Manatee residents join Jewish Show Up For Shabbat celebrations in wake of Pittsburgh shooting
The Jewish community of Manatee County will not cower in the face of terrorism and hatred.
More than 50 people joined in worship and support of the Jewish faith in the halls of Congregation Ner Tamid. The American Jewish Congregation welcomed communities across the nation to come together following the targeted slaying of 11 worshipers in Pittsburgh.
“When something terrible happens and what happens is truly terrifying, we have a choice. We can huddle together at home, afraid to take a chance on the outside world. We can avoid gathering together in synagogues, or even foreswear our connection to Judaism,” said Rena Morano, the congregation’s rabbinic associate. “But all of you have made a very different decision, and I thank you for the choice you have made to show up for Shabbat.”
Friday’s worship session incorporated usual Jewish celebrations of the Sabbath, which commemorates the end of a work week, as Morano led the group in prayer and religious song. Volunteers also read short biographies of the Pittsburgh victims and honored their lives by singing the Mourner’s Kaddish together.
Each victim was honored with a ceremonial Yahrzeit memorial candle, which is meant to represent the everlasting light of the soul, Morano explained. Worshipers at Ner Tamid also told stories of antisemitism they had experienced in their own lives.
“People needed a chance to get together. This is a great way for us to come together and show that we’re not alone,” she said.
The Shabbat celebration continues Saturday morning at local synagogues. Jews and non-Jews are encouraged to join in the celebration of life. Anyone interested in attending may visit The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s website and search the community directory.
Service times and locations include:
- 10 a.m. Saturday at Temple Beth El, 5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, templebethelbradenton.com
- 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Temple Sinai, 4631 S Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. templesinai-sarasota.org
- 10 a.m. Saturday at Chabad of Sarasota-Manatee, 7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota. sarasotachabad.com
Attendees are encouraged to share their experience at the Shabbat celebration with the hashtag #ShowUpForShabbat on social media. For more information, call (941) 371-4546 or visit jfedsrq.org.
This story was originally published November 2, 2018 at 9:34 PM.