At TABC, the entire school gathered together on Monday morning, October 28, for a program to acknowledge the devastating tragedy and loss of life resulting from the shooting in Pittsburgh the previous Shabbat. Head of School Rabbi Asher Yablok set the tone for the program, emphasizing the importance of Jews coming together during times of struggle and reminding the student body that they can always turn to their teachers, rebbeim and guidance counselors for support.

Next, Chanan Strassman of the guidance department provided the students with a sense of what Squirrel Hill is truly all about, based upon the experiences of his family members who currently reside there. Through this perspective and chizuk, the students felt a deeper connection with the community. Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yosef Adler offered guidance to the students from a hashkafic approach to prepare for the broader discussions and questions they will have in the aftermath of this tragic event. A particularly meaningful aspect of the assembly was the inclusion of Torah study in the process of reflection, as a representative from each grade learned one Mishna b’kol-ram in the merit of the Jews who died al kiddush Hashem. Finally, the kehila stood in silence for Rabbi Adler’s solemn keil maleh rachamim. The program allowed for reflection, comfort, education and Torah in the aftermath of such a senseless tragedy.