Aventura Rabbi Reassures Congregation After 'Domestic Dispute'

AVENTURA — Rabbi Yosef Galimidi called for a special day of "Tikkun" and prayer following Tuesday's brutal stabbing incident at his Beit Edmond Safra Synagogue.

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"We are living in a time where now more than ever we must come together as a community and be united," the rabbi said in an email to congregants after the incident, which took place at 6:53 a.m inside the temple at 19275 Mystic Point Drive.

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"A special day of Tikkun and prayer will be forthcoming for the spiritual remedy and healing of our synagogue and community," he said. Tikkun 0lam is Hebrew for "world repair."

The rabbi told Patch that the victim came to services often and the assailant "more sporadic." He described both men as "very quiet pleasant" though neither is a member of the congregation.

He said that the attack came about 20 minutes into silent prayer or Amidah.

Rabbi Galimidi assured congregants in his email that the incident was unrelated to the rash of anti-Semitic bomb threats around the country or a nearby incident in Miami Beach over the weekend in which five vehicles were keyed with swastikas.

Rather, it was a "personal domestic dispute between two individuals, who are not members of our community," he said, appealing for congregants to contact him directly if they feel "stressed or anxious" about a personal situation.

"We are saddened that this escalated to such a level of violence," he penned. "Do not let it escalate or fester in your life. Do not take matters into your own hands."

Aventura Police arrested 56-year-old Eitan Yefet on a charge of attempted premeditated murder. The name of the victim was not released.

Police said the disagreement appeared to be over a woman.

Rabbi Galimidi asked the congregation to avoid gossip.

"It is not Misvah to speak Lashon Hara, gossip, or spread the news even if it is true," he said. "We are all shaken up."

Image by zeevveez via Flickr