All faiths honor the fallen 11
Folks attending a multi-faith service at Temple Bnai Israel in Willimantic Friday night sing songs and read poems to honor the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre.
WILLIMANTIC — A feeling of peace and healing resonated with representatives of various cultural backgrounds Friday night in response to a hate-fueled massacre last weekend.
Community members mourned the deaths suffered by the Jewish community in Pittsburgh during a Tikkun Olam VaNefesh service held at Temple Bnai Israel in Willimantic.
Individuals of all faiths were invited to the service, which was one of healing for the soul and world as well as solidarity and healing, according to Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz.
“This is going to be a teary evening,” Schwartz said as he began the service.
Authorities said Pittsburgh resident Robert Bowers, 46, opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue while shouting anti-Semitic slurs Oct. 27, killing 11 congregants and wounding others.
“As we mourn Pittsburgh’s synagogue tragedy, which is also our tragedy, we seek the comfort and healing of Shabbat and God, and orient ourselves to the healing work ahead,” said Schwartz in a statement.
The attack prompted a wave of vigils throughout Connecticut and the country to mourn the victims of the tragedy, increase synagogue security and call attention to the prevalence of hate crime that exists in society.
“There’s a large danger of dropping into a world of fear, hatred, groups against groups, and dependence on guns,” Schwartz said.
As members of the community continued to file into the temple, Schwartz said while he is moved by everyone’s presence, he is not entirely surprised.
“In our community in Windham, we’ve been working for decades to create connections between people,” Schwartz said. “Seven years ago we had an event like this, and I was moved to tears. But we’ve built this up, and we’ve created a community. It’s a huge blessing.”
In addition to lighting the Shabbat candles routine for each service, which symbolize joy and delight, memorial candles were lit in remembrance of the victims.
Attendees reflected upon the focus of the service to reject hatred and embrace respect and love for one another.
“It’s getting to the point where people are getting fed up with violence and everyone shooting each other,” said temple member Grace Adams.
Local mayors, state representatives and senators were in attendance, along with U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.
Schwartz recognized the significance of their presence.
“When our leaders reach out to us, it’s important and it’s a blessing for our democracy,” Schwartz said.
The Tree of Life massacre occurred close to the anniversary of Kristallnacht — which occurred on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938 — and is considered by many historians to signify the start to the Holocaust.
Also known as the night of “broken glass,” Nazis destroyed Jewish shops and homes and many Jews were arrested and beaten.
The temple, located at 383 Jackson St., will host another event Sunday at 1:30 p.m. to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust.
Child Holocaust survivor Irene Levin Berman will share her family’s story and discuss how they escaped the fate of many other Norwegian Jews by fleeing to Sweden.
Originally published in The Chronicle on November 3, 2018.
