Kol Ami News

Rabbi Samuel Spector of Salt Lake City’s Kol Ami congregation described the last few weeks as the “most intense” of his career, as he and his congregation have struggled with the implications of the Israel-Hamas war.

“I haven’t had a day off and it’s been emotionally and physically exhausting,” Rabbi Spector told the Deseret News.

His days have been filled with the pastoral care of congregants, extra gatherings (both alone and with other groups to offer prayers), and a trip to Tel Aviv to help refugees and be the eyes and ears for his congregation in Salt Lake City.

Since the beginning of the war in October, the rate of antisemitic incidents has risen by 316% compared to data of the same period in 2022, according to data released by the Anti-Defamation League in mid-November.

Only about 2.4% of the U.S. population was Jewish in 2021, according to Pew Research.

“People feel very alone,” Rabbi Spector said. “They feel helpless.”

But despite the threats and the hardships his congregation has gone through, Rabbi Spector said there’s been an outpouring of love and support from the community, including from the East Millcreek Stake and the Canyon Rim Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I’ve learned that anytime I’m in need of help, I can call my friends who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Rabbi Spector.

View the full article