Shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation

Dear WHC Community,

We mourn the senseless loss of life and casualties resulting from the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27, and our hearts weep for the loss this close-knit Pittsburgh community has suffered. It was an act directed at the soul of the entire Jewish community. All of us at Washington Hebrew Congregation – our clergy, staff, leadership, members, and partners – share in the grief resulting from this and every senseless act of violence. We strongly denounce all words and deeds of hate.

As always, we will take appropriate security measures, act in consultation with local law enforcement, and follow our established security procedures. We will not allow such acts to deter us from our mission to create a society that fosters peace and justice for all.

Let us pray for healing. Let us stand for unity. And let us work toward tikkun olam, repairing the world, for humankind.

In solidarity and shalom,

Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi

Nell Shapiro, President

Photo: Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette

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