a solemn crowd holds candles
A Havdalah vigil organized by Pittsburgh high school students after a shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue drew a crowd of thousands, Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo/JTA-Ron Kampeas)

#ShowUpForShabbat, and other ways to respond to Pittsburgh

In the wake of the Oct. 27 massacre of 11 congregants in a Pittsburgh synagogue, the Bay Area Jewish community is mobilizing to respond to the unspeakable tragedy. Here are some of the planned events planned and available resources.

Show up for Shabbat: The American Jewish Committee is urging everyone to show up at their local synagogues for Shabbat services on Nov. 2-3. The organization is also calling on elected officials, civic leaders and other public figures to attend synagogue as part of the #ShowUpForShabbat campaign. For information, call (415) 777-3820.

Solidarity Shabbat: Jewish Federations of North America is also publicizing #SolidarityShabbat this weekend. For information, go to jewishfederations.org. Locally, the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation has helped coordinate the Solidarity Shabbat project. For information, or to find a participating Bay Area synagogue, go to jewishfed.org.

Donations: For those wishing to donate money to victims of the shooting, there is a GoFundMe donation page for the synagogue victims. To donate to the Pittsburgh Police Injured Officers Fund, go to pittsburghpolicefcu.com.

HIAS: As the Pittsburgh shooter cited the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society for special opprobrium, HIAS has opened a posted several options for helping refugees as well as those touched by the tragedy, including volunteer opportunities and attending HIAS events. Go to hias.org for information.

Digital Vigil: The Anti-Defamation League has launched a digital vigil at its website, where participants sign in to show solidarity with the shooting victims, their families and their community. Go to action.adl.org/digital-vigil.

Grief counseling: For those in the Bay Area experiencing trauma, fear or anxiety, or having any other difficulties coping, Sinai Memorial Chapel–Chevra Kadisha has made its grief counselor support team available to anyone in the community seeking support. For information, call Sinai at (415) 921-3636.