The lives of the several killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting were celebrated and remembered in an discussion yesterday among local clergy and surviving families during the “Healing, Transformative Gathering”.  The event featured guest speakers and Co-Authors Dr. Meryl and Stewart Ain of their recently released book, The Living Memories Project: Legacies That Last, along with David Wheeler, who founded “Ben’s Lighthouse” with his wife Francine in memory of their son, Ben.

The gathering promoted productive ways for transforming grief into meaningful and positive response.  The Ains discussed inspirational ways a diverse group of over 30 individuals and families have carried on their loves ones’ memories and legacies

The event was hosted by Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown.  Proceeds raised from this event will benefit such participating families’ foundations and projects as “The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation” and “Ben's Lighthouse,” as well as local participating houses of worship assisting surviving families impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

Among clergy participating in this program were Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel, Reverend Matthew Crebbin of the Newtown Congregational Church, Ecumenical Chaplain Reverend Leo McIlrath of the Lutheran Home of Southbury, and Buddhist Monk Jampa Gyaltsen of the Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace.