The first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel carries profound emotional weight; understandably, this was a very difficult week for all of us. As you are aware, this first anniversary happened to fall during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, the Ten Days of Repentance (better, the 10 Days of “Turning” or “Returning”). The timing of these two events offers a unique spiritual lens through which to reflect on the tragedy. These sacred days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for introspection, forgiveness, and healing. As we remember the loss, pain, and fear of that attack, the themes of the Aseret Yemei Teshuva—compassion, kindness, and understanding—resonate deeply.
Our Middah for the week of Aseret Yemei Teshuva was:
ה׳ ה׳ אֵ֥ל רַח֖וּם וְחַנּ֑וּן אֶ֥רֶךְ אַפַּ֖יִם וְרַב־חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶֽת׃
“Hashem! Hashem! A God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness…: (Exodus 34:6)
The anniversary of October 7 serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of unity, especially in times of hardship. As we reflect on this anniversary, let us turn to our Middah of the week for inspiration. The Middah teaches us that even in challenging times, there is always hope for a brighter future—one built on compassion and kindness. Just as we seek Hashem’s compassion during these days of introspection, let us recommit ourselves to living lives rooted in empathy, kindness, and understanding towards one another.
As we move forward, may we draw strength from our shared values and the support of our community. In the spirit of the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, let this anniversary not only be a moment of reflection but also a call to action—to uplift one another with acts of kindness and compassion. By doing so, we honour the past while creating a more hopeful and stronger future.
