Tree of Life rabbi to offer invocation at Gov. Wolf swearing-in

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation in Squirrel Hill will deliver the invocation at Gov. Tom Wolf’s second term swearing-in ceremony Jan. 15 in Harrisburg, the inaugural committee announced Monday.

“Governor Wolf’s 2019 inauguration is about the people of Pennsylvania, and we are proud that our swearing-in ceremony program features so many Pennsylvanians who have made significant contributions to the commonwealth through their leadership and talents,” Rob Ghormoz and Giancarlo Stefanoni, co-executive directors of the inaugural committee said in a statement.

Myers led the Tree of Life Congregation, along with residents of Pittsburgh, in prayer and healing following the Oct. 27 synagogue shooting.

He also hosted President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump when the couple came to Pittsburgh days after the shooting to pay their respects to the 11 victims.

Outgoing Braddock Mayor and Lt. Gov.-elect John Fetterman will offer an introduction before Wolf’s swearing in and inaugural address.

Fetterman will be sworn in as lieutenant governor the same day.

The J.P. McCaskey Campus High School Chamber Choir, from Lancaster, will offer a musical performance along with 17-year-old Bobby W. Hill of Philadelphia, a tenor who will perform the National Anthem. Sebastian Pelaez, a Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs commissioner from Allentown, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thomas G. Saylor, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, will administer the oath of office.

The swearing-in ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol is free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., and the program begins at noon. Seating will be first-come, first-served.

Tickets and additional information can be found at: www.wolfinauguration.com

Jamie Martines is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jamie at 724-850-2867, jmartines@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Jamie_Martines.