For readers and bloggers of Daily Kos in and around the Pittsburgh area, please join us to deliver this Community quilt. Please see the bottom of this diary before the page break for more information.
Nine months ago the Tree of Life synagogue was targeted in the largest anti-Semitic hate crime in American history. I was on the phone with my grandmother when it hit the news. She was in shock, barely able to form words. All she could say was “Oh shit... guess what just happened.”
For my family, this hit us hard. My grandparents raised my mother and aunt in New Light Congregation, which is now housed at Tree of Life Synagogue. After hearing about the catastrophe all my emotions hit at once. I knew I had to sit down and write an article conveying my thoughts. Here is an excerpt from that article.
Due to Saturday’s events, I felt I needed to address it, as a proud Jew and proud advocate for equality. Also because my mother grew up in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA. It really hit home for me, hearing my grandmothers’ distraught voice, slowly explaining the events that happened just a few moments before in her old home.
The shooting in Tree of Life synagogue had been marked as the largest anti-Semitic hate crime in American History. With eleven dead and several more seriously injured it definitely earned the hellish title. It will forever have a huge impact on our country, and the lives of Jews.
On Tuesdays, I have Hebrew school where we talk about our problems and vent about the newest political scandal. Saying exactly how we feel in a safe setting. Sort of like Daily Kos but more private. I love it, it’s almost therapeutic and definitely something to look forward to the beginning of the week.
This week though, tensions were high. All of us in shock barely able to comprehend the horrific massacre that had occurred only three days prior. Changing the lives of everyone in America. We sat there in silence after watching a news interview with the rabbi of Tree of Life synagogue. Then my teacher and rabbi spoke. His words seemed to cut through the air like a knife. What he said though, sent shock waves down my spine.
Soon after the attack Sara R. and her sister winglion, the “Quilt Sisters,” set to work making a quilt for the congregation of Tree of Life synagogue. The quilt made for The Tree of Life Synagogue is called, “Canopy.” Below is a short paragraph written by Sara R. and winglion who created the Community Quilt Project:
"It is right that we make a community quilt for the people of the Tree of Life Synagogue, too. The intent this massacre was to create terror. Let us make something very personal, a group message of love, respect, and deepest sympathy writ large, a permanent keepsake that will remind the three congregations that people all over the country — even around the world — are thinking of them with loving-kindness and that we are all standing together with them in our hearts. Words have power. This will matter. The quilt will resonate with love and respect for years and years to come."
You might not see the Star of David stitched in the center of the quilt, but it is there. Imagine standing among many trees, looking up there is a Canopy of leaves over head. The leaves radiate outward from the Star of David, their shape reminiscent of tear drops or rain drops. The canopy of leaves might also suggest the hearts of many, many people who care deeply for the people of Tree of Life.
In May, Sara R. asked my mother to deliver the quilt. With my mom’s childhood connection to the synagogue she felt compelled to take on this task.
My mom and I worked for three years with the Social Justice Committee of our synagogue to advocate for gun safety laws in San Jose. Many cities throughout California began to pass new legislation to make their city safer. When I heard about the possibility of delivering this quilt, I wanted to become involved. Now I am developing my Bat Mitzvah project around this quilt.
We are coming to Pittsburgh July 23rd and will be meeting with a member of the synagogue to deliver the quilt on the 24th at 10 AM. I would like to invite anyone in the area, or anyone that would like to join us in delivering the gorgeous quilt to the congregation. If you are interested in joining us please Kos Mail me and I will send you any additional information and answer any questions.
Please note: this event is not being held at Tree of Life.