Events bring R.I. Jewish community together

Vigils, fundraising, sources of information, help and healing – so many things have been needed, and offered, throughout the Rhode Island Jewish community in the wake of Hamas’ vicious attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war.

Here are just a few of the many events that have brought the community together, as well as a few future events:

Brown RISD Hillel: Hundreds of Jewish students and community members gathered on Oct. 11 to listen to speakers, call for peace and stand together.

URI Hillel: The University of Rhode Island Hillel gathered students to process and mourn, offered credible news sources, and encouraged students to take breaks from social media and avoid online confrontations. URI Hillel continues to host updates from across the Hillel network.

Board of Rabbis: On Nov. 1, the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island, along with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, held a prayer vigil at Temple Beth-El, in Providence, for the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists.

Temple Emanu-El: The temple’s United Synagogue Youth (USY) group decided to raise funds for Leket Yisrael, the National Food Bank of Israel. “People worldwide are losing friends and family, and your donation will help make their problems a little less and their food a little more secure,” the teens said in a video seeking donations.

Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center: The Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., will feature a screening of “Here We Live Again,” a documentary that follows Rhode Island Holocaust survivors. A Q-and-A with director Mike Fink, moderated by Michelle San Miguel of R.I. PBS, immediately follows. The commemoration is part of the Baxt Lecture Series, and will be held at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. To register for the free event, go to www.jotform.com/form/222546216090147.

Behind the Book & Israeli Culture Series: On Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., Uri Kaufman will discuss his book, “Eighteen Days in October,” the first history of the Yom Kippur War to be released in 20 years. The book draws from never-before-seen declassified documents. The free event will be held on Zoom. To register, go to www.jewishallianceri.org/events/btb-ics-eighteen-days.

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island: On Thursday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m., join PJ Library and the Alliance’s Israeli shaliach (emissary) for “An Israeli Hanukkah Adventure.” Best suited for children ages 5 and up, this event will have eight Hanukkah-themed stations for families to visit. Participants can also join shaliach Elihay Skital in making burekas, an Israeli baked pastry with a savory filling. The cost is $15 per family and the event will be held at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. To register, go to www.jewishallianceri.org/events/an-israeli-hanukkah-adventure.