Vigil held in response to Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, rising intolerance nationwide
Whoever said “it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness” would have found comfort and kinship on Oct. 29 at Library Point in Haddonfield.
That’s where hundreds of borough residents, concerned citizens and local clergy convened at sunset for a vigil to commemorate the synagogue shooting in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27 which left 11 dead, and to reaffirm their stance that hate cannot conquer love.
Mayor Neal Rochford and commissioner Jeffrey Kasko were also present, lending an air of officiousness to the occasion, offering warm words, handshakes and their support. Reverend Bill Getman, from First Presbyterian Church, greeted attendees and handed out memorial candles to all who stood in solidarity.
From all walks of life, men, women and children of a variety of faiths came to stand, united. For a half hour, against the autumn chill which followed sunset, they held hands, lit candles and shielded their light from the wind, brandishing signs advocating love of their neighbors and against assault weapons.
Rabbi Gidon Isaacs of Temple Emanuel of Cherry Hill presided over the vigil. He spoke extensively on subjects which touch the heart in times of crisis and tragedy, ultimately offering words of comfort and resolve.
“Sometimes in these tragedies, we have to reach to the abstracts of kinship, of the greater brotherhood of humanity, for us, this is family. Brothers and sisters. As we open up the space of pain and allow it to enter, that this is violation upon violation. The unspeakable acts took place in the synagogue sanctuary, on the sabbath. The sabbath is inherently a time of peace. This act is a violation of our holiest day.
“This is to say nothing of the divine sparks that were snuffed out. The loss of life makes our souls cry out. The principle is: life must go on. We cannot allow our great mourning to cause a state of depression that our great nation cannot endure. Last night, pastor, reverend, priest, police, officers, members of the Muslim community all gathered in our synagogue. That is the reality of the America we live in. Here, tonight, together, this is our reality. We embrace each other,” Isaacs offered.
Isaacs, with accompaniment by cantor Neil Schnitzer on guitar, then led those gathered in the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish, a prayer which makes no mention of death, but instead offers praise to God. Isaacs and Schnitzer continued with “We Shall Overcome,” a song originally associated with workers’ rights, but which became a musical symbol of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.
Haddonfield resident Margo Kaplan, who organized the vigil, at times appeared overcome by the support of her community. She offered words of wisdom of her own.
“I never dreamed so many of you would come here on such short notice. I truly think indifference is what makes intolerance grow. Empathy is its antidote. Intolerance can’t survive where there is empathy. It is what makes you stronger and more vulnerable. Because you are fighting for something that is bigger than yourself,” she said.
“Grief is a sword, or it is nothing. I don’t know if I believe that, but it makes me feel very powerful,” Kaplan added. “One of the hardest things to do is to confront your own biases. Do it with honesty and bravery. We can teach our children how to do it. We can unlearn those biases, even if it’s hard. Even if it requires apologies. You can teach your children that hard work. Teach them what it means to be a respectful. To say ‘I was wrong. I’m sorry and I will learn to do better.’”
Kaplan, alongside founding president Ilise Levy Feitshans, wanted the gathering and the general public to know that the Haddonfield Jewish Center is expected to hold a planning meeting on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss further action within the community and beyond.
