This Tuesday, October 7, will mark the second anniversary of Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. Last year, for the first anniversary, we cohosted a memorial with the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors. Because the holiday of Sukkot begins this Tuesday night, a community-wide memorial will unfortunately not be logistically feasible on that date; however, I expect that most synagogues will offer some recognition of the day that evening.

Also, look for programming this Sunday at both the Albany and Schenectady Jewish Community Centers (JCCs). At the Albany JCC, we will be cosponsoring a memorial with our friends from Amidah Albany and Run For Their Lives (R4TL), followed by the weekly R4TL walk remembering the hostages. In Schenectady, also in partnership with Amidah Albany, the JCC will commemorate the day with a special film and panel discussion.

Our prayers remain for the immediate return of the hostages, for healing, and for peace.