October Newsletter: Commemoration of Oct. 27, 2018

Hello Friend,

For me, the compounding emotions from both the Middle East and the upcoming commemoration have at times been overwhelming. It feels as though there are a million ways to be pulled, and a million ways for my heart to ache. It is hard when it feels like there is so much pain to go around, and yet there is nothing any of us individually can solve. We recognize that the coinciding of October 27th and the events in Israel may heighten emotions of fear and anxiety around antisemitism.

Every year we remember the eleven people taken on October 27th, 2018, in the context of our neighborhood and neighbors. Taking time to commemorate through service, prayer, and commemoration does not mean we do not recognize the tragedies that are taking place in our present. Yet the power of holding Oct. 27th for commemorating those eleven people has not changed. We remain committed to holding this sacred space while also identifying and organizing opportunities for the community to process the events of the present.

Below are commemorative events to remember those taken on October 27th. We encourage you to reach out to trusted friends, family, and community groups to engage in connection during this difficult month. We hold all of the victims and families impacted by violence internationally and locally in our minds and hearts.

Commemoration Ceremony
Oct. 27, 3pm-4pm (Prospect Drive in Schenley Park)

All are welcome to this Commemoration Ceremony. The program includes candle lighting by the families of those who were taken, music provided by Violins of Hope, the Clarion Quartet, and youth musicians, and concluding remarks by U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan. Registration is not required. Learn more by clicking here.

Virtual Torah Study
Oct. 27, 8am-11am (virtual)

These Virtual Torah Study sessions feature exceptional teachers and facilitators from all over the world. Torah Study ranges from Rabbi Leo Dee’s teaching, “Dealing with Grief,” to Rabbi Elyse Wechterman’s teaching, “Hospitality and Welcome in the Jewish Tradition,” to Cantor David Lipp’s teaching, “Israeli Popular Music Tackles Tough Times.” Registration is required, so please check our Virtual Torah Study page to learn about each teacher and register.

Yahrzeit Torah Study
Cheshvan 18/Nov. 1, 7pm-8:15pm (Jewish Community Center, Squirrel Hill)

All are welcome to this commemorative Torah study on the yahrzeit of the synagogue shooting. We will gather together for a reflect on the 5th yahrzeit by Noah Schoen of the Holocaust Center before separating into different learning spaces around hymns and songs of remembrance, Parsha Vayera, Daf Yomi, poetry, and trauma and healing. We will recite the Kaddish D’rabbanan to honor this moment when we can study together in memory of the eleven. Registration requested- please click here.

Commemorative Service
Oct. 22nd and Oct. 29th (multiple sites)

These volunteering opportunities, organized by Repair the World Pittsburgh and a collection of service sites, seek to bring us together as a community and honor the memories of those who were taken. The eleven people killed on Oct. 27th led deep and rich lives, and we remember their ideals, characters and values through service. Service opportunities are available throughout the day on both the 22nd and 29th. Join us on the 22nd for art-making, small acts of kindness, voter education, gun legislation work, organizing AgeWell rides, and packing essential supplies for Global Links. Learn more and register for these volunteering opportunities here.

Day of Healing
Oct. 25, 10am-5pm (JCC in Squirrel Hill)

As we anticipate the fifth year commemoration of Oct. 27, 2018, join us at the JCC in Squirrel Hill for a day of wellness, self-care, and healing. On Oct 25th from 10am-5pm we will be hosting a variety of wellness opportunities for everyone to enjoy, including yoga, group improv, acupuncture, reiki-infused sound bathing, and an open arts studio. All programs are free, and all are welcome. Learn more by clicking here.

As always, the resiliency center is open from 9am-5pm. We are here to listen.

In Solidarity,
Maggie Feinstein
Director
10.27 Healing Partnership