On December 11, Chabad House at Rutgers co-sponsored a prayer vigil for the victims of the act of terrorism committed this week in Jersey City. The candle vigil honoring the memories of Leah Mindel Ferencz, Moshe Dovid Deutsch, Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, and Jersey City Police Detective Joseph Seals, was held on the steps of the Rutgers Hillel on College Avenue. The vigil, organized by Rutgers Hillel and conducted jointly with Chabad House, RJX, and Rutgers AEPi, was attended by the Rutgers Jewish community and friends. Chabad House’s Rabbi Baruch Goodman was in attendance and remarks were delivered by Chabad student leaders Meir Brodsky, Zach Peller and Rutgers Official Kerri Willson.

Chabad House Co-President Meir Brodsky spoke of the horror that took place in Jersey City and how everyone is left with the unanswered question of why and how could such an atrocity like this happen.  He said that it is not the job of a human being to explain or justify such a terrible act; however, it is our job to act – to make something positive come of it. And that would be to try and emulate and keep alive the kind deeds and loving ways of those who were killed. Meir then went on to briefly talk about the beautiful qualities and character traits of each of the victims. Chabad’s Co-President Marli Dinovitzer then read the names of each victim as memorial candles were lit. Chabad’s Treasurer and AEPi Fraternity Student Leader Zach Peller read a special prayer at the vigil as well, in addition to other prayers and words by various student leaders on campus.

In addition, Chabad House at Rutgers’ Executive Director, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach and its Administrator, Rabbi Mendy Carlebach, participated in a prayer ceremony at the site of the shooting in Jersey City. The Chabad Rabbis joined with Governor Phil Murphy and Israel Ambassador Dani Dayan in a candle lighting service on site of the JC Kosher Grocery Store in Jersey City. The Governor, Ambassador and Chabad Rabbis visited the site of the grocery store, the neighboring synagogue and Talmud Torah school and the Jersey City Greenville Police Precinct. There, Ambassador Dani Dayan put on tefillin and prayed for the deceased and for the welfare of all family members and greater community.

(Photo Credit Shimon Gifter)