Columbia Synagogue to Hold Memorial Service Honoring Victims of October 7 Attack
Howard County Jews to Gather to Recite Traditional “Yizkor” Prayer, Remember 1,200+ Victims Murdered on Oct. 7, 2023, and Celebrate the Simchat Torah Holiday
Columbia, MD — On Thursday October 24, Howard County’s Jews will gather to commemorate one year since the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, 2023 — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. The gathering, organized by the Chabad-Lubavitch of Howard County, will feature a memorial ceremony for the over 1,200 victims of October 7, as well as a program celebrating the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
“Remembering the victims of October 7th is not just about our collective grief. It’s about honoring the souls of those who were taken from us, as well as the strength and resilience of our people,” said Rabbi Yanky Baron, development director of Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County. “We’re doing the memorial event on October 24, the Hebrew anniversary of the terror attacks, which also falls on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.”
The ceremony will begin with the recitation of “Yizkor”, a traditional memorial prayer to commemorate lost loved ones and an October 7 memorial service. This will be followed by an inter-generational candle-lighting ceremony, which will usher in the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. This holiday celebrates the conclusion and re-starting of the annual Torah reading cycle and is observed with singing, dancing, and a procession with the Torah. A full-course Kosher dinner served with vegan options will be served. There will also be a special children’s program with food, flags, kid’s meal and Simchat Torah celebration.
“We’ve invited all Jews in Howard County to join us for the memorial and Simchat Torah celebration,” said Rabbi Baron. “The juxtaposition of sadness and joy is found throughout Jewish life, and we encourage those who’ve never experienced the holiday to join us for this event.”
Local civic and interfaith leaders are expected to attend Thursday evening’s event, including Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, members of the Howard County Council, and representatives from the Maryland State Legislature and U.S. Congress. In coordination with the Howard County Police Department, additional security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. Private security will also be on-site for the duration of the event.
EVENT RECAP:
What: Yizkor Memorial Service and Simchat Torah Celebration
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:45 – 8:15pm
Where: Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County, 770 Howes Ln, Columbia, MD
Contact: Rabbi Yanky Baron | (443) 676-3837 | rabbi@chabadellicottcity.com
SCHEDULE:
5:45 pm Yizkor Memorial Service | Oct 7 Memorial | Child Care
6:15 pm Evening Prayer Service | Children’s Program
6:56 pm Candle Lighting Ceremony
7:15 pm Community Dinner & Simchat Torah Program
About Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County:
Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County offers Jewish education, outreach, and social service programming for individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. Established by emissaries of the Rebbe, Chabad is dedicated to fostering Jewish pride, connection, and communal support in Howard County.
About October 7:
On Simchat Torah, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, (celebrating the completion of reading of the Torah cycle) coinciding last year with October 7, Hamas and other Gaza based terrorist groups attacked Israeli cities, towns, and settlements, launching a full-scale invasion and firing thousands of rockets, brutally murdering over 1,200, taking hundreds of hostages, and plunging Israel into war.
About Yizkor:
Yizkor, in Hebrew, means “remember” and refers to a special memorial prayer for the departed. It is recited in the synagogue four times a year including on Shemini Atzeret. In this prayer, we implore G‑d to remember the souls of our relatives and friends that have passed on and pledge to give charity in their memory. For more information about Yizkor, visit www.chabad.org/371509
About Simchat Torah:
Simchat Torah is celebrated from sundown on October 24th through on October 25th, 2024 and is the culmination of the Jewish high holiday season. This holiday celebrates the conclusion, and renewal, of the yearly Torah-reading cycle. This milestone is marked with joyous dancing, traditionally following seven circuits known as hakafot, as the Torah scrolls are held aloft. This day is celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals at both night and day, and desisting from work. For more visit www.chabad.org/SimchatTorah.