Sunday will mark one year since the massacre at Tree of Life synagogue.ย
The mass shooting that left 11 dead prompted a global outpouring and new warnings about the dangers of anti-Semitism and white supremacy.
Gov. Tom Wolf has declared Sunday, Oct. 27 as “Remember Repair Together Day” across the state, KDKA-TV reports. Events on Sunday include community service opportunities, torah study, and a community commemoration โ more details here.
In the aftermath of the massacre, leaders at the synagogue say they’re working to rebuild and reopen the building for the first time since the attack. And synagogue leaders are urging other houses of prayer to be vigilant and up their security.
In the courts, prosecutors have rejected a plea from the accused gunman in his bid to avoid the death penalty.
A new TribLive documentary examines the impact on those involved and on the community one year later. And a Pittsburgh archivist says collecting items related to the massacre could last a century (more on that below).
But the focus of this weekend will be on Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and on the 11 lives lost:
๐ฏ Joyce Fienberg, 75, of Oakland
๐ฏ Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township
๐ฏ Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill
๐ฏ Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood
๐ฏ Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill
๐ฏ David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill
๐ฏ Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg
๐ฏ Sylvan Simon, 86, of Wilkinsburg
๐ฏ Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill
๐ฏ Melvin Wax, 87, of Squirrel Hill
๐ฏ Irving Younger, 69, of Mt. Washington
In other news โฆ
A massive Amazon facility is coming to the region. The million-square-foot fulfillment facility will be the first in western Pennsylvania and will employ 800 people. It’ll be located in Findlay Township, near the airport on strip-mined land that’s not suitable for building houses. The warehouse will specialize in shipping larger orders like sporting goods, patio furniture, and large household items. (KDKA-TV)
Clean out your medicine cabinet this weekend because it’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The events are intended to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. This is the first year vape pens or other e-cigarette devices can be dropped off (with the batteries removed). You can find a drop-off location near you here. (WTAE)
Make your weekend dinner plans with this list of restaurants with a view. Think they’re all on Mount Washington? Think again. The classics get a nod, but there are some new spots in Oakland and Lawrenceville worth checking out, too. (Good Food Pittsburgh)
By now, you’re probably familiar with our Pittsburgh-themed illustrations. Like that time we made Pittsburgh’s hierarchy of needs, or when we shared ways to survive the zombie apocalypse.
As a new, exclusive member benefit, we’re illustrating our members’ life stories. That’s right, we’re helping our members become the hero of their very own digital comic book.
It’s not too late to join the fun! All you have to do is become a member here.
Archivist Eric Lidji has spent the last year collecting tributes, memorials, and offers of support that flooded into Pittsburgh after the massacre at Tree of Life. His work is nowhere near finished.
Lidji is director of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Heinz History Center, and while a massive trove of items has been assembled in the 12 months since, Lidji says the collection process could last a century or more.
We spoke to Lidji about his work, its impact on him, what it’s like preserving moments some people would rather forget, and why archiving is tied to our understanding of both history and the present.
Thanks to all who attended our third birthday celebration this week. Check out the photos here and tag yourself. And if you missed this year’s birthday bash, we’ll catch ya next year.
๐ Friday, November 1: Raise funds and dance with New Sun Rising at the 3rd Annual Moo-Ha Halloween Fundraiser. See the Millvale Moose Lodge transformed into a haunted forest for a dance party with raffles, a tarot card reader, and a demonic moose on the loose. (Millvale)
๐ Come dressed to hypnotize at the Renaissance Hotelโs Dark Magic Manor Halloween Dance Party (Downtown)
๐ธ Bring little ghouls and ghosts to the gardens (Oakland)
๐ Book it to this inspiring evening of readings (Bloomfield)
๐ See the unveiling of Sarah Heinz House 4.0 with an autumn-themed family fun (East Allegheny)
๐ฏ๏ธ Drink up, witches, for Cookies and Candles (Lawrenceville)
๐น Say cheers to fears at this Halloween costume party (Downtown)
๐ช Learn to build a little free library at this women-only power tool workshop (Millvale)
๐จ Create an original painting reflecting your yoga flow (Oakland)
๐บ๐ฆ Join the Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble for dance through decades (Carnegie)
๐ Participate in a one-day forum on plants, landscapes, and our role as environmental stewards (Oakland)
๐ป Trick or Treat at the Booseum (Oakland)
๐ March in a Halloween parade before pumpkinfest (Brighton Heights)
โจ Create your own magic wand (Uptown)
๐ Enjoy an afternoon of art, literature, and hands-on activities at Pittsburgh Zine Fair (East Liberty)
๐ Remember the lives lost in the Tree of Life mass shooting with official commemorative events (Oakland and Pittsburgh)
๐ Meet LGBT friendly wedding vendors at the Love is Love wedding expo (Allegheny East)
๐ญ Dress up for a costume and candy crawl (Brentwood)
๐ช Work out with a day of healthy activities (Coraopolis)
๐ฐ Take a cheesecake making class (South Side)
๐ค Attend this inaugural program celebrating the work of LatinX literary voices (Central North Side)
๐ฅ Get craftical in this intense crafting competition (East Liberty)
๐ Help fight pancreatic cancer at the PurpleStride kickoff party (Spring Garden)
๐บ Eat, drink, and be scary while supporting Autism Speaks (Downtown)
๐ Hear author and stroke survivor Ted Baxter speak about his incredible journey of recovery (Oakland)
๐บ Break out your costume for The Freaks Come Out at night Halloween jam at Ace Hotel (East Liberty)
๐ป Put your knowledge to the test at Halloween trivia (Mt. Washington)
๐ Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Mexican food features โ through Saturday (Bethel Park)
๐จโ๐ค Sing karaoke in costume (Brighton Heights)
This is the final boarding call for Who’s Next: First Responders nominations. Submit your nominations here to help us honor the helpers.
Make the most of this weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Monday.