04/10/2026
Growing from Darkness into Community
We are approaching one of the hardest week of the year.
The painful connection between Simchat Torah and 7 October has changed this time of year forever.
How do we celebrate when so much grief is still with us? How do we hold joy and sorrow at the same time?
In many ways, Shelanu was born from that very question.
After 7 October, our community needed each other differently.
We needed places to meet, to speak Hebrew, to create, to listen, to laugh, to remember and simply to be together. Out of a very dark time, something began to grow. Shelanu is one small expression of that growth.
Over the past year, we have watched people walk through our doors as strangers and leave having made connections. We have sung together, listened to stories, shared food, discovered artists, learned, talked and created new friendships.
Again and again, we have been reminded that community itself can be a source of light.
Every life we lost left behind an enormous absence, but also memories, love, laughter and moments that continue to live within us.
Each one a candle. Together, a sea of lights that will never go out.
This week, we invite you to light a candle and remember not only how people died, but how they lived. Their smiles. Their laughter. Their dancing. Their love.
And perhaps, as we continue to build this community together, we are also choosing life, connection and hope.
For those who wish to remember together, we invite you to join us on 8 October for the screening of the National Memorial Ceremony created by bereaved families and families of the hostages. Details are below.
Chag Sameach. May we find comfort in one another, and may we continue to bring light, connection and community into the years ahead.
The Shelanu Team
For the community, by the community.
