, as they knew them and attended school with two of their children. 

In Jewish tradition, we also recognize the power of family to provide comfort and solace in times of difficulty. As it says in the book of Psalms, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" (Tehillim 133:1). This reminds us that we are not alone in our grief, but rather are surrounded by family, friends, and community members who care for us deeply.

So as we mourn the loss of the Boyer family, let us remember the importance of holding our own families close and cherishing the time we have with them. Let us also come together to support those who are suffering and to honor the memory of those we have lost. May their memories be a blessing, and may we find comfort and strength in each other during this difficult time.

I ask that you join me in saying Tehillim (Psalms) 20, 30, 121, 130, and 142, for the Boyer family during this difficult time. 

If you need help talking to your children about tragedy, please reach out to myself, Chai Lifeline or visit their website for resources on how to talk to children about death.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. I hope to be back with you soon.

Sincerely,
(Rabbi) Pesach Lattin