Marnie Feinberg (middle) speaking on a panel during the United to Stop Gun Violence event at the Washington National Cathedral on October 23, 2019
Yesterday, October 27, was the one year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh where eleven people were killed and seven injured in the largest act of violence against Jews in American history. Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the interfaith United to Stop Gun Violence event at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. One of the panelists was Marnie Feinberg, the daughter-in-law of Joyce Feinberg who was killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The photo shows her seated between a Muslim woman and a Christian African American pastor, all of whom are leaders in opposing gun violence through developing interfaith relationships in their communities. Marnie Feinberg lives with her husband in a Northern Virginia suburb of DC. Her response to the unspeakable tragedy in Pittsburgh that devastated her family was to quit her job as a federal contractor and develop an organization called 2 for Seder (Click Here to see their website). Their mission is as follows:
2 for Seder is an annual event encouraging anyone holding a Seder to invite two friends or acquaintances who have never attended to join and participate. This action is partnered with the understanding and mindfulness that opening the Seder to newcomers directly fights biased attitudes and general ignorance – the seed of all anti-Semitism and hate.
Marnie Feinberg followed a calling to address gun violence through welcoming others to experience new relationships and a sacred tradition of Judaism. While we need to advocate for much better gun safety and regulation in our country, we also need to build relationships across boundaries of religion, race, and culture so that we recognize each and every person as a precious child of God. Changing hearts and laws leads us toward greater justice for all.