By: Emily Teck  | Posted on:  October 29 2018

These resources were compiled with a heavy heart, and this blog will be updated as additional materials are made available for educators and parents struggling to find strength to help their children process and understand this horrific act of hate in ways that are developmentally appropriate. 

We are grateful to the members of the JEDLAB group on Facebook, who shared many of the materials listed here.

The Union for Reform Judaism's (URJ) Resources Compilation
This page provide links and materials for clergy and educators by individuals and organizations affiliated with the Reform movement.

Resources from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) to Help Following Shooting at Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh
This collection compiled by the USCJ includes communal resources as well as a collection of vigils, services, and memorials occurring around the country.

OHEL Guidelines & Recommendations to Adults and Children after the Pittsburgh Tragedy
A simple list of guidelines- "dos" and "do nots" including guidance for the way that children might participate in funerals, shiva and rituals. 

JTeach.org: Challenge and Response
Lesson plans and materials with titles such as: Civil Discourse in a Politically Turbulent Time, Prayable Moments, Challenge and Response- Protests, Freedom Prayers and Modern Slavery, Rebuk- Correcting Behavior Without Shame, The Power of Words, and more.

Moving Traditions: Guidance for Jewish educators and parents: Helping teens in the wake of Pittsburgh
Ideas and activity ideas are geared towards working with teens in informal environments. 

Facing History and Ourselves: Responding to Pittsburgh
This article tried to address the question: How can we help students make sense of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting and a week of violence in the United States? with a focus on preparation, context, and planning ahead.

JECC's Responding To Crisis
This site has been curated over many years, offering ideas and strategies in talking to children about various crises- "natural disasters and human made." A collection of texts that can be relevant in tragic circumstances is also included.

In the Aftermath of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
A message from Project Chai, the crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement department of Chai Lifeline.

Teaching Tolerance: Pittsburgh Shootings Remind Us Why We All Must Talk About Hate
This article references several hate crimes recent and past to provide context for the terrible tragedy at Tree of Life, it explains the ADL's "Pyramid of Hate" and provides resources in exploring the concept with students. 

Coming Together after the Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting
This site from the ADL is an opportunity for users to find local events and to contact regional offices to connect with community during this tragic time.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Resources for Coping with Trauma
This organization, based out of the University of Pittsburgh, offers resources related to this topic as well as access to 24 hour hotlines and additional connections to resources to help children who are experience trauma.

Blogs, Articles and Insights:
Serving as an Educator at a Time of Loss, Pain and Grief (EJewishPhilanthropy)
4 Steps for Talking to Kids About the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting (Kveller)
Talking to Children about Events in Pittsburgh (USCJ)
Gun Violence and Mass ShootingsTable Talk: Family Conversations About Current Events (ADL)
4 Ways to Talk to Teens after the Pittsburgh Shooting (URJ)
18 Best Practices for Jewish Institutional Security (ADL)
Helping Young Children through Tragic Events from Fred Rogers 
At a Bat Mitzvah the Night of the Pittsburgh Shooting, Celebration Mixed with Sorrow (Kveller)
What is the "Tree of Life" (a text study) (MyJewishLearning.com)
Don’t Avoid Talking To Your Kids About The Pittsburgh Shooting (The  Forward)
Pittsburgh Resources (Labshul)

 If you find or create an additional resource not listed here, please email [email protected] so that it can be added.