We gathered as a community on 11/3/18 a week after the carnage in Pittsburgh – Jews, Christians, Muslims – people of faith and people of no faith – to remind ourselves that across the millennia, in different places and cultures “do unto others” arose as a central ethic of communal responsibility and remains to this day the path that brings shalom – peace and wholeness.

A local newspaper report of our gathering may be viewed here.

One of our guests wrote a poem that he wrote for the occasion and recited to those gathered.  It invites reflection and resolve. We thank Harvey Trieff for his words.

Being a Jew by Harvey Trieff

In cattle cars we went to the camps,

On our arms we all had stamps.

Our names were changed to a purple tattoo,

Mine ended in “1”,

Yours ended in “2”.

Could this feeling of horror

Once more be repeated?

Have my tears of sorrow

Not yet been depleted?

Into a Pittsburgh synagogue,

On the eve of a peaceful Shabbat.

Walked a crazy deranged demagogue,

And 11 innocent Jews were shot.

They came to pray in that sacred place,

And spoke to God from a pew.

Now they speak to God face to face,

Guilty of nothing but being a Jew.

Is it too late to end this hate?

Is there nothing that we can do?

We need to reflect,

to practice respect.

That’s the meaning of being a Jew.

 

Harvey Trieff resides in Fall River with his wife Judy. They have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Harvey is a member of Temple Beth El in Fall River and served as a member of its Board of Directors. 

He is currently the owner and operator of “At Your Service”, a Limousine and Courier company. He is active in Rotary International, having served as past President and currently serving as Secretary of the Rotary Club of Fall River.

Previously Harvey was a co-owner of Center Garment Company. An apparel manufacturing factory 

He enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and writing poetry.