Shmini Atzeret and Shabbat
(and the Prayer for Rain, Yizkor, and Remembering October 7th)
With Havurah Shir Hadash
Saturday, October 3rd, 10:00 am
Temple Emek Shalom Sanctuary, In person and on Zoom
Please join us for the conclusion of Sukkot as we gather to celebrate Shmini Atzeret—an extra day of sacred assembly, a day of joy, and a time to pray for rain. As is traditional on this holy day, we will also recite Yizkor, remembering our loved ones of blessed memory.
Each year, Shmini Atzeret now also marks the Hebrew yahrzeit of the October 7, 2023 massacre in Southern Israel. On that day, Jews everywhere found it impossible to rejoice, and the reverberations of that tragedy—and all that has unfolded since—continue to echo within us. And yet, Shmini Atzeret remains a day for lifting up joy, for honoring life, and for gathering in community. Together with Havurah Shir Hadash, we will remember, honor, and bless, as we hold the fullness of this day—the joy and the sorrow, the beauty and the brokenness of our world.
The service will be led by clergy from both synagogues.