On October 27, 2018, gunman Robert Bowers made a targeted, antisemitic terrorist attack on three Jewish congregations at the Tree of Life Pittsburgh synagogue, ultimately killing 11 people. Trish Adlesic’s documentary about the tragedy, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, begins with survivor Audrey Glickman’s blowing of the shofar. A single note carries the weight of immense mourning–a fitting start to a beautiful tribute for the victims of that fateful day.
Adlesic’s hand guides the documentary quietly behind the scenes, letting the voices of survivors and victims’ families take center stage in firsthand accounts of what happened at the Pittsburgh synagogue. None of the few people who gathered that morning for Shabbat services anticipated the deep hatred and antisemitism they would experience on a day of reverence. According to their accounts, Bowers opened fire on all three congregations–his intent to kill all of them clear, if not from the first gunshots, from his pronouncement that “all Jews must die.”
A Tree of Life is overwhelmingly concerned with the experiences of the survivors: their feelings and fears during the attack, their love and resilience in the face of hatred, and the community's efforts to come together and support them. The shooter himself is not brought up until 30 minutes into the film, and it feels like an intentional slight on Adlesic’s part. Many have pointed out in reviews that the documentary fails to provide a deep analysis of the reasons behind the antisemitic terrorist attack, and that’s because Adlesic sees no need to. With allusions to former President Trump’s comments on immigrants invading the country and the sudden emboldening of antisemitic, white nationalist groups–she assumes, she insists, we must already know.
What we may not know, however, is that Rose Mallinger’s family created a rose garden in her memory. Or that brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, victims of the attack, felt such joy and honor when carrying the Torah. Or that Jerry Rabinowitz died trying to use his skills as a doctor to help his fellow congregants–the same reason nurse Dan Leger was injured. A Tree of Life takes a cue every step of the way from the survivors and their embrace of love and community–the very antithesis of the shooter’s ideals.
The documentary isn’t concerned with the “why” of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, then, but the “how” of moving forward from an antisemitic terrorist attack and honoring those who passed. When Glickman again blows the shofar at the end of the documentary, it’s a call to action against hatred. It makes for beautiful framing to honor the Jewish traditions the gunman sought to destroy and leads in nicely to a quote read by Joe Charny: “To love God truly, one must first love all humanity.” Highly recommended.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
A Tree of Life does have public performance rights available. You can find the different purchasing options on Good Doc’s website.
How would audiences react to this screening?
A Tree of Life is a tearjerker of a documentary, as well as a thought-provoking one. The subject matter of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the community response to the antisemitic terrorist attack will likely garner an emotional response from audiences. And a public screening will spark important discussion about the dangers of antisemitism and White Supremacist ideology.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
Adlesic’s documentary on the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting should be purchased and shelved with documentaries on religion, Judaism, social issues, political issues, and gun violence.