Sheriff’s deputies stand guard at synagogue-held vigil

A vigil held at a local synagogue was guarded by two sheriff’s deputies.

Temple Beth El held a vigil at its synagogue Monday night to mourn victims of Tree of life shooting in Pittsburgh.

“We requested to have two officers to come,” Rabbi Nicole Luna said. “We usually have security at the temple.”

There is a sense that places of worship are no longer safe after the recent massacre at the Pittsburgh synagogue.

“I grew up in a world where you could go to synagogue,” Michael Scolnick said. “But that’s not the world right now. I teach religious school in Naples every weekend. There’s a sheriff deputy out front. I’m used to it, unfortunately.

The vigil was a reminder that coming together to mourn helps the healing process for events such as those that occurred in Pittsburgh.

“Almost 1,000 people came out in solidarity, and we’re overwhelmed and grateful,” Luna said. “People are willing to come together for peace and understand and to make this a better community.”

Although the vigil provided emotional healing and comfort, Scolnick also expressed comfort by the deputy presence at synagogue.

“I think tonight was a good demonstration of our feeling,” Scolnick said. “But I think the sheriff’s deputy would do a lot more good.”