Israel Spotlight | One Year Later

Opportunities to mourn, reflect and express hope in the aftermath of October 7, 2023

Silent Shadows with Rabbi Jonty Blackman
Thursday, October 10 | 3 p.m.
Rabbi Jonty Blackman facilitates a virtual event to honor the lives lost on October 7, with exploration of themes of resilience and contemplation of the enduring lessons of the tragic day. Register here.

Prayer
The Prayer for the Redemption of Hostages and the Prayer for the State of Israel are recited often at Shabbat services and Temple gatherings. We invite you to keep them in your hearts and recite them at home as we approach the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
We invite you to add your own hopes and prayers to the love expressed in our community’s singing of “Hatikvah” on Rosh Hashanah.

Music
Be inspired by this video from the Homeland Concert in the Caesarea amphitheater, featuring 1,000 musicians in a mass prayer for the return of the hostages.

Messages of Hope
The Jewish Agency for Israel invites you to write a short message (no more than 1-2 sentences) with your wish for the global Jewish people and the Jewish State to spread hope as we prepare for a new year, praying for better days as we mark one year since the October 7 attacks and amidst the ongoing war. Share your message here.

Resources
Interviews, poems and commentary from ReformJudaism.org.
Mental health resources for Coping with Grief and Trauma Following October 7 from The Blue Dove Foundation.
Collection of videos from Unpacked.
Temple clergy and lay leader reflections from Israel.