Mee LaHashem Eilai

On Yom Kippur we read the passage in the Torah prohibiting incest and other sexual abominations. This is a revolutionary passage, as this is the first known condemnation of these repulsive practices by a code of law. This seems to be a rather strange choice to read just before Neila, the most sacred time of the year, yet tragically, THIS year, the explanation may seem readily apparent. In light of the recent horrific news about child abuse that has rocked our communities, and as a partial fulfillment of our obligation for Teshuva on Yom Kippur, we therefore call upon caring individuals to join us in declaring that:

We are committed to the undeniable right of children to live and learn in a safe, secure happy environment where people they are supposed to look up to and trust will not threaten their physical, emotional and mental health and well-being;

We denounce those individuals who act so immorally and dishonorably, whether they are ill or evil, as "sinners" against the Torah and its moral values, and call for their immediate removal from all positions of authority, and demand that they are kept away from all children and other potential victims;

We will keep the mitzvah of not standing idly by our innocent brethrens blood, and will not be silent when child abuse happens in our communities. We resolve to do everything in our power to speak up and confront abuse;

We will educate ourselves and protect our children against abuse;

We will offer support and/or protection to victims/survivors of child abuse;

We will follow appropriate guidelines for reporting child abuse and molestation to legal authorities;

We will support legislation to make our Yeshivos/schools safe for all students; and

We will educate our community to prevent further abuse.