The worst single-day massacre of Jews since the Holocaust took place on October 7, 2023 corresponding with 22 Tishrei 5784 in the Jewish calendar and the festival of Simchat Torah.

The aftermath of that festival was immense grieving, sadness, and a relentless two-year war that saw Israel attacked again from all sides; militarily and politically. Against all the odds, we won. And today, with the return of the last of the living hostages, we have much to rejoice.

Our joy is tempered by the price our people paid, particularly by our soldiers. It’s also under a slight cloud as we await fulfillment of the promise to return the bodies of the remaining hostages. We hope and pray for their return soon.

This evening is the start of Simchat Torah 5786, so almost exactly two years by our calendar since the dreadful day of atrocities. The usual festival celebrations – dancing and singing as we end the yearly cycle of Torah reading and start afresh – will be infused with added energy and significance.