Everyone knows exactly where they were when they heard about the attacks on October 7th. Some were at home, some were with friends, and some of our brothers and sisters in Israel, tragically, heard shouts and gunfire from just outside their house. I was at shul, preparing to read Torah. It was Shemini Atzeret, a holiday we passed just four days ago. 
I’ve never quite been able to describe the atmosphere at shul on that morning, and at the time I had no idea just how important this day would become. Now, three years later, when I look back, and I’m standing on the bimah reading to my congregation, I am immensely grateful to have been surrounded by my Jewish community. 

On Shemini Atzeret, we read “כִּ֛י לֹא־יֶחְדַּ֥ל אֶבְי֖וֹן מִקֶּ֣רֶב הָאָ֑רֶץ עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר פָּ֠תֹ֠חַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח אֶת־יָדְךָ֜ לְאָחִ֧יךָ לַעֲנִיֶּ֛ךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ בְּאַרְצֶֽךָ׃, for there will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kindred in your land.” Our community is the foundation on how we live our Jewish lives, and in times of need, it becomes imperative. When we stand together, mourn together, and celebrate together, we realize the magnitude and value our communities hold, and every October 7th, I am reminded of just how important our movement is. No matter where you live, whether it be in Budapest or Gedara, in Kansas City or Buenos Aires, there is a worldwide community at your side. And so, it is as important as ever that we remember as one people.

But remembering isn’t enough. As Uncle Ben said, “with great power comes great responsibility.” We have immense power, and it is our responsibility to use it well. On Shemini Atzeret, we are told “וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ בְּחַגֶּ֑ךָ, you shall rejoice in your festival”, and it has never ringed truer. Now, more than ever, we have to remember together, mourn together and celebrate together, not just as BBYO, but as the Jewish people. Get out there, be proud, and be together.

זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה
May their memories be a blessing.