Sukkot & Oct 7th |
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Dear Friends, In a few hours we will begin the holiday of Sukkot, one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, as we transition from the High Holidays to a whole different energy. Coupled with that, this year the first day of Sukkot, is also the second anniversary of the Oct 7th attack and brings so many other emotions in its wake. On Oct 7th two years ago, I was cut off from the news due to the holiday of Shemini Atzeret but was hearing awful snippets of news from people around us. My parents were in Israel at the time and of course lots of other family members and friends. As the day progressed, I thought of the fact that that night was going to be the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, and I imagined that people would be coming to Chabad despite everything, and I was trying to gather my thoughts and emotions together and to think of what we can do when people come together. I found a Magazine that was describing events of the Yom Kippur war as it was the 50th anniversary and it also described what Yom Kippur and Sukkot were like that year in the synagogue of the Lubavitcher Rebbe as the terrible news was unfolding. I read the article and thought about its implications and then I read how at the end of Yom Kippur, when Chabad traditionally sing a joyous song before the sounding of the Shofar, the thousands of people in the synagogue didn't know what would be that year, as their brothers were fighting for their lives, on the frontlines of Israel, and did it make sense to sing, and would the Rebbe, lead the crowd in song? Suddenly, in the closing moments of that intense day, the Rebbe stood on a chair in front of thousands of people and began the joyous song of victory that we traditionally sing at the end of Yom Kippur. His head was covered with a Talit and he stood on the chair, waiving his arms in encouragement to the crowd that no matter what, we must be joyous right now. The Chassidim watched, as the Rebbe danced and sung with joy, while tears streamed down his face, yet all the while he was encouraging them to sing with joyful energy. It was a surreal moment, tears of sadness, together with an upbeat, powerful and joyful song. I read the story, and I knew that no matter what was happening, we were going find a way Simchat Torah Oct 7th 2023 to make it special, because we know that our faith, positivity and joy, will carry through the heavens and bring blessings thousands of miles away to our brothers and sisters. Today, two years on of challenges, pain, hostages still languishing, a terrible war, global antisemitism at an all time high, broken morality in so many governments, yet also a time of tremendous miracles and protection all along, and a time when we watch so many happy, joyous and uplifting moments of joy, growth and blessings. This year, we certainly have so much in our hearts, hope for things to turn around, prayers for unity and peace in the world, and yet it is also Sukkot, a time of tremendous joy and happiness, Please join us tomorrow anytime at Chabad of Sudbury for the first day of Sukkot, to come and make a blessing on the Lulav and Etrog, make a blessing in the Sukkah, and do a Mitzvah to honor the memory of the thousands of victims of Oct 7th and beyond, so that together we add good energy, joy and blessings to the world, on this important holiday of unity and joy. We have lots of great events and services scheduled over the next few days and we hope you can join us to do your part to tap in to the joy of this holiday and the joys of Judaism! The world needs you do your part to make the world a more joyful place! At the Kiddush tomorrow, we will have a special dedication for these events and in honor of the merit of the hostages. All are welcome to join. Sukkot & Oct 7th Gathering 12pm - 1:30pm Chag Sameach & Am Yisrael Chai! Rabbi Yisroel Freeman SERVICES SCHEDULE Sukkot Evening Services (Monday 6:15pm) We invite you to join us for an evening of Pizza, Wine, Soups & Salads in the Sukkah at the annual Adult Sukkot Celebration, as we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot with friends and community. Enjoy Gourmet Italian Pizzas with our very own Italian Chef Jacques Cohen along with Shayna's Soups & Salads and Israeli & Italian Wines! Along with Music, Socializing and Great Food, the annual event, is always a great way to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot and the messages that it represents. This program is geared towards adults. For RSVP received before Oct 6th $20 Per Person / Afterwards $24 Per Person More Info & RSVP join us for a fun Sukkot Kids Celebration on Friday afternoon Oct 10th! Horse & Pony Rides / Enjoy a Light BBQ / Fun & Games in the Sukkah / Edible Sukkot Fun / Shake the Lulav / Sukkot Refreshments / Lots more fun! Friday Oct 12th 4pm - 5:30pm at the Chabad Center of Sudbury |