An All-of-Society Approach: A Conversation with Yair Rosenberg and Amy Spitalnick on Uprooting Antisemitism
Antisemitism threatens all Americans, not just Jews. It fuels hate-filled conspiracy theories that not only drive people to commit horrible acts of violence but also undermine the very fabric of our nation. What we are seeing is a rise in violence against Jews that crosses political ideology and spectrums, and the normalization of rising antisemitism sets a dangerous precedent.
The story of Pittsburgh and what happened in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history offers our nation a way forward. Join Yair Rosenberg of The Atlantic for a conversation with Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, moderated by Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, for a nuanced and engaging discussion of the need for an all-of-society approach to uproot the overwhelming rise in antisemitism and hate.
Antisemitism, an American Tradition: Pamela Nadell in conversation with Bret Stephens
Author and historian Pamela Nadell’s new book Antisemitism, an American Tradition investigates the dark history of how this hate threaded across the American past from colonial times to today. In the wake of the October 27, 2018, synagogue shooting, many Americans were shocked to see such violent antisemitism in the United States. From attempts to expel Jews from New Amsterdam in 1654 to “Jews will not replace us” chants in Charlottesville in 2017, Nadell’s book reveals that this hatred is deeply rooted in our nation’s past.
Join New York Times columnist and 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner Bret Stephens in conversation with Nadell about her new book and the long history of antisemitism in American life. Together, they will explore how understanding the past can help us stand up and fight back against hate.
Stories From the Sidewalk: Offerings Left After October 27
In the days following the October 27, 2018 attack, thousands of people paid their respects by leaving items of consolation at a makeshift memorial on the sidewalk in front of the Tree of Life synagogue building.
Those objects now form the basis of a major artifact collection at the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center, documenting the powerful local and global response to October 27 and the support for the victims’ families, survivors, the three congregations targeted, law enforcement, and the entire Jewish community.
Join retired CMU history Professor Laurie Eisenberg and RJA Director Eric Lidji as they explain how this collection came to be and share the moving stories behind several gifts from the memorial. Eisenberg and Lidji will also direct attention to an online gallery featuring more of these items and their backstories, and will explain how visitors to the site can use it to promote a more compassionate world.
Final Day of “Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward”
Join us for the public opening of The Tree of Life’s traveling exhibition about American antisemitism, what happened on October 27, 2018, and the community’s response to the deadliest antisemitic attack in United States history
REACHing Out: A conversation with families and survivors about the community’s gifts and support
After the October 27, 2018 synagogue shooting, people around the world sent objects of comfort, care, and love to those directly impacted by hate. Join us as family members and survivors share their profound experiences of both antisemitism and solidarity and reflect on what the objects sent to Pittsburgh tell us about the nature of community. This event is hosted in partnership with the Rauh Jewish Archives and REACH, a project of the 10.27 Healing Partnership that supports families and survivors of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in sharing their stories to remember, educate, and combat hate.
This event is being held at University of Pittsburgh's University Club. Paid parking is available in the Club lot (on Thackeray Ave), Soldiers and Sailors lot, and street parking.
Lessons from The Tree of Life Docent Hours
Visit “The Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward” with a docent available to guide you through the exhibition and answer your questions.
Lessons from The Tree of Life Docent Hours
Visit “The Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward” with a docent available to guide you through the exhibition and answer your questions.
Songs of Resilience: Music for Lighting the Path Forward
Musicians from across Allegheny County and beyond explored the rich tapestry of Jewish music—both traditional and contemporary—in a concert of hope and remembrance. The concert offered an opportunity for reflection and resilience in honor of the memory of those taken on October 27, 2018. Through the enduring beauty of Jewish song and spoken word, we seek to light the path forward, fostering healing and strength.
Participating Vocalists:
Rabbi Cantor Jeffrey Myers — Tree of Life Congregation
Cantor Kalix Jacobson — Temple Emanuel of South Hills
Cantor David Reinwald — Temple Sinai
Cantor Michal Gray-Schaffer — Cantor Emerita at B’nai Abraham of Butler County
Cantor Laura Berman — Parkway Jewish Center
Lessons from The Tree of Life Docent Hours
Visit “The Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward” with a docent available to guide you through the exhibition and answer your questions.
Lessons from The Tree of Life Docent Hours
Visit “The Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward” with a docent available to guide you through the exhibition and answer your questions.
Opening of “Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward”
Join us for the public opening of The Tree of Life’s traveling exhibition about American antisemitism, what happened on October 27, 2018, and the community’s response to the deadliest antisemitic attack in United States history