Simchat Torah, Remember and do not Forget

“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt. How he happened upon you on the way and cut off all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary and he did not fear God… You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget.” (Deuteronomy 25:17–19)

Simchat Torah, three years ago.

The day that changed everything, forever etched in the hearts of the entire Jewish people.

The event is commemorated on two different dates, according to the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. The difference between the dates of commemoration is due, among other things, to disagreements and political considerations.

Regardless of when each person chooses to commemorate this tragedy, we all understand the importance of remembering and honoring those we lost. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to remember and never forget.

Thinking about the Simchat Torah morning service takes me back to that morning. Since we pray vatikin (beginning at sunrise), we were already nearing the end of the service when we heard the planes circling overhead. As the service ended, the sirens began sounding in our community.

The prayer “El Malei Rachamim,” recited on Simchat Torah in memory of those murdered and those who fell in the war, is heartbreaking and makes me cry. Yet alongside the pain, it is imperative to remember and mourn all those who were murdered and all the heroic men and women who fell in the effort to save those who needed rescuing. All the soldiers who fell in the war to return our hostages and remove the threat from our borders.

And no less important is to remember the courage, the love, the mutual responsibility, and the care for others that were so deeply present among our people during those difficult days of the war. Amidst all the pain and loss, extraordinary acts of generosity, dedication, and unity emerged — and those, too, must never be forgotten.

For two years, we celebrated Simchat Torah after that terrible day. A holiday that was meant to be filled with joy became, for us, a much more subdued celebration, and to a great extent, also a day of remembrance.

And this year, on the third Simchat Torah since that day, we were blessed to experience Simchat Torah with great joy and gratitude, as we had the privilege of celebrating the Brit Mila, the entrance of our new grandson into the covenant of Abraham — דווקא on Simchat Torah.

We were privileged to hear his new parents give their son his name — a name that expresses their profound gratitude, the great joy of all of us, and their prayers and hopes for their new son.

Yet even in this joyful moment, we will never forget what happened on that day — the day that began at the Re’im parking lot.

Re’i Hallel — “This little one will grow to become great.” (from the words of the ceremony of the Brit Milah)

May you continue to grow in joy, in good health, and in peace, and may you bring endless pride and happiness to your loving family.