Chicago Gatherings for Solidarity and Healing
It has been a year since October 7, 2023, though at times it feels like the world has stood still. The Jewish community continues to carry the weight of that day, and as we mark this first secular anniversary, spaces for healing and reflection have emerged. Below are key events where we can gather, remember, and stand in solidarity.
October 6th @ 10:30 PM: Northbrook Community Synagogue
Vigil and Remembrance Gathering At 10:30 PM, corresponding to the exact time when the attacks began in Israel, the Northbrook Community Synagogue invites us to light candles, hold hands, and offer prayers for the victims and hostages. This solemn gathering is a time to stand together as a community, reflect on the events of that day, and move forward in collective strength.
October 6th @ 3:30 PM: “We Will Dance Again” Screening
This documentary captures the harrowing stories of survivors from the Nova Music Festival and recounts the unspeakable horrors of that day. The screening will be held at 3:30 PM and is intended for adults due to its graphic content. The event is free but requires pre-registration.
October 7th @ 8:00 AM: Memorial and Morning Minyan
The Progressive Mishkan Chicago community will hold a special Morning Minyan service both in-person at their headquarters in Ravenswood and streamed online. Attendees will hear from Rachel Goldberg, who lived in Jerusalem for the past year.
October 7th @ 4:00 PM: Kalanit “Bring Them Home” Installation
Reform synagogue Am Shalom in Glencoe will update their “Bring Them Home” installation by placing 101 anemone flowers, one for each of the hostages remaining in Gaza, to followed by a outdoor memorial service.
October 7th @ 7:00 PM: Music & Memory
The University of Chicago Hillel is hosting a commemoration through music of those taken from us on, and since, October 7th. Attend in-person at U of C’s Rockefeller Memorial Chapel or via livestream.
October 7th @ 7:30 PM: JUF Memorial
The Jewish United Fund (JUF) and many co-sponsors have organized a memorial event in Skokie. Attendees will hear from community leaders and a survivor of the Nova Festival. The gathering is an opportunity for the community to mourn together, stand in solidarity with Israel, and honor those whose lives were forever changed on October 7.
While the in-person event has reached capacity, the virtual option remains available. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Sponsors include: Israel Consulate to the Midwest, American Conference of Cantors, AIPAC, AJC, AMI, ADL Midwest, Birthright Israel, Cantors Assembly, Chicago Association of Reform Rabbis, Heirut North America, FIDF, Chicago Board of Rabbis, Hinda Institute, Israel Bonds, The Jewish Agency for Israel, JCC Chicago, Israel Cancer Research Fund, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, JNF, Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers, Mizrachi Religious Zionists of Chicago, Mercaz USA, Na’amat, NCJW, Reform Cantors of Chicago, Sheerit Hapletiah, Simon Wiesenthal Center, StandWithUs, URJ, USCJ, USY, ZOA.
October 7th @ 7:00 PM: Young Adult Gathering
In partnership with several organizations, JUF’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) is hosting an evening for young adults (ages 22-39) to reflect on the past year and find comfort in shared community. The gathering is a space for healing and collective remembrance.
Virtual Commemorations
Join the global Jewish community in recognizing the events of October 7th from the privacy of your home.
