This is an emotionally charged moment.
For more than seven hundred days, we’ve hoped and prayed for the return of the remaining hostages and for peace in Israel – never knowing if those prayers would become reality.
Now, as we prepare to enter the final phase of this almost month-long season of festivals, the timing feels significant – not a coincidence. The words of King Solomon take on renewed meaning: “There is a time for everything…a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Over the past twenty-four months, we’ve experienced the full spectrum of human emotion. And many of us will feel this tension, especially now, as we commemorate the second anniversary of the horrific attacks of 7th October, while at the same time celebrating the release of the hostages and the announcement of a ceasefire.
How do we hold these seemingly opposite feelings together?
The Gemara presents a remarkable example. When a person loses a relative but also receives a significant inheritance as a result, they’re instructed to recite two distinct blessings: “Dayan HaEmet – the True Judge” acknowledging the Divine judgement even when it’s painful; and “Hatov v’Hameitiv – the One who is good and does good” expressing gratitude for the benefit that follows.
These two blessings don’t cancel each other out. They co-exist, reflecting life’s complexity – the ability to mourn and to thank, to ache and to hope.
We find a similar idea in the teachings of Rabbi Akiva, who lived in the aftermath of the destruction of the Second Temple. Some felt so broken that they believed the only appropriate response was perpetual mourning – denying themselves joy in this world. Rabbi Akiva objected. He taught that G-d desires our joy even in times of loss and exile.
He instituted practices zecher l’churban – in memory of the destruction – such as breaking a glass under the chuppah and leaving a small section of one’s home unfinished. These acts ensure we remember the pain, yet continue to live fully, to build, to rejoice.
Our tradition gives us a proven formula – one that engages both heart and mind – to remember and to rejoice.
The Jewish people have suffered more than enough throughout history. Yet our strength has always come from this balance: honouring the memory of those we’ve lost, while maintaining our unwavering determination to sing, to dance, and to celebrate life.
Dancing together this Simchat Torah is our demonstration of unwavering connection to the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. We commemorate tragedy with honour, we celebrate redemption with gratitude, and we unite in a powerful affirmation that Am Yisrael Chai.
Wishing you all chag sameach,
Rabbinic Team and Honorary Officers
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This Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, we will come together as a community to mark our grief and our gratitude, our memory and our hope.
On Erev Shemini Atzeret, Monday 13th October
Some may wish to light a yahrzeit candle before Yom Tov begins, to remain alight over Shemini Atzeret, as a mark of respect and remembrance for all those who lost their lives on October 7th and subsequently.
On Shemini Atzeret, Tuesday 14th October
We will recite a special Azkarah (memorial prayer) in memory of all those who were murdered on October 7th and have fallen since. As a community, we will include their names. This will be said along with the memorial prayers for the Martyrs of the Holocaust and those who have fallen in Israel’s wars, before we begin Yizkor, so that even those who may be leaving Shul for Yizkor will be able to remain and hear this.
On Simchat Torah, Tuesday 14th October (Evening) and Wednesday 15th October (Day)
We’ll dance with our memorial Torah covers, joining synagogues worldwide in affirming that each soul represents an entire world. This is more than remembrance—it is affirmation. We affirm that:
- Our light endures even in darkness
- We are united across continents in memory and purpose
- From crisis, we emerge not just intact, but stronger
Kol HaNe’arim Wednesday 15th October (Day)
All children will be welcomed to gather under the tallit on Simchat Torah morning to receive their blessing in the traditional way. We will also make a special prayer for those who wish to be blessed with children.
Our Rabbinic Team remains available to offer support and guidance to any members during this meaningful and emotionally complex time.
Chazak, Chazak, V’Nitchazek – As we complete the yearly cycle of Torah reading, these ancient words resonate with renewed meaning:
- CHAZAK – We have shown incredible strength during these difficult years
- CHAZAK – We will match that strength as we continue forward
- V’NITCHAZEK – We strengthen each other to keep writing the story of the Jewish people