For Pittsburgh Jews, attack anniversary adds to an already grim October

Jewish communities everywhere reacted with horror at last year’s Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. But the approaching one-year commemoration of the assault hits home particularly hard in Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. It already marks a grim anniversary in October. It was in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018, that a gunman carried out the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, killing 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue. Adding to the intensity is the arrival of the Jewish High Holy Days — days that bracket the Oct. 7 anniversary with rituals focused on mortality and recalling the deaths of loved ones. Many are taking consolation in the rituals as they mark an emotionally fraught milestone.