Dance with Israel
Marking First Anniversary of 10.7 on Jewish Calendar
Now, more than ever, the Jewish communities worldwide are standing strong with their brothers and sisters in Israel. And on Wednesday, October 23, a special event will be held at Suburban Torah in Livingston to uplift the entire community, inviting men, women and children from the broader area to join.
This year, the final days of Sukkot, known as Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, carry an even deeper significance as they mark the anniversary of the Hebrew date of the October 7 attacks in Israel. This evokes mixed emotions for the Jewish community, as they navigate the balance between celebrating this joyous festival and mourning those lost.
“Many people are asking, how can you have joy, how can you celebrate, and how can you dance when there’s a war going on? Even more so, it’s the yahrzeit of over 1,200 people who were brutally murdered on that day,” said Rabbi James Proops of Suburban Torah. “But we can have sorrow and joy at the same time. We celebrate life. We celebrate the Jews who survived October 7, even as we mourn those we’ve lost.”
Traditionally, Israel celebrates Simchat Torah on one day, while the diaspora celebrates for two days.
“On that Wednesday night, most Jews in America will not be participating in a big dancing celebration,” Rabbi Proops explained. “But since in Israel they will be celebrating on Wednesday, we are doing it as well, in solidarity with the people in Israel.”
Guests can expect a lavish Kiddush buffet in the sukkah and joyous dancing with the Torah. Six Torah covers, generously gifted by members of the Suburban Torah community as part of the Simchat Torah Project, will be dedicated to individuals who lost their life on October 7. This global initiative seeks to unite the Jewish world in honoring the 1,200 souls lost on that day, as well as the many hundreds more since.
To make this night even more memorable, temple members Sarah Kasinetz, and Shlomit and Dror Frommer, are sponsoring the event in memory of the shul’s founding Rabbi, who passed away earlier this year.
“This beautiful tradition was first brought to Livingston by my father-in-law, Rabbi Moshe A. Kasinetz, who encouraged community participation in this ancient custom,” said Dror Frommer. “This year, we aim to combat hate and antisemitism with joy and dance. We invite everyone to join us for what promises to be an amazing spiritual experience.”
Rabbi Proops also encourages the entire community to attend this free event.
“We want to embrace the whole community,” said Rabbi Proops. “It’s truly a celebration of resilience, an affirmation of life, and hope for the future.”
Dance with Israel is being co-sponsored by Friendship Circle, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Aish of Livingston, and Hatzalah of MetroWest.
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Dance With Israel
Wednesday, October 23
7:00 PM
Suburban Torah Center
85 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue
Livingston, NJ
