PITTSBURGH – Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, the spiritual leader of Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, is retiring this month after a challenging and transformative journey. He took on this role just over a year before the tragic events of October 27, 2018, which marked the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
On that fateful Sabbath morning, a gunman stormed the synagogue, killing 11 worshippers from three congregations sharing the building—Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life. Rabbi Myers faced immense grief, having to preside over the funerals of his congregants, and he struggled to find solace in prayer.
“There was this emptiness to it,” he recalls. In his search for comfort, he turned to the Book of Psalms, known for its deep emotional range. As he read through all 150 chapters, he found a verse that resonated with him: “My help comes from God, maker of the heavens and the Earth.” This realization reassured him that his faith held the answers he sought, even if it took time to uncover them.
A Journey of Healing and Leadership
Rabbi Myers, now 70, has dedicated his life to serving the Jewish community. After the attack, he and his congregation faced the long road of healing. They dealt with a protracted trial that resulted in the gunman’s death sentence while also navigating the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hardships, the congregation found ways to come together, including groundbreaking for a new synagogue building set to open in 2028.
As Rabbi Myers prepares to step down, he reflects on his mission. “It was time for the next chapter also for the Tree of Life. It’s time to step aside so that there is space for new voices,” he said in a recent interview.
What Comes Next for Rabbi Myers?
After retiring, Rabbi Myers plans to move back to New Jersey to be closer to his family. He has expressed a desire to focus on personal healing and explore new interests, including reading and writing. He also wishes to fulfill some “bucket list” goals with his wife.
Throughout his tenure, Rabbi Myers has seamlessly blended scripture with pop culture, often quoting figures like Mr. Spock from “Star Trek” and referencing songs from The Beatles and Broadway. During his farewell address, he thanked his congregants and recognized the sacrifices made by first responders during the attack.
Remembering the Victims
In his final service, he honored each of the 11 victims by name, stating, “May your memories always be for a blessing.” He ended the service on a hopeful note by leading the congregation in singing Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” His ability to navigate grief while uplifting others has left a profound impact on his community.
Audrey Glickman, a survivor of the attack, praised Myers for his steady leadership. “He has steered a constant ship and taken care of everyone, and I think he has earned himself a rest,” she said.
A Legacy of Resilience
Rabbi Myers’ journey to Tree of Life began in his childhood synagogue choir. He grew up in New Jersey and eventually shifted his focus from medicine to Judaism and music. After years of serving various congregations, he became the rabbi of Tree of Life, a small Conservative congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Rabbi Myers played a crucial role in helping the community heal. They resumed worship at a nearby synagogue, defying the intentions of the shooter. Rabbi Myers emphasized the importance of maintaining their Jewish observances as a form of resistance.
He also formed meaningful relationships with other communities affected by violence, such as Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This connection serves as a reminder of the shared experiences among communities facing hate and violence.
Looking Ahead
The Tree of Life congregation is currently working on plans for a new building, which will include a memorial to the victims and exhibits addressing antisemitism. The aim is to create a space that honors the past while fostering a hopeful future.
As Rabbi Myers steps away, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and leadership. His departure is bittersweet, but the congregation is optimistic about the new energy and ideas brought by recent members. “We intend not to let the shooter win and not to fade away into history,” Glickman affirmed.
Rabbi Myers has been described as “the right guy at the right time,” and his contributions to the community will be felt for generations to come.
