NCJW BCS Members at Candlelight Vigil

Despite overwhelming odds, a stalwart group descended on St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Teaneck on Saturday, December 14, to remember the twenty-six who lost their lives a year ago in Newtown, CT.  The memorial service was to take place on the Teaneck Municipal Green that evening, but the snowstorm was too severe and, at the last minute, the Church volunteered its sanctuary to help mark the occasion.  The service was brief; the mood subdued and heartfelt.

With opening remarks by the chairperson of the Bergen County Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, the hushed silence was followed by a deeply felt statement by State Senator Loretta Weinberg. Rabbi Steven Sirbu of Temple Emeth in Teaneck concluded all the speeches with a meaningful and sobering speech that honored those who had died.  After singing “This Little Light of Mine”  the group of approximately thirty participants exited into the white, still night, glad that they had not forgotten those who lives were lost on that fateful day.

Sandy Loft, NCJW BCS Chair, Gun Safety Committee