Prayers for Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue

Oct. 31 – Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve) begins a 3-day observance to remember the saints (hallows), the martyrs and the faithful departed. All Saints’ Day is Nov. 1. All Souls’ Day is Nov. 2 (a time in Roman Catholic tradition to pray for those in purgatory).

This year, I find that my mind is not on costumes, treats and traditions, but on the 11 faithful worshippers at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, who lost their lives on Saturday, Oct. 27. Today, they continue to bury their dead. Images of remembrances include Sikhs at a vigil in Queens, Buddhists paying respects outside the synagogue, Jewish faithful at the Old Wall in Jerusalem, Pope Francis praying for the end of the “flames of hate” that fueled the killings and interfaith prayer gatherings in numerous locations.

So on this day, let us pray with our Jewish brothers and sisters. The traditional Mourner’s Kaddish follows. Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen. May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen. He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.