Westfield Mourns Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting In Service

WESTFIELD, NJ - As the nation struggled to process the terrible shooting deaths of 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday, Westfield's Temple Emanu-El put turned their grief into action and offered a Vigil of Solidarity Sunday night on the front lawn of the synagogue

"Despite the horror of this day, despite the despair and anger we feel at the killing and wounding of our Jewish brothers and sisters at prayer and brave law enforcement officers, we affirm that we will stand always for justice and righteousness; and with courage and strength and solidarity, fight to defeat the evil that yet persists in our country and in the world," read the invitation to the event. "We weep, but we will not be shaken in our determination to create a better, more loving and just world, and end forever the violence that seeks to undermine us and our society."

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle spoke at the vigil, sharing opening remarks.

"Words can hardly do justice to the sadness and remorse our community feels about the tragedy yesterday in Pittsburgh and the innocent lives that were taken from us so violently," Brindle said. "Our hearts break for the men and women inside the Tree of Life Synagogue who were gathering on a quiet Saturday morning to celebrate life during a Shabbat service, typically a time for reflection. And yet a person so consumed with anger and hatred against the Jewish people chose to commit violence at a time of peaceful prayer. That is what makes this senseless act against innocent victims so horrific."

Brindle told those assembled that anti-Semitism has no home in America today and that everyone who cares deeply about love and respect for fellow citizens has a moral responsibility to speak out against any act intended to silence or marginalize fellow citizens.

"This madness has to end. One of yesterday’s victims was identified as 97-year-old Rose Mallinger who died praying peacefully in a synagogue in the United States," Brindle said. "Never in my wildest dreams would that ever seem possible in our country."

Brindle told those assembled that acts of hatred cannot be the norm.

"We are better than this, and all of us have an obligation to speak out and confront all acts of bigotry," Brindle said.

She alsop called on public officials to model inclusivity for those they lead.

"Today, our prayers are with the victims and their families and friends. May they find comfort and solace in God’s love, and may they know that all of us in Westfield and the entire nation love and support them," Brindle said.

The vigil, set up as a Facebook event, invited the community to gather to pray, sing, offer comfort, and above all, demonstrate solidarity with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, Jews throughout the world, and all people of decency and compassion, according to the invite.

"Today, even after learning of this tragedy, we did what Jews have done for five thousand years; we prayed, we learned Torah, we listened to our B'nai Mitzvah students teach us - that is what Jews do - and we will never be deterred," the letter said.

The letter was signed by Rabbi Doug Sagal, Cantor Martha Novick, Rabbi Ethan Prosnit, Cantor Michelle Rubel, Student Rabbi Hilly Haber, Rabbi Charles Kroloff, Brian Chartock, Executive Director, Marc Epstein, President, Abra Lee, Director Youth Learning and Engagement, Jill Cimafonte, Early Childhood Education Director, Shari Rothstein, Assistant Director Youth Learning and Engagement, Emily Halpern, Coordinator of Youth and Family Engagement and Mike Kenny, Building Supervisor.

Brindle promised to do her part by leading inclusively, working with Rabbi Sagal, all members of the faith community, and organizations like the MLK Association to openly confront hatred and bigotry in the Westfield community.

"Let’s work together to let the world know that hate has no home here," she said.

(Photo courtesy of Temple Emanu-El Westfield)

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