Springfield Marks 9/11 Anniversary with Prayer and Memorials

As the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approach, some of you may be looking for ways to get involved as the community mourns the loss of two Springfield residents. There will be services held throughout the weekend to commemorate the events of that day.

The Township will hold a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m., at Patriot Park/Community Gardens, Wabeno Avenue and Mountain Avenue. The Community Gardens will be dedicated to the two residents who perished a decade ago during the attacks.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, at  8:40 a.m., will gather in the Holocaust Memorial Garden for a meditative reflection and a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (time of 1st plane strike). Following that, Rabbi Mallach invites all to join him in the sanctuary where the Religious School students will join in lighting a memorial candle, reciting the mourners Kaddish, and hearing a few readings.

 During the ceremony, a poem by Hannah Senesh will be read (the poem speaks of one's light coming to the world from beyond one's death) in addition to Psalm 27, which is the Psalm that is read twice daily beginning this month of Elul through the conclusion of the High Holy day period and speaks of having strength, faith and hope.  Cantor Nadel will then recite the Ehl Maley Rachamin, the Prayer of Memorial for those whose lives were lost on 9/11.

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael remembers active member Dr. Lee Adler as the anniversary approaches. A bookshelf has been dedicated to his memory in the Chapel, and a memorial fund has been generated for educational scholarships. In addition, as you approach the entry doors of the Synagogue, is an approximately 4 ft high by 10 by 10 stone from the Springfield quarry.

“I personally went to the quarry and selected this stone,” Rabbi Mallach said. “It represents the WTC towers, leaning as if it is about to collapse.  On the base of the stone/monument is a plaque inscribed to Lee's memory and those lost on 9/11.”

Should you hear of any other services that you’d like to share with the community, please let us know.