Victims, Survivors of Tree of Life Shooting Remembered at Interfaith Prayer Service
More than 800 students, faculty, staff and members of the Pittsburgh community gathered in the Union Ballroom on Oct. 30 to honor, pray for and remember the lives of the 11 victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Squirrel Hill.
The service focused on remembrance, unity and healing, and included members of the Duquesne University and local Jewish communities. The service, which is available for viewing online, focused on remembrance, unity and healing, and included members of the Duquesne University and local Jewish communities.
During the service, the Rev. William Christy, C.S.Sp., discussed the Jewish tradition of placing pebbles on a grave, which enables the participants to partake in the mitzvah tradition of commemorating the deceased’s life and memory by doing good deeds.
Members of the Chapel Choir performed Psalm 91 and the Rev. Raymond French, C.S.Sp., vice president for mission and identity, delivered the welcome and passing of peace. Herb Kolbe from Duquesne’s Crossroads Christian Fellowship chapter led the opening prayer, and Sara Stock Mayo, who sings at three local synagogues, was a cantor. Duquesne Law Professor Seth Oranburg read Psalm 23, and Rabbi Danielle LeShaw, senior educator at Hillel International, gave brief remarks and read the names of the 11 victims.
Duquesne Associate Sociology Professor Dr. Matthew Schneirov read Jewish prayers as well as a quote from the Talmud. Israeli-born Shai Maaravi, a Duquesne student, read the Kel Maleh Rachamim. In addition, Duquesne student David DeFelice and members of Duquesne’s Jewish Student Organization presented the Mourner’s Kaddish.
Theology Chair Dr. Marinus Iwuchukwu, chair of the University’s Consortium for Christian-Muslim Dialogue, Rabbi Shmuel Weinstein, director of Chabad House on Campus-Pittsburgh, and University President Ken Gormley shared reflections.
Rabbi Weinstein concluded the service by reading Oseh Shalom—A Prayer for Peace. Christy then invited those in attendance to place pebbles next to 11 lit candles that were placed in the ballroom to honor the victims.
Duquesne University continues to offer its condolences and prayers of support to the victims, their families and the entire Squirrel Hill and Jewish faith communities.
