vital information: Fwd: A Message for Today, Marking 3 Years

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Fwd: A Message for Today, Marking 3 Years

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: OU Women's Initiative <ouwomen@ounetwork.org>
Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2026, 1:27 PM
Subject: A Message for Today, Marking 3 Years
To: <agentemes4@gmail.com>

A Message from Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman

Dear Friends,

It is hard to know where to begin. Three years have passed since October 7, 2023, and we mark this day carrying the weight of all that these years have held.

Even when words feel inadequate, we must pause to remember those whose lives were taken, to hold close those who were wounded, and to think of the many families whose lives were changed forever. We are also deeply grateful that, for the first time since that terrible day, we have entered and completed the chagim with no hostages remaining in Gaza.

Perhaps Sukkos can guide us in this moment. We leave the comfort of our homes and enter the sukkah, a space that reminds us how vulnerable we are. At a time when we continue to feel so fractured, may that experience move us to step beyond our own comfort zones, look around us, and make an effort to see one another and the challenges we face from another perspective.

I invite you to take a moment today to say Perek 130 of Tehillim, “ממעמקים קראתיך ה׳,” for the aliyas neshamos of all those who perished, for the continued healing of those who were wounded, and for nechama for all of Klal Yisrael.

May the year ahead bring continued protection, healing, unity, and, ultimately, lasting peace.