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Shalom Shaare Torah Community, Today, as we observe our holiday, we also weep with our siblings in Israel. We mourn the loss of hundreds of lives in the horrific incursion this morning from Gaza and we pray for thousands injured and dozens taken hostage. We know many of you are deeply concerned for family members and dear ones in Israel as the barrage of rocket fire continues. While we would not ordinarily send an email on Shabbat, we want to reach out at this moment of heartbreak to let you know that we are here for you and to update you about plans for Simchat Torah. “Etz hayyim hee la-mahazikim bah.” The Torah is a Tree of Life to them that hold fast to it. We hope you will join us for Simchat Torah. Though the tone will be different and our dancing subdued, we will still mark Simchat Torah together, drawing life and resilience from the words of our beloved Torah. Tonight and tomorrow we will gather in community to honor our Torah. We will sing and pray together for Simchat Torah and we will raise our voices in solidarity with Israel. During our services, we will incorporate psalms and songs about Israel, expressing our longing for the safe return of those abducted and missing, for healing and for peace. We will be in touch in the coming days with ways that we can support Israel during this time of war and sorrow. With Prayers for Peace, Rabbi Annie Lewis Rabbi Yosef Goldman Matt Oziel Brian Abraham Simchat Torah Schedule Saturday 10/7 6:45 pm – Unroll the Scroll 7:30 – Simchat Torah Maariv and Hakafot Sunday 10/8 9:30 am – 1:00 – Simchat Torah services 10:30 am – Tot Simchat Torah 11:30 am – Kiddush Lunch for all, followed by conclusion of services. (Adults will break in the middle of the service and will return afterwards for Torah reading and Mussaf) Honorees: Jen Schnur and Jessica Olevsky |
