In an effort to honor the memories of the victims who were brutally murdered in the horrific terrorist attack in Kehillat Bnei Torah last month, the widows and families of three of the victims are urging Jews around the world to participate in International Tefillin and Candle Lighting Days on December 18 and 19.

As part of the project, which will coincide with the Shloshim (30-day mourning period) of the victims, the widows are encouraging Jewish adult men to don tefillin and say the Shema prayer on Thursday, December 18. It is a symbolic and spiritual gesture in honor of the memory of the victims, each of whom was wearing tefillin and in the midst of their morning prayers when the terrorists struck. Shema, the most famous prayer in Judaism, was the last prayer that the victims had completed before being murdered.

In addition, Jewish women are urged to light Shabbat candles before sunset, just after lighting the Chanukah candles, on Friday, December 19.

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI), which is actively publicizing and promoting this special initiative, is asking other Jewish organizations to join their call and to urge their members to participate in the International Tefillin and Candle Lighting Days.

“As we mark the Shloshim of the holy men who perished in the deadly terrorist attack in a Har Nof synagogue, we are proud to join with their families to promote achdut (unity) among our fellow Jews,” said NCYI Director of Outreach and Development Rabbi Yakov Couzens. “We hope that people will reach out to their personal and professional contacts and encourage them to participate in this beautiful and meaningful mitzvah.”

For more information about the International Tefillin and Candle Lighting Days, go to www.youngisrael.org or contact Rabbi Yakov Couzens at 212-929-1525 x101or via email at [email protected]. For information as to how to properly put on Tefillin or light Shabbat candles and Chanukah candles, visit www.youngisrael.org.