Since October 7, 2023, life has been exceptionally challenging in Israel and for Jews worldwide.
Over the past two years, many of us have done what Jews have always done: turned to our sacred texts — to make meaning, to seek comfort, and to find strength in the struggles and wisdom of those who came before us. Now, during a holiday season still marked by violence in and around Israel, that need is as strong as ever.
Below, we’ve compiled a handful of texts and resources from the Sefaria library that may be useful for you during this time.
Prayers
- One version of the prayer for Israel
- Prayers for the safety and return of hostages
- One version of the prayer for Israeli soldiers
- A selection of Psalms, a significant source of Jewish liturgy and frequently recited during times of distress. Some Psalms traditionally recited for peace in the land of Israel include Psalms 20, 120, 121, and 125.
Textual Study
- Curious how Jews throughout the ages have dealt with hardship? Explore relevant sources from a variety of texts around themes like grief, mourning, comfort, prayer, and hope.
- How are Jewish texts showing up in people’s responses to today’s circumstances? This source sheet examines the textual references and themes in the eulogy of Rachel Goldberg-Polin for her son Hersch, one of the Israeli hostages killed in Hamas captivity in August 2024.
Community & Connection
- Throughout the past two years, we’ve invited Jews worldwide to come together around the sacred text that unites us all with the Global Community Torah, the first-ever collaborative digital Torah scroll. You can “scribe” a letter for yourself or dedicate letters in honor or in memory of loved ones (and, of course, it’s totally free). Many people have found this to be a meaningful way to affirm their Jewish pride or feel connected to Jewish community during a difficult year.
- For some, the act of studying itself may offer a pathway into connection with Jewish tradition and peoplehood. You can receive regular Torah study guidance in your inbox with Sefaria’s free Weekly Parashah Study Companion or opt for a look at Jewish texts through the lens of a specific Topic, like #Comfort or #Torah, when you subscribe to our Timeless Topics email series.
With hopes of better days to come.