My trip to Israel in October unfolded in ways I could never have anticipated. What began as a joyful celebration quickly transformed into a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish community during the Simchat Torah festival—a time symbolizing renewal and hope as we complete the annual Torah readings and embark on a new cycle.

On October 7, I was at my nephew Rabbi Yair Silverman’s synagogue for the Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah festivities. This day marks the culmination of the Rosh Hashana-Yom Kippur-Sukkot season, celebrating the Torah and its teachings. The joy was palpable as we completed the synagogue’s readings of The Five Books of Moses and started the story of Genesis, marking the world’s creation anew.

Before the service began, Rabbi Silverman shared the unsettling news that Israel was under attack. He offered everyone the option to leave for safety, but we chose to stay and continue with the service in a powerful display of collective resilience. The day combined extraordinary joy with unwavering resolve as we gathered again at 6 p.m. for the scheduled talk and closing service, maintaining our traditions amidst uncertainty and reaffirming our commitment to our shared faith and values.

That evening, the gravity of the situation became clearer—Israel was engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Rabbi Silverman received a call from a colleague in Tel Aviv, sharing that a couple planning to marry the next day in Zichron Yaakov insisted on proceeding with their wedding. Inspired by the rabbinic teaching to not delay joyous occasions even in adversity, this decision highlighted the community’s ability to find light in the darkest times.

A Joyous Wedding Amidst Adversity

Rabbi Silverman and our congregation organized a beautiful wedding for the young couple the following day. Despite the conflict, the bride’s family and friends gathered at our small synagogue in Zichron Yaakov, and our community, spanning generations, joined in the celebration. As is customary at Jewish weddings, we welcomed even strangers to share in the joy. I was fortunate to capture these moments on video, and the family graciously allowed me to share these cherished memories.

 

Return to Jerusalem and Changing Realities

After the wedding celebration, reality set in as I returned to my Jerusalem apartment. The usually ninety-minute drive from Zichron Yaakov felt different this time. My phone buzzed continuously with updates from various WhatsApp groups, revealing the rapidly changing reality. Discussions ranged from cancellations to preparations for what lay ahead. My Pilates group was already planning the next class, striving to maintain normalcy.

I had tickets for an eagerly awaited concert featuring Ishay Ribo, whose soulful interpretations of biblical texts deeply resonate with me. Scheduled for October 8 at Jerusalem’s Binyanei Hauma, the concert was cancelled, like many other events. While I was disappointed, watching one of Ribo’s previous performances on YouTube brought some comfort, especially when he sang “Modeh Ani,” a prayer of gratitude for the new day.

Preparation and Community Response

Back in Jerusalem, we received government instructions to prepare for the uncertain days ahead, including stocking up on water, food, flashlights, and transistor radios for our bomb shelters. My friend Sarah Kraft and I headed to the mall to gather supplies. We faced an unexpected challenge when we found transistor radios in short supply. The electronics store had run out, but a nearby shop specializing in cell phones had the last two radios available.

The sense of community was evident everywhere. People across Israel united to ensure that soldiers and civilians had essential resources. Some collected protective gear and ammunition, while others prepared meals for the 300,000 reservists called up on short notice. Spiritual support was also abundant, with groups organizing communal singing, dancing, and Torah classes, both in-person and online. “Tzitzit,” symbolic fringed garments, were crafted and offered to any soldier who wanted them, representing a meaningful connection to our shared faith.

In my Jerusalem residence, we are fortunate to have a bomb shelter. However, Sarah, who lives in a building without one, faced a tough decision. We had to plan for an uncertain future. Despite having a pre-scheduled flight back to Montreal on October 12, all international flights from Tel Aviv were cancelled except those operated by El Al. After consulting my travel agent, I purchased an El Al ticket to Zurich, hoping Air Canada would honour my original ticket to Montreal. Before leaving, I entrusted Sarah with the keys to my apartment to access the shelter if needed.

Returning to Montreal

Returning to Montreal felt surreal. I was deeply grateful to be invited to my cousins’ home for dinner on Friday night, a comforting ritual that grounded me after such an intense week. I attended Shabbat services at my usual synagogue with Rabbi Poupko the following morning. The familiarity of the service was a balm to my soul, although it included an additional prayer for hostages and a moving rendition of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. The words of Hatikvah, meaning “The Hope,” resonated with our ancient yearning for freedom and sovereignty in our homeland, reinforcing our shared history and enduring spirit.

