October is a month that asks us to hold many emotions at once.

We remember October 7 and the lives forever changed by that day. We think about the families in Israel who continue to carry the weight of loss and uncertainty. And we are reminded, once again, of the importance of showing up for one another, for Israel, and for Jewish life.

In challenging times, community itself becomes a source of strength.

Here in the Lehigh Valley, we see that strength in the many ways we come together. This October, our community will gather to commemorate October 7, remember those whose lives were lost and reflect on the ongoing impact of that day. We will also welcome Hillel students from Muhlenberg College and Lehigh University, whose participation reminds us that the future of our Jewish community is already here.

As part of our commemoration, we will screen “The Road between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” a documentary that tells the story of a father’s search for his family following the October 7 attacks. Having our college students with us for this experience adds an important generational dimension. It reminds us that remembering is not only about looking back, but also about carrying these stories forward.

And while October calls us to remember, it also gives us opportunities to celebrate Jewish life.

Women’s Philanthropy will begin another year of friendship, learning, leadership, and philanthropy at our Lion of Judah/Pomegranate and open community event. We are especially excited to welcome author Janet Bond Brill, who will share the remarkable story of her mother-in-law, Edna, and the courageous choices she made during the Holocaust. Janet’s book “Little Edna’s War” brings a deeply personal story of courage and resilience to life.

Edna’s story reminds us that individual acts of courage matter and that the choices we make can have an impact far beyond ourselves.

Across generations, these stories connect us: the courage of one woman during the Holocaust, the experiences of October 7, and the voices of young Jewish students today. They remind us that Jewish history is not simply something we remember. It is something we carry with us and have a responsibility to pass forward.

For me, that is the strength of Jewish communal life. We remember together. We learn together. We support one another. And we continue to build.

As we commemorate October 7, we are reminded of both our responsibility and our privilege to strengthen Jewish life here at home, deepen our connection to Israel, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

This October, let us come together to remember, to learn, to celebrate, and, most importantly, to continue building our Jewish future together.