Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, 70, is retiring from Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, where he served as spiritual leader through the aftermath of a mass shooting that occurred in 2018. The attack claimed 11 lives from three congregations sharing the synagogue building. Myers survived the incident and has guided the community through nearly eight years of grieving and rebuilding.
Myers described his personal spiritual journey following the tragedy, noting initial difficulty in maintaining his prayer practice. He found guidance through studying the Book of Psalms, which he characterized as encompassing the full spectrum of human emotion. The rabbi led funeral services in the immediate aftermath and worked to resume Jewish observances despite the building becoming a crime scene. When the congregation eventually resumed in-person worship at a neighboring synagogue, Rodef Shalom, Myers emphasized the importance of continuing religious practices as an act of defiance against the attack’s intent.
The community faced additional challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic forced services online. Myers later testified as the lead witness during a federal trial of the gunman, which began in spring 2023 and concluded with a conviction and death sentence. Throughout the recovery process, Tree of Life developed a meaningful relationship with Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, which had experienced a similar tragedy in 2015.
Tree of Life has undertaken substantial rebuilding efforts. The original complex has been largely demolished, with plans for a new facility that will include a memorial to victims, exhibits addressing antisemitism, a sanctuary and event space. The new building is scheduled to open in 2028. Recent membership growth has included approximately 50 Jewish families, many with children, providing optimism for the congregation’s future. Myers plans to retire to New Jersey to be closer to family and pursue personal healing and leisure activities.
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