Tree of Life T-shirt honors Pulse victims and families

To honor the victims and families of the tragic Pulse Club massacre in Orlando on June 12, Temple Israel has produced, and is offering for sale, a custom-designed commemorative T-shirt which shows the Jewish community's support and love for all who were affected by this event. T-shirts can be ordered online at http://www.tiflorida.org.

The entire project was the idea of Emily Raij, a member of Temple Israel, who wanted to organize something in memory of and support of the Central Florida LGBT and Hispanic communities. Raij brainstormed her ideas with members of Temple Israel Sisterhood who encouraged her to make it happen.

"Like everyone else," said Raij, "I couldn't stop thinking about the people whose beautiful lives were cut short and what their family and friends must be going through. I knew our congregation would be a good starting place to show support from one community to another. I'm so grateful the members of Temple Israel Sisterhood welcomed me to their meeting, listened wholeheartedly to my ideas, and offered wonderful ideas of their own."

The Tree of Life motif on the shirt was designed by Raij with 49 leaves, representing the 49 people who perished that day. Of great assistance to her was Chuck Silverman, a Temple Israel teacher and congregant, who secured the design/print services of a long-time business contact.

Shirts can be purchased for a minimum donation of $18. All net proceeds will be donated to OneOrlando Fund. Due to previous sales, not all sizes are still available. Shirts can be picked up at the Temple Israel office located at 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs, Fla. 32708. There is an additional $5 charge if mailing is requested. For more information about mailing or any other questions, please email office@tiflorida.org or call 407-647-3055.