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Tree of Life observances slated

A public gathering to mark the anniversary of the Tree of Life tragedy is set for 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh. There, community members will support one another in healing through readings, music, video, prayers and spoken remembrances of the victims.

The event also will promote “repair of those still suffering, hope for the future and a sense of solidarity,” according to the federation's website.

Michal Gray-Schaffer, cantor at the Congregation B'nai Abraham Synagogue on North Main Street, said no public service or event to mark the grim anniversary Sunday is planned at the Butler synagogue in keeping with the wishes of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh that all remembrances be held in Pittsburgh. The federation also planned 32 community service projects in memory of the 11 worshippers killed one year ago.

The projects vary, from decorating or delivering cookies for first responders to cleaning rooms or serving meals at Family House, where families of those receiving long-term hospital care are welcome to stay.

Making blankets or pillows for refugees, putting together medical supply kits for Third World countries, serving lunch at Rainbow Kitchens and cleaning up Jewish cemeteries are also among the diverse lineup of service projects for Sunday.

A Torah study at Rodef Shalom Congregation on Fifth Avenue will hold 12 discussion sessions, including “We Can't Do It Alone: Joining Together Against Hate,” “Algorithms of Loving Kindness” and “Jewish Texts on How We Heal.”

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