Rabbi's Message

A Message from Rabbi Peltz

Barukh Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh HaOlam Sheheheyanu v’kiymanu v’higianu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are you God who kept us in life, sustained us, and helped us to reach this joyous moment.

We rejoice with our family in Israel and friends around the world in the return of the 20 living hostages early this morning after 738 days in captivity. For two years, we have prayed and advocated for this moment, and now that it is here, there is an incredible feeling of relief and gratitude. Still, we anxiously await the return of the remains of the hostages who are no longer living. Tonight begins Shemini Atzeret and tomorrow night Simhat Torah, the final holidays of our season. 

It was on Shemini Atzeret two years ago that we awoke to the terrible news of Hamas’ attack on Israel. Since then, we have navigated our emotions of sorrow and joy and fear and hope. Now, as we celebrate the return of last living hostages, we turn our attention to how we mark this momentous moment. 

On Shemini Atzeret we say Yizkor at services tonight and tomorrow morning, which will give us an opportunity to reflect on our own loved ones, as well as those who have been lost during these last two years of war. 

Tomorrow night, as we did last year, we will begin our celebration of Simhat Torah at 6:30pm with a Tekes Maavar, a ceremony of transition to the joy of the holiday. Our families with gather in our Tishrei Tent and the congregation will be in the sanctuary. In addition to offering prayers, we will also hear from our Eric B. Jacobs ECEC Director Lee Senderowitsch. In the past, Morah Lee has shared about her family’s close relationship with Iair and Eitan Horn, two of the hostages. Iair was released in February, after 498 days in captivity, and his brother, Eitan, was released today with the last living hostages. Lee will reflect personally on their release, how they are doing, and what this moment means for their family. After this, we will remove the empty chair that has been on our bimah for most of these last 738 days, while also maintaining in our Ark one Torah scroll that bears our October 7 Torah cover, which will remain on until all of the hostages’ remains come home. 

Together we will mark this incredible moment and then our families will join us in the sanctuary for our celebration of Simhat Torah, where we will join with Jewish communities around the world dancing and singing with our Torahs. We will celebrate not only our traditions, but also the release of the hostages, and the hope for a more peaceful Middle East for all. Years from now, when you are asked what you were doing at this moment, we will say celebrating it with our TBS Family. I hope to see you here.

Hag Sameah