A tragedy occurred in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood that left an undeniable imprint on the community. On October 27, 2018, three congregations were participating in a morning Shabbat service when a gunman walked in and opened fire on a group of innocent people. This ruthless act killed eleven individuals and left six people injured. To honor the victims of this horrific tragedy and their families, Pittsburgh writers are using their voices to reflect on the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history. Through essays written by journalists, academics, spiritual leaders, and other members of the community we discover the ways in which people are learning to cope with the horrendous crime against humanity that was committed that day. Bound in the Bond of Life writers use the suffering that followed the event as a way to amplify their voices and channel the utmost strength even through the hardest of times.
The collection of essays in this anthology instills a sense of friendship within the reader towards the writers that makes the book feel personal. By this I mean, the tragedy that happened that day feels as though it affected every single one of us. It impacted some people directly and ripped their loved ones away from them all too soon. But for others, it created an inexplicable feeling of community that brought individuals from all different backgrounds together. This plays into a larger theme that is conveyed throughout the book- the bond of life. "The bond of life is that close view. It is a commitment to carry actual people and specific experiences in our hearts and in our minds as we move through life. We are bound by that commitment. It is an essential responsibility and privilege of being alive."
Each essay talks about a unique experience from the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue and the emotions that they were forced to reconcile with. In particular, "Keith Way" written by Campbell Robertson is a truly thought-provoking piece that intertwines the Jewish faith with the society that we are rooted in today. Robertson captures the essence of this tragedy by saying, "Darkness falls everywhere when the sun sets: when it's night at the synagogue, it's just as much night in the alley across the street. But the dawn comes everywhere, too."
As devastating as it is to relive a day that took the lives of so many innocent people, it is paramount to discuss the experiences of those affected and emphasize its purpose in our world today. The deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue had the potential to be quantified if it weren't for the people who were willing and brave enough to tell their story. However, an act so horrific can not be diminished to a mere number when we make the story a part of our very being. Bound in the Bond of Life unveils the true experiences of people that have unbreakable strength and their readiness to show others that love will always win.
Bound in the Bond of Life
Edited by Beth Kissileff & Eric Lidji
The book is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Bond-Life-Pittsburgh-Writers/dp/0822946513