They Are Home!

Like so many around the world, we waited long into the night to witness the joyous return of twenty living hostages to Israel. After more than two years being held in dungeon‑like conditions with no contact with the outside world, our Chatufim have come home to their families.

I struggled for words as I watched the news. How can one begin to imagine the torrent of emotion for the hostages and their loved ones when they were finally able to embrace? For the past two years, we have recited the Acheinu prayer each morning and on Shabbat, pleading for their safety and return. We longed for the day we could set that prayer aside; this morning, that day has arrived. Now we turn our prayers toward healing and toward peace.

In recent days, I have listened to politicians, commentators, and scholars debating what comes next: will Hamas disarm?  Will they agree not to participate in post‑war Gaza? Will the government in Jerusalem hold? Can this moment lead to a just and lasting resolution between peoples? Those questions are weighty and necessary.  They will be answered in time. For now, our immediate work is to gather, to grieve, to comfort, and to begin the slow, holy work of communal healing.

Many of us have worn “Bring Them Home” dog tags and yellow hostage‑ribbon pins these past two years. I have seen congregations ask members to bring those tokens to shul on Simchat Torah to create a lasting memorial to what happened on October 7, 2023. I encourage our community to do the same. At our Simchat Torah service, we will pause to assemble a small, respectful monument. It will be a tangible reminder of what was lost, what was endured, and what we continue to pray for.

On Thursday night, we will gather to remember those who were killed on October 7. The memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Sholom at 6:00 PM. Please register here to attend. www.jewishnevada.org/october7

Wishing you all a chag sameach as we enter Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, may this season bring comfort, renewed strength, and the blessing of peace.

Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel