In commemoration of one year since the attacks on October 7th, the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust, Chabad of S. Lake County is hosting a memorial service at Lake David Park in Groveland on October 7th at 5:30 PM. This event will bring the community together in prayer and unity as well as a campaign to increase kindness and good deeds in our community.On Shemini Atzeret, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays (celebrating the completion of the reading of the Torah cycle), October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Gaza-based terrorist groups attacked Israeli cities, towns, and settlements, launching a full-scale invasion and firing thousands of rockets, brutally murdering over 1,200 and plunging Israel into war.
“As we navigate the one-year anniversary of this dark day, we remember those who were senselessly murdered, and the stories of resilience and heroism that demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people,” says Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky, director of Chabad of S. Lake County and organizer of the event.
“Remembering those martyrs who were murdered a year ago is not just about shared grief. It’s about remembering the eternality of each soul and that the way we choose to fight darkness is through increasing in light,” adds Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky. “We must remember that by illuminating our own corner of the world with acts of goodness and kindness, we can impact events on the other side of the world.”
The memorial service will take place between the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, traditionally a time of atonement and introspection where Jews pray for forgiveness and ask G‑d to grant them a good year. Last year October 7th coincided on the Jewish Calendar with the Shemini Atzeret, the “festival of Joy”. Traditionally, the Yartzeit (anniversary of passing) customs are observed according to the Hebrew date, which will occur each year on 22nd of the month of Tishrei, in addition to memorial events or services planned for October 7th.
The service is in memory of the 1,200 people who were tragically murdered and will feature a recitation of Psalms, prayers for the safe return of the hostages, and stories of resilience and unity that have characterized the past year. Chabad of S. Lake County invites all members of the community to attend the memorial ceremony and participate in acts of Torah, prayer, and charity.
For more information about CHABAD OF S. LAKE Memorial Service on Oct 7 at 5:30 pm at Lake David Park, contact Chabad of SL at 352-717-4119 or at info@jewishsl.com.
About Chabad of S. Lake County:
Chabad of S. Lake County offers Jewish education, outreach, and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations. For more information, contact Chabad of S. Lake County, at 352-717-4119 or visit online at www.jewishsl.com.
