After spending this week absorbing the tragedy of the Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh, East Cobb synagogues will be taking part in a new national effort to promote unity and awareness during Saturday services.
It’s part of an effort called “Show Up for Shabbat,” which is being promoted by the American Jewish Committee.
Congregation Etz Chaim (1190 Indian Hills Parkway) is taking part, and here’s how the synagogue is describing the effort to its members:
“It calls for all Jews, our allies, elected officials, civic and religious leaders of all faiths to come together and stand as one united community. Let us all stand in solidarity with those we mourn in light of this horrific attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
“We urge you to stand in solidarity in this national initiative. We will #ShowUpForShabbat. We will not be afraid. We will not allow hatred and bigotry to destroy our faith. We stand together. We mourn together. Let us be a light unto the nations.”
Etz Chaim Rabbi Daniel Dorsch told a local business group Thursday that non-Jews are also invited to the service, which takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“This has been a very challenging week,” he said at a breakfast of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. He said the objective is to show solidarity, and “not to tolerate hatred and bigotry in our community.”
Etz Chaim is the Hebrew translation of “Tree of Life.” After the shootings, which killed 11 people, members of nearby Catholic Church of St. Ann created a memorial at Etz Chaim for the victims, arranging 11 chairs outside the synagogue in a circle. Each chair seat had a card with the victim’s name and a rose.
Earlier this week, Temple Kol Emeth held a solidarity service (East Cobb News coverage here) that included members of other faith communities in the area.
On Saturday, the Chabad of Cobb synagogue on Lower Roswell Road also is taking part in Show Up for Shabbat. According to a Rabbi Ehpraim Silverman, a special service will follow at 11:30 a.m., marking the end of Shiva, a period of remembrance for those who were murdered.
In a social media posting, Silverman said Cobb County officials, including those from law enforcement, will be discussing security matters.
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