A time to mourn and a time to dance
Please join Makom and Hillel UofT for an evening of mourning and dancing, crying and laughing, as we commemorate the third yahrtzeit (anniversary) of the Simhat Torah/Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel and then celebrate the joyous holiday of Simhat Torah (rejoicing with the Torah upon completing its annual reading).
Due to security measures, everyone must register in advance, even if you’re not participating in the dinner. (The memorial service, services, and hakafot are free, but donations are greatly appreciated.)
Schedule
5:00 pm Doors open
5:15 pm Memorial ceremony – prayers, poems & songs to remember the victims of the attack and all those who have died in the ensuing war, and pray for peace
6:00 pm Festive holiday dinner (catered, kosher & vegan)
7:45 pm Ma’ariv & Hakafot – evening service + singing & dancing with the Torah
10:15 pm Torah reading & conclusion of service
11:00 pm Goodnight!
Dinner registration required by Wednesday, Sept 30.
Please try to come on time for the memorial service at 5 pm so as not to disrupt the service.
Why are we commemorating Oct 7 on Oct 3?
As a Jewish spiritual community, we mark time based on the Jewish lunar calendar. Therefore, we’ll be ritually commemorating the third anniversary of the attack on Israel and the start of the ensuing war on 22 Tishrei. This is the date of Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah, the holidays that were suddenly turned from joy to grief and celebration to mourning three years ago. This year, 22 Tishrei falls on October 3.
Services
Makom is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes participants who espouse many different approaches to Judaism, from secular to traditionally observant.
In order to join together as one community without regard to denominational labels, our services blend traditional and progressive practices. We offer mixed (all-genders), women’s, and men’s seating sections. Women, men, and non-binary folks may lead parts of services. We’ll have three dancing circles (mixed, women’s & men’s), each with a Torah scroll.
Accessibility Information
Makom and Hillel UofT welcome participants of all abilities. Our venue for this event is fully wheelchair accessible, with an elevator and accessible washrooms. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.