After the vandalism at the Jerusalem synagogue: How the Reform Jews celebrated Simchat Torah

The Reform community "Kol Haneshama" in Jerusalem celebrated Simchat Torah with Hakafot Shniyot at the First Station, days after a vandalism incident at the synagogue in the Baka neighborhood on Yom Kippur eve, where a pride flag was torn and glass objects were thrown. Anna Kislansky, CEO of the Reform Movement, stated that the response to violence is the continued holding of public ceremonies with pride.

The Reform community "Kol Haneshama" in Jerusalem celebrated Simchat Torah last night (Saturday) with a Hakafot Shniyot event at the First Station complex, which the community defined as a public response to a series of vandalism and violence incidents it has faced in recent weeks. The main event preceding the celebration was on Yom Kippur eve, when unidentified individuals broke into the synagogue in the Baka neighborhood after the "Kol Nidrei" prayer, tore down the pride flag displayed at the front, ripped a net in the restrooms, and threw a glass object that shattered on site. This was the fourth incident in a series: in August, youths entered the prayer hall and tore down the flag, and on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, eggs were thrown at worshippers leaving the building. Anna Kislansky, CEO of the Reform Movement in Israel, stated: "The strongest response to the recent intimidation attempts and acts of violence is the broad public that came last night to celebrate with us in central Jerusalem. We will not be deterred and will continue to lead an open, egalitarian, and inclusive Judaism with pride and without fear." The event included dancing with Torah scrolls in mixed circles for men and women, accompanied by an ensemble of musicians.