Mother of Fallen Soldier Calls for Joyful Remembrance on Simchat Torah

Ofra Lux, mother of Lieutenant Noa Elazar Lux, who fell in battle on October 7th, has called for Israelis to embrace joy and dancing during the upcoming Simchat Torah holiday, while also incorporating a "sign of remembrance" for the Hamas attack. Lux, whose son was a fighter in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit and fell during the defense of Kibbutz Be'eri, shared her personal struggle with the holiday's conflicting emotions.

She described the difficulty of balancing the "endless prayer and overflowing joy" of Simchat Torah with the "terrible and awful surprise attack and harsh fighting" of October 7th. "The part with Noa is that it's not surprising he was killed on such a wild day and on the day of all of Israel. That's who he was," she wrote, reflecting on her son's character.

Lux urged synagogues and communities to find ways to acknowledge the memory of October 7th during the celebrations, emphasizing that while Israelis have always overcome tragedy, ignoring the event would be a surrender to the enemy. "But on the other hand, one cannot continue as if nothing happened," she stated.

She clarified that her request for remembrance is not solely for the bereaved families but for the nation as a whole, calling the event a "national, collective incident that is important to remember and for so many reasons must not be forgotten." Lux drew parallels to other joyous occasions, like weddings and building new homes, which traditionally include symbols of destruction and remembrance.

"If we don't manage to dance, then dance for us, in our name. But don't forget, make yourselves a sign," she implored. Lux suggested incorporating this remembrance during one of the Hakafot (circuit dances with the Torah scrolls), in discussions beforehand, or before the Musaf prayer. She also proposed that rabbis collectively develop a shared custom for future Simchat Torah observances to ensure the memory is preserved.

Concluding her message, Lux asked that the issue be kept out of political disputes, stating, "This does not diminish the spirit and heroism, it does not diminish the war's achievements. Don't think politically, think nationally."