Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of 9/11
There are stars whose light reaches the earth
only after they themselves have
disintegrated and are no more.
And there are people whose scintillating memory
lights the world after they have passed from it.
These lights which shine in the darkest night
are those which illumine for us the path.
This year, on September 11, 2011, our nation will mark the 10-year anniversary of the tragic attacks on our country. People across the United States will gather in their homes, synagogues, schools, churches, community centers, and other public places to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, and to express their hope for a peaceful future.
The anniversary of 9/11 has become a time of personal reflection and community strengthening. As we did 10 years ago, many will seek comfort from their family, friends, and neighbors, as well as religious and communal institutions.
UJA-Federation has created an important resource for individuals and institutions in our community who plan to develop commemorative services. Recognizing that each family or agency will memorialize the tragedy in its own unique way, a panel of Jewish educators has compiled excerpts from Jewish literature, liturgy, religious texts, and songs. All of the materials reflect our experiences as Americans and as Jews.
The section on the meditations on the 10-year anniversary contains a new 9/11 midrash, reflections by several communal leaders, and a letter written by the mother of a victim of 9/11. In addition to materials that can be used at home, we provide examples of a communal commemoration, a school commemoration, readings for a September 10th havdalah service, and a service for individual or group visits to the site of the World Trade Center. It is our hope that these materials will enrich people’s experiences and provide comfort to those who seek it.
Resources for Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of 9/11
Compiled by UJA-Federation of New York