Reuniting with my community brought profound relief and joy. We shared our experiences and the challenges we faced since the conflict began. Many in our tight-knit community have family and friends in Israel, and some have connections to those who have tragically lost their lives. Our sense of unity and vigilance remains strong as we navigate these uncertain times.

That night, we began a new tradition—gathering weekly for an additional prayer service to recite Psalms/Tehillim. This cherished Jewish tradition provides comfort and strength during difficult times, and our community has embraced it wholeheartedly. We listen to comforting words from our rabbis and recite our designated psalms together, finding solace in our collective faith.

“On that dark Shabbat of Simchat Torah, when our son went to war, I was overwhelmed with fear and sorrow. With no other way to cope, I cried and recited Tehillim from beginning to end until my tears dried. The Psalms echoed my anguish, giving voice to my fears. Just as Jews have prayed in times of distress throughout history, these prayers continue to speak to us today, guiding us towards redemption.”¹

Our rabbis and community leaders remind us that we play a vital role in God’s divine mission, whether in the armed forces, supporting from home, or engaging in deep prayer. They encourage us to strengthen our commitment to mitzvot, righteous actions, and heartfelt prayer.

The Rabbis in Israel recently called for a three-day communal fast, drawing inspiration from Queen Esther’s brave story during Purim. This fast recalls the time when Haman plotted to wipe out the Jewish community in Shushan, now Iran. Before her crucial meeting with King Ahashverosh, Esther asked her people to join her in fasting for three days to seek divine guidance and support. This collective act of faith demonstrates how powerful our communal unity and perseverance can be during tough times.

On Sunday, October 15, we celebrated Rosh Chodesh, marking the start of a new month. A few years ago, the women of Montreal began a unique tradition: an all-female Rosh Chodesh service. Whenever I’m in Montreal, I make it a point to attend this gathering. The service was particularly significant as we celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of a young girl turning 12—a milestone in every Jewish girl’s life. Witnessing her flawlessly recite the Torah portion was both inspiring and emotional. We collaborated with her classmates, friends, and family to honour this significant moment, making it a memorable day.

Resilience and Unity: How the Jewish Community Responds

Throughout history, the Jewish community has shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in adversity. In Montreal, the Federation CJA leads efforts to support those in need with an annual fundraising campaign that unites the community. This year, our focus shifted to raising urgent funds for the ongoing war effort, bringing us together in unprecedented ways.

Last week, I attended a fundraising concert featuring Montreal’s beloved Jewish entertainers, including Milena Kartowski’s breathtaking rendition of “Stand by Me,” which left a lasting impression on everyone present.

 

Our enduring traditions, commitment to Torah study, and alignment with Torah principles have been our foundation through prosperous and challenging times. This consistency in Jewish practice is crucial as we support Israel in its existential struggle for survival. Whether within or outside Israel, we are united in our pursuit of the common good, striving for the recovery of our captives and the elimination of threats to ensure our people’s safety.

The Jewish community is acutely aware of the persistent issue of antisemitism, an ancient hatred that fuels groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. This understanding is poignantly captured in a passage from our Passover seder:

“Through the ages, not just one, but many, have risen to destroy us… But the Holy One, Blessed Be, always saves us from their hand!

She’ lo echad bilvad amad aleinu l’chaloteinu… V’ha Kadosh, Baruch Hu, matzileynu mi’yadam.”

A Prayer for Peace and Hope

Miracles happen when we confront evil with unwavering resolve. As individuals and as a community, we are called upon to contribute to the greater good, striving for a world where peace, health, and happiness prevail. We pray earnestly for this day to come soon, swiftly, and in our lifetime.

Hazan Mutlu of Central Synagogue in NYC has recorded a prayer that we all recite on behalf of our brethren facing adversity, wherever they may be—on land or at sea:

“May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bless and protect all those who stand up for the sake of the people and the land of Israel. May the Almighty grant us healing, strength, and comfort as we stand united in faith and love.”

In this spirit, we echo the words of Am Yisrael Chai—the people of Israel live.

---

Footnote:

1. Psalms for the State of Vertigo, traditiononline.org