Monroe United responds to Pittsburgh hate crime

Following the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill Section of Pittsburgh Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum of Congregation B’nai Harim in Pocono Pines sent a message to her congregation. In her note Kershenbaum tried to inspire her congregation to be proactive.

“I urge you to listen to your neighbors even if you disagree with them; figure out what joins you together and work to strengthen it; plan to get involved in neighborhood organizations that speak to your concerns; get to know those in power and regularly communicate with them,” she wrote. “Whichever side of the aisle you resonate with, vote. Whichever side of the aisle you resonate with, fight against unfairness in voting practices. Write letters to your local newspaper and send messages of support to the congregation that is in mourning.”

Kershenbaum is a member of Monroe United. Monroe United is a multifaith group that was formed in 2016 in an attempt to bring members of different religious faiths together to find “common ground.” Since its inception, the group has held a number of events where its members share insight into their faiths and fellowship.

“Our Spirituality Committee has a rapid response team that is ready to immediately come together and respond when something like the attack in Pittsburgh happens,” said Executive Director Thomas Jones of Monroe United. “This is pretty much what we do, we build relationships and try to break down the barriers between the differing faiths.”

Monroe United member Temple Beth Israel will be holding a Solidarity Shabbat following its services on Saturday.

The Shabbat will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the synagogue located on Wallace Street in Stroudsburg.

The event is meant to show support for the Jewish Community and for greater tolerance following the horrendous shooting that took place in Pittsburgh according to the posting on Monroe United Facebook page.

“We need to start the healing process,” Jones said. “An attack on one faith is an attack on all religious faiths.”

If you are interested in becoming involved with Monroe United, please visit its Facebook page for more information and for upcoming events.