The Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Washington Board of Rabbis are hosting a community commemoration of the Israel-Hamas war at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at The Anthem in Washington, DC. Those wanting to attend must register by Oct. 6 using this link.
Many local Jewish organizations, including CESJDS, are helping sponsor this event. The goal is to hold one very large event to have thousands of community members unite together to pray for and honor the victims, hostages and survivors of the war.
Going to this event is a meaningful way to remember the tragedies of the past year. It will allow attendees to memorialize those who have gone through unimaginable challenges as a result of the war, along with coming together as a community to show the support and resilience of the American Jewish community.
Yahrzeit (memorial) candles are used in Jewish tradition to honor those who have passed. They are often lit on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, or on a day that specifically remembers many who have passed, such as Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).
Yahrzeit candles can also be lit on the anniversary of Oct. 7 to mourn the countless lives lost as a result of the long lasting war in Israel. You can light one candle or several as a way to remember and honor those who are no longer with us. They can be found and purchased at most grocery stores.
In line with Jewish tradition, candles should be lit on the eve of Oct. 6, and should remain lit until the night of Oct. 7. They serve as a symbol throughout the day of the enormous number of horrific tragedies that have occurred over the past year.
The program Tastes Like Home has compiled favorite cookie recipes of hostages who are still held in captivity in Gaza or have died. One way in which you can make the anniversary of Oct. 7 meaningful is by making one of the recipes.
Each hostage is an individual, with their own name, face, friends and personality. Making one of their favorite cookies honors them as an individual as they have been dehumanized in captivity. Baking these recipes is a good way to learn more about hostages and ensure that they are still remembered. Making one of their favorite foods serves to commemorate the freedom and joyful life that was taken from them one year ago.
Another important way to mark the anniversary of Oct. 7 is by donating money to Israel. While it often feels as though there is no way for us to help Israel during this challenging time while we are in America, monetary support is one way in which we can make an impact on Israeli lives.
There are several different organizations that support Israel to donate to. For example, Friends of the Israel Defence Forces which helps wounded soldiers and families of fallen soldiers, or Leket Israel which is a national food bank in Israel. Organizations include supporting the Israeli Defense Forces, displaced people, families who have lost loved ones and more. A way to make this particularly meaningful is to choose an organization that you connect to or resonate with personally.
