Posted on March 12, 2026 by Rabbi Noah Diamondstein
Dear friends,
I write in sorrow, but also with immense gratitude, as we collectively react to the attack on the largest Reform Temple in the country, Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, just outside of Detroit.
An assailant drove their vehicle around security bollards and directly into the temple, causing serious damage. Their intent was to cause further harm, as weaponry and explosives were found in the vehicle. Thankfully, security staff neutralized the assailant before he could exit his vehicle, and—apart from non-fatal injuries to one member of the temple’s security staff—no others were seriously injured.
Given the assailant’s intentions and gear, the potential damage and loss of life averted by the temple’s security staff’s intervention is beyond measure. The temple Israel staff just six weeks ago participated in active shooter preventiveness and preparedness training, and it is clear now why their community, our community, and so many others invest time and energy into that critical learning. That the Temple Israel community need only to process the fear this strike caused and the structural damage done, rather than plan funerals and race community members to hospitals, is a human miracle.
“Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh,” “All Israel is responsible for one another.” An attack on one synagogue is an attack on us all. We are all shaken by such acts of violence and hatred, and we hold the Temple Israel community in our hearts.
We have been in communication with those responsible for overseeing Jewish communal security in our region, and they have been in touch with local law enforcement to ensure that more coverage for our communities is forthcoming. You may have noticed increased police presence around our building of late—this is for our protection, and may increase still more as we continue to assess threat levels. Know that, despite our increasing police presence, there is no known threat to TBE specifically, and our temple remains a safe place to gather.
As ever when such hateful events occur, I would urge that the proper response is not to cower in fear but to stand proudly as Jews and live out our Judaism with even greater togetherness—make Shabbat, come together in prayer and joy, study Torah, and build community. We will not allow the enemies of our people to dim our light; resilient, we will shine our light even brighter.
May God bless the first responders and security staff that kept the Temple Israel community safe. May complete healing come to the injured staff member. May God comfort the members of the Temple Israel community and us all, and my most fervent prayer—may this be the last such letter I have cause to write.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Noah Diamondstein