• Local synagogues invite public to ‘Show Up For Shabbat,’
Pittsburgh area synagogues plan to participate Friday and Saturday in the global “Show Up For Shabbat” campaign to encourage Americans of all faiths to visit synagogues and show “strength and love against hate.”
The Jewish organization AJC is sponsoring the campaign in reaction to the Saturday massacre of 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
“I encourage all members of the Jewish community and all people of conscience across our country to join me,” AJC’s CEO David Harris said in a statement describing the event. “What could be a more fitting response to the terror in Pittsburgh?”
Barry Weisband, executive director of Rodef Shalom at 4905 Fifth Ave., Shadyside, said it is “asking all congregants to come and show support for our community, nationally and globally” during its 5:30 p.m. Friday service.
Dani Dayan, the consul general of Israel in New York, visited Pittsburgh earlier this week and will return Friday to participate in the Rodef Shalom service.
“His office called and said he will be back in Pittsburgh and will provide a few words” during the service that Mr. Weisband said is open to the public. Students from different schools and other non-congregants also are scheduled to attend. A silent vigil will be held outside the synagogue.
Tree of Life congregation is scheduled to attend Friday services at Rodef Shalom. The New Light congregation, also housed in the Tree of Life synagogue, is expected to attend “Show Up For Shabbat” services at Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon St., Squirrel Hill. Initial plans called for the Dor Hadash congregation, also housed in Tree of Life synagogue, to participate at Beth Shalom but those plans are not confirmed.
Beth Shalom still is working out details for its Friday evening services, which will include a 5:30 p.m. service for families and children, and its regular 6 p.m. service, with potentially a combined service involving displaced congregations from the Tree of Life synagogue. It also is working on special plans for the Saturday morning service.
“Things are changing quickly,” said Hazzan Rob Menes, Beth Shalom executive director. “We are workingon special arrangements.”
Temple Sinai, at 5505 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill, has scheduled a service at 7 p.m. Friday that will include a greeting from Wasi Mohamed, executive director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, with the Rev. DeNeice Welch of the Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church and her husband, the Rev. John Welch of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, also expected to attend.
The informal service from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday also will be held at the synagogue. Tami Prine, synagogue spokeswoman, who said a larger attendance is expected for both services, said the congregation is “open to embracing everyone and welcoming people from all faiths.”
AJC has described its mission as enhancing “the wellbeing of the Jewish people and Israel,” while advancing “human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world.”