Shmini Atzeret Resources Commemorating October 7

Shmini Atzeret is considered by some to be the 8th day of Sukkot while others treat it as it's own holiday. In Israel and in some Jewish communities, Shmini Atzeret is celebrated as part of Simchat Torah. This year,  Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah mark one year since October 7, 2023, and The Jewish Agency for Israel is sharing resources to help make the day meaningful. 

From The Jewish Agency: "Shmini Atzert is noted in the Torah as a mitzvah - but without reason or explanation. On the eighth Shmini Shabbat, the end of the reading of the Torah ("Simchat Torah") takes place. The term "Atzeret" means a mass gathering of the people. We want to adopt the term "Shmini Atzeret" as the thematic Jewish framework to mark the anniversary of the October 7th Massacre: a call for a mass gathering of the entire Jewish people in memory of the murdered and a prayer for hope and better days."