Nov. 8 marked the seventh day since the last of victim of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting was laid to rest. It also marks the final day that the families will be sitting Shiva for their loved ones. To honor the lives of the innocent that were taken on Oct. 27, Sid Jacobson JCC rose from Shiva, concluding the period of mourning by walking around the JCC building 11 times as a community.
The hour-long, 11-lap walk began at 10 a.m. with opening remarks from Sid Jacobson JCC executive director David Black, encouraging the return of hope in an uncertain time. Attended by Sid Jacobson JCC staff, members, and members of the community, participants also included New York state Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso, all of whom were proud to be participating in a walk that symbolized a renewal of hope.
“At the conclusion of sitting Shiva, there is a custom in many Jewish communities where the mourners leave their house of mourning and ‘get up’ to walk around the block,” Black said. “When we physically get up, step out of the house, walk around the block, and go back inside, we are saying that this house, and our relationship with it, has now been renewed.”
UJA-Federation of New York has set up a Pittsburgh Solidarity Fund where 100 percent of funds received will be used to help the victims and the Pittsburgh community. To donate to the Pittsburgh Solidarity Fund, visit ujafedny.org/pittsburgh.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to the community, please visit sjjcc.org/communityengagement or contact Susan Berman, director of the Center for Community Engagement at Sid Jacobson JCC at 516-484-1545 ext. 202 or sberman@sjjcc.org.
