Commemorating October 7th 2023

October 7th 2023 changed us all.  On that day in southern Israel, Hamas and other terrorists committed an atrocity that left thousands murdered, injured, and kidnapped, changing Israelis’ perception of themselves and their country irrevocably and casting a chill over Jews throughout the world from which so many of us are still reeling.

One year on, on October 7th 2024, Leo Baeck College will commemorate those who died on that terrible day alongside all those who have subsequently had their lives cut short.  We will mourn for all who have perished in the conflict since October 7th, those who have suffered losses from which they may never recover, and those who are trapped in trauma. We will remember those still held hostage and pray for their safe return. And we will pray for that most elusive of God’s promises, שלום, peace.

There will be a short service of commemoration, including Mourner’s Kaddish, at 10am in the Room of Prayer in the Manor House. The Room of Prayer will also be available throughout the day for anyone on site who wants to sit quietly and reflect.

We recognise that not everyone may be available at this time, so please note that there are a number of other commemorations taking place in and around this one year anniversary.

In particular the World Union for Progressive Judaism is holding online commemorations on Sunday, October 6th, for a multilingual ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the tragic events of October 7th.

To accommodate our global community, the ceremony will take place at two different times, ensuring the ability to participate across all time zones.
8 PM Israel / 10 AM Los Angeles / 1 PM New York / 6 PM UK / 7 PM Paris
Register here.

For communities interested in integrating this event into their local commemorations, especially smaller or more isolated communities, please contact seminars@wupj.org.

The major Jewish communal organisations in the UK are jointly holding an in person memorial event on Sunday, 6th October. Follow this link for further information.

Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris

Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh