Quote du jour: Tree of Life's next chapter
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The remaining sanctuary at Tree of Life will be reimagined but continue to serve as a place of worship once the rebuilt campus opens. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
"It takes time to think about how do you tell that story respectfully, appropriately, and how do you tell a story that also lends hope and resilience. The narrative that we're building here is about bringing Jewish life back to this corner."— Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life nonprofit
Zoom in: As early site work moves forward on the new Tree of Life Synagogue campus in Squirrel Hill, project leaders on Thursday shared their vision for a space dedicated to healing and remembrance.
Context: Tree of Life experienced the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history on Oct. 27, 2018, when a gunman killed 11 worshippers.
- Demolition started in 2024 to reimagine the campus, with crews preserving parts of the building's sanctuary.
- The final design was scaled back from an earlier iteration after project leaders reevaluated its size and cost.
The big picture: Plans shared last fall from Studio Libeskind and Pittsburgh-based IKM Architecture show a 300-seat sanctuary and theater that features the building's historic stained-glass windows, alongside exhibition space, classrooms, outdoor space, a social hall and a museum.
- The property at Wilkins and Shady avenues will include a 10/27 Memorial designed with input from victims' families and representatives from all three congregations attacked that day.
By the numbers: The effort has raised just over $50 million through more than 2,000 local donations, state and federal grants, and support from philanthropic organizations, said Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, the nonprofit overseeing the project.
- The goal is to raise an additional $10 million to support early operating costs, she said.
What's next: New building construction is set to begin this fall.
- It's expected to open for the High Holidays in 2027, with the full campus debuting in 2028.