Jewish community turns to faith as it mourns woman shot in D.C.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - In the days following the tragic death of Sarah Milgrim, Jewish communities across the metro area are turning to their faith leaders for strength and comfort.

At Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Park, Kansas, Senior Rabbi Moshe Grussgott is preparing for a special Sabbath sermon this Saturday aimed at helping his congregation begin the healing process.

“I think even rabbis struggle with that,” said Grussgott. “I always just go back to doubling down on doing what we always do.”

Milgrim was an Overland Park native and an alum of Shawnee Mission East and the University of Kansas. The loss is especially personal for his congregation. One member, Grussgott said, was Milgrim’s former teacher at KU.

“The Jewish community here is so small,” he said.

Grussgott’s message to his congregation this week is centered around resilience. He encourages of the Jewish community to continue showing up for each other and to take pride in their faith.

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“I think we should take a cue from Israelis,” he said. “They’ve dealt with terrorism for decades, and the only way to survive mentally and physically is to say, ‘I’m not going to let this deter me from who I am.’”

While grief is ongoing, Grussgott said healing begins with leaning on faith and community.

“If you’re angry at God, if you don’t understand, tell Him. That’s what prayer is for,” he said.

He emphasized that healing will take time, but it can happen with the help of a village such as your rabbi, friends, and family.

“Just keep living your life,” he said. “Don’t let it break you — that’s how healing comes, on its own timeline.”

Grussgott is calling on of the Jewish community to attend synagogue this weekend and to do a good deed in memory of Sarah Milgrim, and her boyfriend Yaron.

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