Since the events of October 7, 2023, we might be living in a world that we don’t fully recognize and is changing at a rapid pace. It’s been two challenging years that have led some of us to reassess our worldview and grapple with unfamiliar emotions. This year, we have collected options for you to commemorate the anniversary of October 7 however you find most meaningful. Below, you will find opportunities for in-person and virtual events, as well as a collection of resources created by OneTable and our broader community.
This page has been designed to help you create meaningful moments to reflect the events of October 7 and the years since. You know your needs + context best. We hope you mark the moment in a way that feels right to you.
As much as we look to the joy of Shabbat, it also provides us with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and gather during difficult times. This year, we invite you to Gather to Remember in honor of October 7 and navigate this moment with the people who matter. Right now, so many people around our Shabbat tables are:
- Praying for the safe release of all remaining hostages, and the well-being of those released;
- Honoring those whose lives changed — or ended — on October 7;
- Praying for the end of the war in Gaza;
- Praying for the end of innocent people’s suffering.
Post your dinner here with the title “Gather to Remember” to mark this moment in community.
Arizona
- The Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix is hosting “October 7: Honor. Unite. Hope.” on Oct. 5. Register here.
California
- The Jewish Federation of San Diego is hosting “October 7 Commemoration” on Oct. 9. Register here.
- The Jewish Federation Los Angeles is hosting “United in Memory: L.A. Remembers October 7” on Oct. 16. Register here.
Florida
- The Jewish Federation of Broward County and Partners are hosting “Broward Remembers October 7” on Oct. 5. Register here.
- The Jewish Federation + Foundation of Northeast Florida are hosting “Commemorating October 7” on Oct. 5. Register here.
Georgia
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta + Atlanta American Jewish Committee are hosting “Together As One: October 7 Community Commemoration” on Oct. 5. Register here.
New York
- The Jewish Grad Org is hosting “Faces of October 7” on Oct. 5. Register here.
Oregon
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is hosting “Light in the Face of Darkness” on Oct. 5. Register here.
Pennsylvania
- Israeli American Council + The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia are hosting “Remember October 7” on Oct. 5. Register here.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia + The Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia are hosting “Virtual Prayers and Reflections” on Oct. 5. Register here.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is hosting “October 7 Commemoration” on Oct. 12. Register here.
Texas
- Shalom Austin is hosting “Heroes Commemoration Performance” on Oct. 4. Register here.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas is hosting “Honoring the Lives Forever Changed” on Oct. 5. Register here.
- Shalom Austin + Friends of Israeli Defense Forces are hosting “FIDF Night of Solidarity” on Oct. 25. Register here.
Toronto, CA
- IPF Atid Toronto is hosting “Beyond the SuperNova: The Lives of Nova Festival Survivors” on Sept. 25. Register here.
- IPF Atid Toronto is hosting “Accountability in Action: The Legal Response to October 7” on Oct. 30. Register here.
Washington, D.C.
- The Jewish Grad Org is hosting “Faces of October 7” on Oct. 5. Register here.
Why Shabbat, Why Now?
OneTable guide reminding readers that Shabbat is here, week after week, to slow down, engage across difference, seek out comfort, express ourselves, and much more.
Let Us Light Candles for Peace
A united cry for peace by Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Sheikha Ibtisam Maḥameed, and presented by the Open Siddur Project.
Songs for Times of Distress
A library of videos and audio file, curated by Rising Song Institute, of songs + prayers for the return of the hostages and for peace + safety.
Remember + Observe: Shabbat Rituals
An exploration of how weekly Shabbat rituals can remind us of the hostages, hosted by Everyone Counts.
Bodies of Water
Ellen Blum Barish’s poem about early moments of grief.
Kaddish: Love Language
Amy Pollack’s beautiful reimagining + interpretation of kaddish, a Jewish prayer for mourning.
When Sorrow Comes Knocking
Sarah Stock Mayo’s poem about holding, processing, and living with grief.
Boundless Resources on Jew-Hatred
Boundless has curated a guide featuring books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, and news sources that offers valuable insights into the history, context, and complexities surrounding these critical issues. This guide is a powerful starting point for anyone seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding.
Shabbat 25K: Resources + Discussion Guide
A wealth of resources for inspiring Shabbat dinners, including traditional Shabbat blessings, dynamic Q+A, hosting tips, historical context on Israel, and more.
Call Me Back with Dan Senor
A weekly podcast delving into political and geopolitical analysis with the world’s top experts. The episode “The Execution of Six Hostages” offers a glimpse into the emotional + political dimensions of this moment in Israel.
Dog Whistle Dictionary
An online “dictionary” generated by New Approaches, a creative incubator focused on combating online hate, offering information to identify antisemitic undertones.
Living Through Crisis
A video focused on Jewish Insights by Elana Stein Hain of the Shalom Hartman Institute with Justin Pines.
Creating Space During the Chaggim
A collection of of resources to help think about the ways we can create space to support our community members and Jewish professional staff during the High Holidays.
One Minute A Day
A website simplifying the process of contacting your elected representative so that you can make a quick call and demand the immediate release of all the hostages in Gaza.
The #BringThemHomeNow Educational Toolkit
A toolkit, curated by Everyone Counts, offering five pathways for meaningful action + impact.
Onward Volunteer Program in Israel
A Taglit-Birthright Israel program offering unique opportunities to take part in food rescue operations and sort, pack, and distribute goods to personnel in need in Israel.
Seats of Hope
An initiative of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum inviting you to save a spot for a hostage at your table, in your family gatherings and celebrations, and in your heart.
Voice of the People
Join Israeli President Isaac Herzog in guiding a council of 150 global Jewish leaders as they address key issues and create real, impactful solutions.
Emmisary
A mobile app platform designed to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism and combat hate speech on social media.
One Mitzvah A Day
Sign up to receive daily ideas on quick, impactful actions to support the Jewish community, combat antisemitism, and more.
Livnot U’Lehibanot
Offering volunteer opportunities rebuild homes, hearts, and futures in Israel’s communities that have been impacted by the war.
Ten Days of Hope
Take part in projects, use educational resources + videos, and share your own initiatives.
Art-Making Prompts for Heartbreaking Times
Download the workbook to lean into the power of creative process.