Reflections & Sermons

Reflections For Use in COmmemorations

Pinchas Gutter, Holocaust Survivor

Pinchas shares the depths of his despair since October 7th, saying, "When Israel suffers, I suffer."

Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Rabbi Jacobson of the Meaningful Life Center in Brooklyn, New York reflects on the meaning of 7th October within the Jewish calendar, worship and personal Jewish identity. He reminds us, "Distress leads to great strength"

Nimrod Palmach, War Hero

On October 7th, Nimrod defied his commander's orders to report to his base, driving straight to the Gaza Envelope, where he engaged in combat with Hamas terrorists for 15 hours. One year later, he reminds us that Israel remains strong.

Micaela Ezra, Spiritual Creative

Micaela is a soulful creative from Australia, who shares ideas through design, text and the spoken word. With a passion for Jewish ritual and its wisdom, her spiritual leadership focuses on bringing people together to deepen connection to self, community and ancestry. She discusses the meaning of October 7th at in relation to the Jewish New Year biblical texts.

Stephen D. Smith, Educator

Stephen reflects on the importance of inscribing the memories of the lost, the captive, and the bereaved onto our hearts.

SermOns Related to October 7TH

I Will Not Turn Away, Rabbi Sharon Brous

Rabbi Brous calls for us to reject the cycle of eternal conflict. She emphasizes the need for the safe return of hostages to their loved ones and immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Rabbi Brous urges both Israeli and Palestinian leadership to commit to a long-term, negotiated peace, asserting that advocating for this path is not an act of betrayal but a profound expression of love.

Follow Rabbi David Lerner to Israel

On Sunday, January 21st, Rabbi David Lerner of Temple Emunah Lexington, MA travelled to Israel to see for himself the devastation of the October 7th Hamas attacks. What he found was both heartbreaking and soul lifting.

Here is his story.