Beth Sholom Congregation and Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel are encouraging area residents of all faiths to come to a healing service tonight at 7:00 PM at Congregation Keneseth Israel.

The synagogue is located at 8339 Old York Road in Elkins Park.

Statements have been issued by both synagogues.

“We grieve with the families of those who were murdered at
the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh,” stated Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin;  Rabbi Andrea Merow;  Cantor Jeffrey Weber;  and Mr. Jeff Gordon, President of Beth Sholom Congregation.  “In light of the horrific shootings that took place this morning at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Jewish community needs to gather together to mourn collectively and to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh.  We wanted to let you know that the Kehillah of Old York Road is planning a service of solidarity and healing … [on] Sunday, October 28th at 7:00 PM at Keneseth Israel Congregation. The service is intended as a time for music, prayer and reflection to allow us to grieve with-and pray for-the families whose lives have been shattered in Pittsburgh.”

These religious leaders of Beth Sholom Congregation concluded their joint statement by stating “May God comfort the grief-stricken and bereaved among our people.”

“We are devastated by the tragic news of the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh,” stated Ms. Evonne Kruger, President of Keneseth Israel Congregation;  Rabbi Lance Sussman, Ph.D.;  Cantor Amy Levy;  Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler;  and Mr. Brian Rissinger, Executive Director of Keneseth Israel Congregation.  “This morning, we read the section of Torah with the ancient call of Hineini, ‘Here I am’, which represents our need to be present and respond with compassion, love and support.  Today we mourn the loss of innocent lives who will no longer be able to say, ‘Here I am’.  We must bind together to end this kind of hate in whatever ways we can.”

The religious leaders of Reform Keneseth Israel Congregation concluded their joint statement by stating “Tonight] … at 7:00 PM, we will join together for a Community Vigil to pray and comfort each other, and extend our voices to support all those in need.  Please join us.”

The top image is courtesy of Beth Sholom Congregation, 2018.

The second image is courtesy of Reform Keneseth Israel Congregation, 2018.