Posted on October 7, 2024 by Rabbi David Katz
One year ago today over 1,200 people, almost all Israelis, were killed by Hamas terrorists, a massacre that caused war to break out in the Middle East. Still the fighting continues with tens of thousands of people already killed. How to respond?
To its credit Jewish Federation has been sponsoring events to remember the victims of terror. Our temple supports the Federation’s efforts to memorialize the victims and we have encouraged everyone to participate. (Temple members Jacki Skole, Steve Lieberman and Jay Lavroff sit on the Federation Board.) Our Temple Beth-El will offer special prayers to remember the martyrs of October 7 at our Yizkor service on Yom Kippur and the names of all those who were killed on that day are listed in our High Holiday program.
Our tradition guides us on how to remember the dead. Though local customs may differ, the thrust of our legal sources say that Yahrzeit (lit. “time of year”) is reserved for remembering parents; Yizkor (lit. “one will remember”) is a time to recall everyone who has meant something special to us. This includes all of our relatives, Jews and gentiles, figures from history, martyrs, teachers, anyone who remains in our hearts and who we continue to hold precious. Yizkor prayers occur during the services of Yom Kippur day, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (this year on Thursday, October 24) the seventh day of Passover and Shavuot. It is appropriate to remember those who died on October 7, and though not an obligation, this year it is a time to gather with our people in mourning.
Today is a sad anniversary and, sadder still, the fighting continues. Every day there is more pain and more grief. Our hearts break for those who were killed on October 7th, for the families of the victims and for those who continue to remain in tunnels underground.
Let us pray for every innocent victim of the violence. It is our duty as Jews.
L’shalom and Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi David Katz
