cmippu

Looking ahead, Tree of Life ends one chapter and begins another

On eve of trial, congregation marks transition with “L’hitraot Ceremony.” Rabbi Jeffrey Myers tells attendees, ‘“We are not saying shalom.”

Alan Hausman, president of the Tree of Life congregation, and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers embrace after the Tree of Life congregationÕs ÒlÕhitraotÓ, or Òsee you laterÓ, ceremony, Sunday, March 23, 2023, in Squirrel Hill, to give community members an opportunity to reflect and say goodbye to the Tree of Life synagogue before renovations begin to transform the building into a memorial, museum, and center dedicated to fighting antisemitism.

At a ceremony outside the Tree of Life building in Squirrel Hill, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said goodbye to the beloved space after 71 years of daily religious services. Significant portions of the structure will be demolished and rebuilt, despite countless weddings, circumcisions and b’nei mitzvot taking place there.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Wimley/Union Progress/Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

Leave a comment