Reflections on October 7th

Today marks the saddest anniversary in recent Jewish memory. 

Like other tragic moments in our collective history, each of us remembers where we were when we learned of the horrors of October 7th. We remember when we first heard the reports of unspeakable violence. We remember struggling with what to tell our children and worrying about how much, or how little, they knew and understood. We remember all the times we thought this war would end. We remember how we prayed for hostages to return to their families and for innocent people to live in security and peace. We continue to pray that the hostilities engulfing the region give way to acceptance and a shared and prosperous future.  

While our prayers remain mostly unanswered, this past year has been imbued with a different kind of holiness. Our congregation has rallied together to make our voices heard, cried together as we heard from families of the hostages, learned together from a range of leaders and experts in their fields, and challenged each other as we considered different points of view. Below are just a few of the  many ways we have lifted each other up over this past year: 

• We filled the sanctuary with music as cantors from around the region gathered for the Israel Relief Concert. 

• The community rallied to raise over $600,000 for much-needed items in Israel, including an ambulance, meals for soldiers, and more. 

• We were honored to hear from families of Israeli hostages about what they’ve experienced and what we can do to help. 

• With antisemitism on the rise nationally and globally, an expert panel spoke to a packed house for America’s Jewish Future: What’s on the Horizon? 

• Author Amir Tibon shared his incredible story of survival on October 7th with a discussion of his new book, The Gates of Gaza. 

• Representatives from Hand in Hand visited during Shabbat@WHC to talk about their efforts to build partnerships between Jews and Arabs in Israel. 

Through this year of pain and loss, we became an even stronger congregation. As a people, we will continue to navigate whatever might lie ahead. We have heard time and again how much being a member of Washington Hebrew has meant to you this past year. We are here for you, and we know you are here for one another. You mean so much to our congregation and together, we will continue to pray for peace. 

With gratitude, and hope, 

Your Washington Hebrew clergy team 

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