Last year on Shmini Azeret the Jewish people suffered the worst massacre since the Shoah: the October 7 atrocities committed by Hamas. This year, we mark the yahrzeit of all the lives taken on that dark day with additional memorial prayers as part of our Shmini Azeret Yizkor service.
In addition, BZBI has the privilege of hosting Noa Reuveni that morning. Noa Reuveni is an unexpected activist who grew up in the Gaza Envelope and evolved into a prominent spokesperson after her best friend, Ziv Berman, and his twin brother Gali were taken hostage on October 7. Born in Shahar, Israel, and having lived in Stockholm, Sweden, Noa has confronted antisemitism from both sides: against the Jewish state and the Jewish people. Now, she engages with thousands globally, motivating them through universal values of friendship and protection. A former commander in the Israeli Defense Forces, Noa continues to serve in the reserves while passionately advocating for the hostages.
Noa will speak to the congregation at the beginning of our October 7 Yizkor Memorial and will also host a Q&A discussion after kiddush. Please join us as our community mourns the Jewish People’s losses, stands in solidarity with families and friends of the hostages and those who remain missing, and looks with hope to a better future for Israel and the Jewish people.
