The High Holiday season is some of the most beautiful, special, and sacred time on the Jewish calendar. This year might feel different. The events of and following October 7 were both shocking and horrific, leaving many of us in deep grief, perhaps anger, and in a state of identity turmoil. It’s been a challenging year, one that has led some of us to reassess our worldview and grapple with unfamiliar emotions — fear, betrayal, and a profound sense of uncertainty.
For those of you who want to utilize the High Holiday time period to address and engage with October 7 or commemorate the anniversary, we’re creating A New Year, A Changed World: A High Holidays Guide For After October 7 (coming soon).
During this time period, the Jewish community will also be commemorating the events of October 7. JFNA has launched October 7th: Marking One Year as a directory of community-wide events across North America. Many OneTable partners will also be hosting commemorations, including JUF Chicago’s Oct. 7 Young Adult Gathering.
Shabbat is a time to pause, a time to gather, and a time to reflect. It is also an opportunity to listen — to our own inner voices and to other people around our table. Right now, so many people around our Shabbat tables are:
- Praying for the safe release of the more than 100 hostages still being held in captivity, including children, women, and elderly;
- Praying for the end of the war in Gaza;
- Praying for the end of innocent people’s suffering.
We hope the resources below will help you to continue to sit at the table, continue to engage, and continue to be part of community. If you’re not yet a host, apply to host a dinner to pause and discuss.
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.
A Prayer for Israel in this Time of War
A heartfelt plea in a time of devesation by Rabbi Naomi Levy and presented by Nashuva: A soulful community of prayer in action.
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.
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.
Moral Responsibilities in a Time of War
An examination of some of the big moral debates raised by military conflict, by Elana Stein Hain of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
Dog Whistle Dictionary
An online “dictionary” generated by New Approaches, a creative incubator focused on combating online hate, offering information to identify antisemitic undertones.
It Takes Two to Torah
A three-session course offered by Central Synagogue to unpack the sacred texts tied to the High Holy Days. Thursdays throughout September.
Living Through Crisis
A video focused on Jewish Insights by Elana Stein Hain of the Shalom Hartman Institute with Justin Pines.
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.
Dr. Rachel Fish discusses the historical origins of antisemitism; how it has transformed over time; and how antisemitism has been politicized by both the hard left and the hard right. View now.
Dr. Rachel Fish explores anti-Zionism both pre- and post-1948; when anti-Zionism intersects with antisemitism; and engaging in legitimate critique of the Israeli government. View now.
Dr. Rachel Fish covers level-setting on what is going on in Israel and Gaza, with Hamas and Hezbollah, and how the Israel conversation is playing out in America. View now.