This year, October 7 fell on Sukkot, a time when we wish one another chag sameach, “happy holiday.” It felt so strange to say chag sameach on a day of such pain and loss. Yet Sukkot is a holiday of joy. In fact, it is a mitzvah to be joyful during Sukkot, and holding both sadness and joy at the same time reminded us of the deep complexity of being human and being part of the Jewish story.
On Wednesday, October 16, the day after Simchat Torah, our community will come together to commemorate October 7. We will begin at the flagpole at 8:30 a.m., where we will lower the flag, and then gather in the Beit Kehillah for a special ceremony led by our 8th graders.
Our students have been working with great thoughtfulness and care, striving to honor the day while reflecting the ever-changing reality in Israel and beyond. They are learning that history is not only something that lives in books; it is unfolding before our eyes, and we are all part of it.
As we gather, we will hold space for sorrow, for hope, and for connection. We continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages and for healing for all who are suffering, and hopefully, all of the hostages will be back home before then.
All families are warmly invited to join us for this meaningful moment of remembrance. After the ceremony, we will have coffee for parents, and you are welcome to stay, share, and talk together.
