A nondenominational candlelight vigil was held at the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue in honor of those who died during the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12.
People from all over the Malibu community joined in prayer and remembrance on Friday night, some guests speaking about being directly affected by gun violence.
Rabbi Judith HaLevy led the prayer service along with Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, who recited the names and ages of all those who were killed. Gindlin said a Malibu community member suggested the idea of the vigil after he returned from the LA Pride Parade.
“I talked to Rabbi Judith and we decided to stand up against violence and discrimination. That’s why we reached out to the other Malibu spiritual leaders and did an ecumenical service,” Gindlin said.
Reverend Dr. Joyce Stickney of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church offered prayers and inspiration to the group of somber guests. Cantor Gindlin sang “True Colors”(written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly) and “I am What I am” (music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, from the musical “La Cage Aux Folles”) to the emotional group gathered.
Rainbow-colored candles lined the table surrounded by smaller candles that were lit later in the service.
“People in this world try to fit in, to belong and not to be left out,” Gindlin said. “What unites us is the ability to love and be loved. We are all from different places, countries, religions [and] beliefs, so we shouldn’t be afraid to show our true colors. Let’s see life not in black and white, but in technicolor.”
