Dear Friends,

Tomorrow marks two years since the tragic events of October 7. The pain of that day remains vivid- for the families of those murdered, for the hostages who have not yet returned home, and their families, and for all of us who continue to carry the weight of loss and uncertainty.

This year, the anniversary falls during the festival of Sukkot, a time when we step into fragile, temporary shelters that remind us how delicate life can be. And yet, our tradition calls Sukkot “z’man simchateinu,” the Season of our Rejoicing. While we recognize our vulnerabilities, we also celebrate resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

At Hillel of Silicon Valley, our students embody that same spirit. They bring their fears and their hopes, their grief and their joy, into the sukkah we built right after observing Yom Kippur, and into community with one another. Over the past year, our students have gathered to mourn lives lost, pray for the safe return of the hostages, and to learn, to advocate for Israel, and to build meaningful Jewish life on campus, even in the face of challenge. Their courage and compassion give us strength.

This week, our staff and students are participating in the following October 7 observances on our campuses and at Hillel:

This afternoon, Students Supporting Israel at SJSU tabled on campus to call attention to the second anniversary. Additionally, there students will gather for vigils at SJSU and Santa Clara University offering prayers, poems, songs, and reflections. On Wednesday, Yoni Viloga, an October 7 survivor will speak at the Hillel House at 7 PM. On October 7th Yoni was at his family's house in the Kibbutz together with his parents and big brothers. His neighbors hid in his house. Yoni and his father had guns and they guarded everyone in their house when terrorists came into the Kibbutz to kill as many people as possible.

During each Shabbat this year, we have remembered together those still held in captivity and those whose lives were forever changed by October 7. We dedicate our prayers, learning, and acts of kindness to their memory and their return. In doing so, we affirm that our sukkat shalom, our shelter of peace, is built not only from wood and branches, but from solidarity, faith, and hope.

May this Sukkot bring comfort to all who mourn, strength to those who stand for justice, and joy to our students who keep the light of Jewish life shining brightly.

Chag Sukkot Sameach,

Sarita Bronstein

Executive Director, Hillel of Silicon Valley