This past Saturday morning, Scott and I, along with several other Christians and Christian denomination leaders, worshiped with the congregation of Tree of Life during their Shabat service at Rodef Shalom synagogue. We were there to offer our love and support after the sentencing of the man who had so egregiously injured their community and our greater Pittsburgh community on October 27, 2018. Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers and the members of the Tree of Life were extremely warm and welcoming, and they were deeply grateful for our presence with them.
The liturgy, which was, for the most part, recited in Hebrew, challenged us to stay on our toes in order to follow the prayers and participate meaningfully in the service. We also had the privilege and joy of taking part in the study of the Torah (the Hebrew Bible), which took place during worship. After the service, and during a time of fellowship, ample opportunity arose for conversation with several Tree of Life parishioners.
Upon reflection, many comments left an impression on me. I was touched by the testimony of Rabbi Myers, who candidly expressed that he had experienced healing as he was preparing for the service. He related how, as he was looking in the mirror that morning, he saw himself smile for the first time in a very, very long time. This smile was accompanied by tears running down his face, but his smile was a sign of healing in action. I could not help but feel heartfelt compassion for him and his congregation.
What’s more, during the fellowship hour conversations, I was touched by the testimony of many who talked about the bonds of affection that had been developed between them and the parishioners at Calvary Episcopal Church. They mentioned more than once how the Rev. Jonathon Jensen, Rector of Calvary, had so graciously welcomed their congregation. Fr. Jensen had kindly offered space to the Tree of Life congregation at Calvary Church immediately after the traumatic event of October, 2018. Five years later, the Tree of Life congregation still celebrates their high holiday liturgies at Calvary, and both congregations enjoy doing many things together. On Saturday, one person even commented about the grace of this warm ongoing fellowship between Calvary and Tree of Life being a positive outcome of the tragedy. This congregant was testifying about the manifest grace of God in the midst of hardship.
Hospitality is a practice that Jesus demonstrated at every turn, and the extension of genuine hospitality is a gift beyond measure. (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2)
Faithfully,
Bishop Ketlen