Amherst temple holds vigil for those lost, hostages in Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack

AMHERST — Over two dozen community members filled the Jewish Community of Amherst synagogue Tuesday night for prayer and recognition of the lives lost in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and those still held hostage.

Rabbi Benjamin Weiner guided his community through the sorrow, “making space for pain and grief to be acknowledged and (upheld) in traditional Jewish ways. ... At the same time, remaining aware of the parts of the situation that are still ongoing.”

Area residents gather at the Jewish Community of Amherst to commemorate the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Weiner said the past two years have not been abstract for the congregation: There are two members of their community who lost family in the attack.

The rabbi acknowledged the difficulties of staying grounded in his faith, while helping his community heal and process the Oct. 7, tragedy, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel with rockets and gunfire. Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children and seniors, were killed. Hamas abducted 251 others, most of whom have since been released.

Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza; Israel believes around 20 are alive.

“It’s a trying time in a lot of different ways, but I try to remain grounded and understand that it is my job not to create false hope. It’s to anchor people in finding the blessings in reality,” said Weiner.

Holocaust survivor Henia "Henny" Lewin, 85, leaves the memorial of the Oct. 7 attacks with tears in her eyes. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Holocaust survivor Henia “Henny” Lewin read the names of hostages still in captivity, allowing the space to pray for them.

Recalling the Holocaust, she shared the importance for bystanders and anyone not directly involved to speak up and be active in positive change.

“The majority of people were bystanders, people who just didn’t want to get involved and look(ed) the other way. ... Don’t be a bystander. Get involved,” said Lewin.

The attack by Hamas, now a day of grief, is during their celebratory harvest festival — Sukkot — so the Jewish community has found itself trying to balance different emotions.

Karen Loeb, chair of the congregation’s World Jewish Concerns and Action Committee, shared that community events such as the night’s vigil are a reminder of the lives lost and that Jews are not safe from antisemitism.

One attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “This is the largest number of Jews that were killed since the Holocaust, so finding ways through traditional mourning prayers is a source of strength.”

A companion event was held in Springfield at Temple Beth El.

Congregants gather at the Jewish Community of Amherst to commemorate the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

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