Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who led the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh through the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, is retiring. Myers, who became the synagogue’s spiritual leader just over a year before the tragic shooting on October 27, 2018, found solace in the Book of Psalms after struggling to pray following the attack. The gunman killed 11 worshippers from three congregations sharing the building. Over the years, the congregation has worked to heal, enduring a lengthy trial that resulted in the gunman’s death sentence, the challenges of the pandemic, and the start of a new building project. Myers, now 70, feels his mission is complete and plans to move back to New Jersey to be near family and focus on personal healing. In his farewell, he expressed gratitude to his congregation and others who supported them, recalling each victim by name and leading the congregation in a song. Members of the congregation praised Myers for his leadership during such a difficult time.
QUESTION: How might the experiences and leadership of Rabbi Myers inspire future leaders in times of crisis?
Tree of Life rabbi Jeffrey Myers bids farewell 8 years after deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history
