UPDATE 3:30 P.M.: ‘It’s hard to believe we can still be surprised ...’
Sunlight streamed into Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs during a Sunday afternoon vigil, imparting a radiant glow as Rabbi Bradley G. Levenberg called for an end to gun violence and anti-Semitism in the wake of Saturday’s mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue.
Much of Jewish tradition, Levenberg said, is formed around the written word, and finding meaning and comfort in scripture. But a day like Saturday can rob people of the ability to find meaning and comfort.
“It’s hard to believe one can still be surprised, have our breath taken away, still be shocked by what can happen,” he said. “But today, here we are.”
The crowd of a few hundred was young and old, from infants to seniors, undoubtedly like the Saturday morning Shabbat service at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill community where a shooter opened fire, killing 11 and wounding several others.
Levenberg thanked the city of Sandy Springs and the city’s police department, which contacted Temple Sinai’s security team after the massacre. Outside, an armed security team directed traffic and held open doors, greeting attendees.
A few dozen attendees represented other faiths and Jewish synagogues, and Levenberg thanked those present “who know our brothers and sisters are hurting.” One-by-one, they called the names of the dead:
Joyce Fienberg.
Richard Gottfried.
Rose Mallinger.
Jerry Rabinowitz.
Cecil Rosenthal.
David Rosenthal.
Bernice Simon.
Sylvan Simon.
Daniel Stein.
Melvin Wax.
Irving Younger.
In song and call-and-response prayers, the attendees called for God’s healing and for government leaders to act.
“Most certainly thoughts and prayers are necessary,” Levenberg said, but aren’t sufficient on their own. He called upon the congregation to ensure “our thoughts and prayers are wedded with action.”
- J. Scott Trubey
UPDATE 2:30 P.M.: The list of services and vigils scheduled in metro Atlanta is growing, according to information from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
SUNDAY
Memorial service at Temple Emanu-El, 6:30 p.m.
Memorial service at Congregation Beth Jacob, 7:05 p.m.
Memorial service and vigil at Congregation Shearith Israel, with Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 6:30 p.m. minyan with vigil to follow at 7:15 p.m.
MONDAY
Service/vigil at Congregation B’nai Torah, 6:15 p.m.
Minyan/memorial service at Congregation Etz Chaim, 6:30 p.m.
Memorial service at Young Israel of Toco Hills, 7 p.m.
Memorial service at Congregation Or Hadash, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Interfaith prayer vigil at The Temple, in the chapel, in conjunction with Outcry, 12:30 p.m.
For the latest updates, visit https://jewishatlanta.org/unitedwestand/
NEXT WEEKEND
The American Jewish Committee (also known as AJC) is promoting #ShowUpForShabbat next Friday and Saturday. The new nationwide initiative is aimed at filling synagogues across the country next weekend. For more details: http://AJC.org/ShowUpForShabbat.
“I encourage all members of the Jewish community and all people of conscience across our country to join me,” said AJC CEO David Harris in a statement released Sunday. “What could be a more fitting response to the terror in Pittsburgh? We are not afraid. We are not going to think twice about affirming our identity and faith. We are not alone.”
UPDATE 1:30 P.M.: On Monday, Congregation B'nai Torah in Sandy Springs plans to hold a formal vigil for its synagogue. Congregation leaders released a statement about the Pittsburgh tragedy. "At each of our coming daily services, we will be offering prayers for healing and comfort."
The statement also addressed the synagogue's own security: "We have already engaged with our security experts on what, if any, additional security measures B'nai Torah should take to ensure our safety and to provide comfort to those coming to pray, work, learn and socialize. It is well known that for the past several years, we have had off-duty Sandy Springs police officers on site Friday nights, Saturdays, and major holidays to provide security as well as other security on site at other times. There are also security measures that are not publicized."
The leaders' statement also noted, "Ultimately, our greatest response to those who seek to hate or destroy us, and our greatest victory over them, has been to refuse to submit to fear, but rather to continue to live, to learn, to pray and to sustain our heritage. That is a response that is within the grasp of each of us today."
UPDATE 11:30 A.M.: PLAINS — Former President Jimmy Carter was teaching Sunday school at his church in Plains on Sunday morning and discussed the week's disturbing news.
