As news of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre spread to Jewish communities around the nation, many responded in the way they know best: by heading into synagogues to pray.

“That’s what Jews do when faced with tragedy; we come together in unity,” said Kim Mcguire, who attended Sunday-morning services at her Chabad synagogue in Salem, Ore. She was not alone.

“So many wonderful people have joined us in commemorating the beautiful lives of those who lost their lives,” said Marlene Eichner, about the extra-large crowd at the services. “We just did the morning services with our hearts and our love being sent to those people.”

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In a small community that numbers less than 2,000 Jewish households, Salem Chabad rarely has a critical mass for a weekday service. But on this Sunday, as many as 60 people had gathered, eager to participate in prayer services.

It was a scene that replayed itself out in Chabad synagogues and centers from Milwaukee to Miami, from Montreal to Milford.

In Northbrook, Ill., a crowd of 200, representing a number of local congregations, joined together at their local Chabad synagogue on Sunday night. The memorial service included reading psalms and lighting memorial candles for each of the 11 Jewish souls murdered in the attack.

Across the Canadian border, too, Rabbi Levi Gansburg of Chabad on Bayview in Toronto is preparing to host a large crowd for Friday-night and Shabbat-morning services this coming week, as are many other Chabad centers in the greater Toronto area. The rabbi says he will use the opportunity to share the Jewish response to tragedy and violence.

“The Rebbe taught us,” says Gansburg, “that the best way to combat darkness is with light. The killer wanted to snuff out the light of 11 precious Jewish souls, and we aim to repay him many times over. The victims will not be in shul this Shabbat, so we will be there for them.”

The Northbrook memorial service included reading psalms and lighting memorial candles for each of the 11 Jewish souls murdered in the attack.
The Northbrook memorial service included reading psalms and lighting memorial candles for each of the 11 Jewish souls murdered in the attack.
In a small community that numbers less than 2,000 Jewish households, Salem Chabad rarely has a critical mass for a weekday service. This past Sunday, it drew nearly 60 people to a special service.
In a small community that numbers less than 2,000 Jewish households, Salem Chabad rarely has a critical mass for a weekday service. This past Sunday, it drew nearly 60 people to a special service.