Interfaith Service Honors those Slain at Tree of Life Synagogue

Church of the Holy Cross hosted a special memorial service on October 30, honoring the lives of those killed during worship at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the previous Saturday. Organized by Interfaith Communities in Action (ICIA), the service included the Jewish memorial prayer called the Mourner’s Kaddish, heart-wringing music, and candles lit for each victim – plus one for love and hope.

Rabbi Rachel Short of the Ahava ‘Aina congregation could not attend (she was in labor with a baby girl), but sent her wisdom via Ahava ‘Aina member Russell Ruder-man, expressing both the shock and horror of the violence and the commitment to work together to end anti-Semitism and other forms of oppression and violence. ICIA President the Rev. Catherine Ishida spoke powerfully of the need for unity in hope and inclusive community, as did the Rev. Satoshi Tomioka of the Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in his closing message. Harpist Cymber Quinn and flautists Carole and Tom Geballe captured the mood beautifully with haunting melodies. Sue Smith’s imagery echoed the glow flickering from the candles held through-out the sanctuary.