General NewsIsraelJudaismU.S. News Jewish diaspora mourns attack on Israel, but carries on by celebrating holidays by Andrew Wright October 8, 2023 written by Andrew Wright October 8, 2023 3 comments Bookmark 28 The Jewish diaspora awoke to a tragic event on a day that should have been filled with celebration on the Jewish holiday calendar. The militant group Hamas launched attacks following the conclusion of Sukkot, a weeklong observance that commemorates the harvest season and the period when Jews dwelled in the desert after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Simchat Torah, which signifies the start of a new annual cycle of reading the sacred scrolls, was also on the horizon for Jews in the United States, celebrated a day later in Israel. In synagogues across the world, these attacks cast a somber shadow. Rabbi Felicia L. Sol, addressing congregants at B’nai Jeshurun in New York City, conveyed the devastating impact of the Hamas attack, which unfolded from the air, sea, and land. This grim turn of events transformed a time of joy into one marked by sorrow, with many realizing that celebrations could not proceed as planned. Rabbi Sol acknowledged that the day would carry “less melody” as worshippers united in prayer for resolution, healing of the wounded, and relief from the prevailing pain. The intrusion during Simchat Torah in Israel evoked painful memories of the 1973 Middle East war, nearly half a century ago, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism characterized by atonement and forgiveness. Jack Rosen, president of the American Jewish Congress, noted that such attacks on holidays or the Sabbath have been a recurring pattern in Israel’s history, emphasizing that it is not coincidental. The assault drew condemnation from Jewish communities and organizations across North America, from Miami to Vancouver. The Jewish population in the United States, estimated at 7.5 million in 2021 by the Pew Research Center, is notably concentrated in areas such as New York and Los Angeles. Sukkot, following Yom Kippur, derives its name from the sukkah, temporary shelters that symbolize the dwellings of liberated Jews during their 40 years in the wilderness. These shelters are often adorned with fruits, lights, and colorful decorations. Simchat Torah is marked by gatherings where people joyfully dance with sacred scrolls, signifying the completion of one reading cycle and the commencement of the next. Despite the mournful atmosphere during Saturday morning services in New Jersey, Maxim Jacobs anticipated a festive celebration for Simchat Torah. The rabbi’s message to congregants was clear: apart from supporting Israel in times of need, maintaining joy is a testament to resilience. In his words, “We need to get closer together, have joy, tell the terrorists they won’t get us down. We will go on as Jews.” At Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York, worshippers began their service by both welcoming the arrival of the holiday and mourning the recent attack. Associate Cantor Danielle Rodnizki aptly summarized the situation: “We are holding joy and sorrow at the same time, as we often do in Judaism.” Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jewish diaspora resilienceWhat is the significance of the attacks mentioned in the text?How did the Jewish diaspora react to these attacks?Why is the timing of these attacks significant?What are the holidays mentioned in the text, Sukkot and Simchat Torah?How did Jewish communities outside of Israel react to the attacks?How did synagogue services adapt to the situation?More about Jewish diaspora resilience Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jewish diaspora resilience What is the significance of the attacks mentioned in the text? The attacks by the militant group Hamas occurred during Jewish holidays, particularly Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which are times of celebration and reflection in the Jewish calendar. These attacks disrupted the festive atmosphere and raised concerns in Jewish communities worldwide. How did the Jewish diaspora react to these attacks? Jewish communities around the globe responded with a mixture of sorrow and resilience. Synagogues held somber services, acknowledging the tragedy, but also emphasized the importance of maintaining joy and unity in the face of adversity. Why is the timing of these attacks significant? The timing of these attacks, occurring on Jewish holidays, is not a new phenomenon in Israel’s history. It has often been observed that Israel faces attacks on holidays or the Sabbath. This timing has historical significance and is seen by some as intentional. What are the holidays mentioned in the text, Sukkot and Simchat Torah? Sukkot is a weeklong celebration that marks the harvest season and commemorates the period when Jews lived in temporary shelters during their journey in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual reading cycle of sacred scrolls and the beginning of a new one. How did Jewish communities outside of Israel react to the attacks? Jewish communities and organizations, spanning from Miami to Vancouver, expressed condemnation of the attacks and offered support to Israel. The Jewish population in the United States, where there are significant Jewish communities, also reacted with concern and solidarity. How did synagogue services adapt to the situation? Synagogue services adapted by acknowledging the tragedy and holding moments of reflection and prayer. While the atmosphere was mournful during some services, there was an emphasis on maintaining a festive spirit during Simchat Torah, as a way of demonstrating resilience and unity in the face of adversity. More about Jewish diaspora resilience Hamas Attacks Israel Sukkot and Simchat Torah History of Attacks on Jewish Holidays Jewish Population in the United States Resilience in Jewish Communities You Might Be Interested In 7.5 million Baby Shark bath toys are being recalled. 12 kids were cut or stabbed playing with them U.S. Rapidly Enhances Israel’s Military Capabilities: An Overview of the Support Experts Highlight Grave Risks to 2024 Elections Following Breaches in Voting Equipment Software Some in Congress want to cut Ukraine aid and boost Taiwan’s. But Taiwan sees its fate tied to Kyiv’s Panel: End commanders’ power to block military sex cases Multiple Shootings Leave 6 Dead and Dozens Injured Across the United States Over the Weekend diasporaGeneral NewsHamas attackIsraelJewish communityJewish HolidaysJudaismResilienceSimchat TorahsolidaritySukkotsynagogue Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Jalen Milroe, Jermaine Burton lead No. 11 Alabama past Texas A&M 26-20 to take control of SEC West next post Following a Devastating Missile Strike on a Ukrainian Café: Grief and a Quest for Answers You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... 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