This week, hearts and minds were with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. On Monday October 29, SAR gathered as a school community in the auditorium to share words of Torah and say Tehillim on behalf of the victims. Alicia Germano, who lived in Pittsburgh for many years, opened the program by sharing her memories of the area. Lisa Schlaff spoke about the need to honor the victims and fight anti-semitism by standing up for Torah and mitzvot. She encouraged students to choose one mitzvah they could commit to taking on, or doing more consistently or observing with increased joy. The program concluded with recitation of Tehillim and a Kel Maleh on behalf of the victims.

The student council has initiated a siyum of the Mishnayot in seder Zeraim in memory of the victims. In addition, the art department has begun a Tree of Life project, in which students are encouraged to draw, paint, sculpt or photograph an image of a tree. The images will be exhibited at SAR and representations will be sent to the Jewish community in Pittsburgh.

We hope this past solidarity Shabbat brought some comfort to the mourners, to the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and to all of Klal Yisrael.