Jewish diaspora mourns attack on Israel, but carries on by celebrating holidays

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.”

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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