He mentioned the explosive devices mailed to former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and other Democratic officials this past week.
"There were bombs being mailed to a group of my friends, former Democratic presidents," Carter said Sunday morning.
"I kind of feel jealous," he said but quickly added the obvious: "I'm not asking for it."
A suspect was arrested in Florida in connection with the mail-bomb threats in which no one was injured. The Carter Center in Atlanta was on alert while the mail packages were being intercepted elsewhere and a spokesperson said the Carter family was also on the lookout, although nothing suspicious was reported.
Carter then turned to the deadly shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday.
He discussed "another tragedy" that was "caused by people who were taught by some reason to hate Jews."
"Both of them were caused by intense hatred."
Interestingly, the Sunday School lesson in Carter's class at Maranatha Baptist Church was about people being equal to each other — not superior to anyone — in the eyes of God.
As an example, Carter talked about legal racial discrimination in the South and steps taken to overcome it.
"Every one of you in this moment has made a decision: This is the kind of person I want to be. I want you all to remember that. No one but you decides the kind of person you are."
- Arielle Kass
UPDATE 10 A.M.: The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has announced a service and vigil on Sunday to show support for a grieving community. A vigil is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive NW, Sandy Springs. A memorial service is planned at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs. Another vigil and services are planned Monday at other metro Atlanta synagogues. For details, visit www.jewishatlanta.org/unitedwestand.
UPDATE 8:30 A.M. SUNDAY, OCT. 28: The Temple, whose history includes a bombing in 1958, shared a message of condolences, grief and faith in a lengthy Facebook post. "The Temple takes security seriously at all times, and in times like these, reevaluates and heightens our security practices," the statement read. Like on Saturday, a police presence will be at the synagogue Sunday. "We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning at The Temple Breman Religious School and for our regular programs," the statement from Temple leaders indicated.
UPDATE 6 P.M.: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued a statement concerning the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and security efforts locally.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of another senseless mass shooting perpetrated in the name of hate. We stand with the people of Pittsburgh and with our Jewish brothers and sisters throughout our nation, and denounce hatred and anti-Semitism, in all forms.
“We also pray for the wounded first responders and remain grateful for their selfless acts of bravery. The Atlanta Police Department is on heightened alert and patrol units have been instructed to closely monitor activity around synagogues throughout the city.
“As a city and a nation, we are better and stronger than hate. We will continue to work towards fostering a deeper understanding and abiding respect for one another.”
Earlier in the day via her personal Twitter account, the mayor also expressed condolences to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and that city:
ORIGINAL STORY:
Many in the metro Atlanta Jewish community were keeping a wary eye on the tragic situation unfolding Saturday at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
Security has been a concern for metro Atlanta synagogues over the years and even in recent months, and the latest deadly shooting has prompted heightened efforts.
A man opened fire at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday morning, leading to several fatalities and several wounded.
Channel 2 Action News reported that Atlanta police plan to step up patrols in Zone 5 at Atlanta synagogues. Officials said they have not received or been made aware of any threats.
On Saturday afternoon, the Jewish Federation of Atlanta issued a statement on Twitter in response to the deadly shooting in Pittsburgh.
"We are deeply distressed and saddened by the breaking news about the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. In light of this morning's situation, security has already been heightened in the Atlanta community," the statement said.
“Our hearts are with the Pittsburgh community,” said the statement signed by Mark Silberman, chair of the Atlanta federation’s board.
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta — which sent a letter to members last spring seeking donations for additional security — said in a post on Twitter: "Our thoughts are with the Jewish community and the law enforcement officers in Pittsburgh. As ever, our main priority is the safety and security of our members, staff, and guests. We remain steadfastly committed to your safety."
The Jewish Federation of Atlanta also provided a statement regarding the tragedy and local security on social media Saturday.
“We are deeply distressed and saddened by the breaking news about the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. In light of this morning's situation, security has already been heightened in the Atlanta community,” according to a statement on Twitter.
» Return to AJC.com for updates from Pittsburgh and metro Atlanta.
» Click here for the latest updates from the Pittsburgh deadly shooting.
