Rabbi Jeffrey Myers Bids Farewell to Tree of Life Congregation

After experiencing the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history and leading multiple funerals, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers faced challenges in prayer. As the spiritual guide of Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, he turned to the Book of Psalms for solace. The hymns and poetry within offered a spectrum of human emotions. Myers found comfort in chapter 121, reaffirming his faith in God.

Rabbi Myers, 70, will retire this month from his role at Tree of Life, which he assumed just over a year before the tragic events of October 27, 2018. On that day, a gunman invaded the synagogue, killing 11 worshippers from the building’s three congregations: Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life. The community has since been on a long journey of healing, including enduring a trial that led to the gunman’s death sentence, coping with the pandemic, and planning for a new building.

As Myers prepares for retirement, he reflects on his journey and the congregation’s future. He intends to move back to New Jersey to be near family, pursue personal goals, and heal his own wounds.

“It was time for the next chapter also for the Tree of Life,” Myers remarked.

In his farewell address, Myers mixed scripture with pop culture, referencing the Beatles and Broadway’s “Rent.” He expressed gratitude towards congregants and recounted each victim by name, followed by a congregational rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” Members of the congregation, like survivor Audrey Glickman, appreciate his unwavering support through difficult times.

Myers’ path began in his childhood synagogue choir in New Jersey. He developed a significant tenor voice, which he used during the mourners’ prayers broadcast worldwide after the attack. Initially a pre-med student, he shifted to studying Judaism and music, eventually training as a cantor and rabbi. He joined Tree of Life, a Conservative congregation located in Pittsburgh’s Jewish community hub of Squirrel Hill.

During the attack, Myers helped save worshippers by urging them to flee. He later prayed for forgiveness for the lives lost and survived, shielded by police officers. Through weeks of memorial services, Myers and congregant Alan Hausman, a public safety professional, supported one another.

Tree of Life found temporary sanctuary at Rodef Shalom while the damaged synagogue remained a crime scene. The return to their spiritual practices became a form of defiant resilience. They experienced joyful events, despite ongoing challenges, like Sam Schachner’s son’s bar mitzvah soon after the attack.

Myers’ personal challenges were compounded by the pandemic, but he continued leading services and officiated his daughter’s outdoor wedding. He cherished this celebration as a renewal of hope.

Amid the lengthy trial of the gunman, Myers remained steadfast, ensuring the perseverance of Jewish traditions over evil acts. The trial concluded with a death sentence, leaving the congregation to focus on healing and rebuilding.

Tree of Life established bonds with Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, a community familiar with tragedy due to a 2015 racist shooting. This collaboration highlighted mutual support against antisemitism and hatred.

The Tree of Life building is largely demolished, with plans underway for a new structure by 2028. The forthcoming center will feature a sanctuary, event space, and antisemitism exhibits, accompanied by a memorial for the victims.

Robin Friedman, the current president, views Myers as pivotal during a transformative time. The congregation welcomes new families, invigorating hopes for a vibrant future.

“We intend not to let the shooter win and not to fade away into history,” affirmed survivor Audrey Glickman.