FILE - This file photo from Sept. 17, 2019 shows signs hanging on a fence surrounding the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Leaders of the Pittsburgh synagogue where worshippers were fatally shot last year want to rebuild and renovate the building, turning it into what they hope will be a “center for Jewish life in the United StatesÓ and a symbol against hatred. On Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 they outlined their vision for the Tree of Life building, where three congregations _ Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light _ had gathered on Oct. 27, 2018. A gunman opened fire, killing 11 people and wounding seven.

Although Oct. 27 will mark one year since the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, tears continue to fall in Butler County's Jewish community.

Michal Gray-Schaffer, cantor at the Congregation B'nai Abraham Synagogue on North Main Street, said she hopes people remember that the 11 people killed in an anti-Semitic shooting during which Robert Bowers, 47, allegedly opened fire at morning services were individuals and irreplaceable members of the community.

“They were all such good people,” Gray-Schaffer said. “They were people who contributed back to their communities in all different ways.”

She said some volunteered at food banks, others supported Israeli wounded war veterans, and a dentist who was killed donated many hours of free dental care to the needy.\Due to the horrific events at Tree of Life, Congregation B'nai Abraham has had an armed security person at services and festivals at the synagogue since the shooting.

At the high holy days of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah in September, many of those in the pews hadn't been to services in a year.

Synagogue officials decided to place a poster on the wall that informed congregation members of the run-hide-fight theory in case an active shooter were to enter the building.

A meditation was also hung nearby to comfort members reading the posters.

“We had to somehow walk the fine line of not upsetting people, but let them know what to do in case of an active shooter,” Gray-Schaffer said. “It's very hard and probably impossible, but we tried.”

This is an excerpt from a much larger story that appeared in Friday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.