memorial candles
People lit candles during a San Francisco vigil on Sept. 2 for the six hostages killed by Hamas. (Aaron Levy-Wolins/J. Staff)

UPDATED: Where to commemorate the Oct. 7 anniversary around Northern California

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As the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre approaches, local events will offer opportunities for communal remembrance, grieving and solidarity. These gatherings range from candlelight vigils to community forums to art exhibitions. If there is an event to add to this list, please let us know at [email protected].

San Francisco

Monday, September 30

“10/7: 100 Human Stories” — Haaretz investigative journalist Lee Yaron chronicles the massacre through stories of its victims and the communities along the border with Gaza that they called home. In conversation with Chanan Tigay, editor-in-chief of J. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.

Sunday, October 6

“Reflecting Together: Gathering Strength a Year After Oct. 7” — Guided workshop and memorial service. For young Jewish professionals ages 21 to 39. Presented by Malka Productions, Congregation Emanu-El, IPF Atid, the Moishe Houses in S.F., StandWithUs and the Menorah Center of the Russian Speaking Jewish Community. At S.F. location provided with RSVP. 4-6 p.m.

“Healing Through Art-Making: One Year Since Oct. 7” — Art workshop to process grief, honor healing and find support from the complex challenges of Oct. 7 and the past year. Presented by JCCSF and Jewish Studio Project. For those 16 and older. No previous art experience needed. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 4-6 p.m. $18-$54, register by Sept. 27.

Rally for Israel — Bring signs and flags to rally in support of Israel. Presented by StandWithUs, Israeli American Council, Russian-Speaking Jewish Community of SF Bay Area, JIMENA, ClubZ and #EndJewHatred. At Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister St., S.F. 1:30 p.m.

Evening with Heroes of the IDF — Israeli American Council presents four IDF speakers. Co-sponsored by StandWithUs, Russian-Speaking Jewish Community of SF Bay Area and Malka Productions. At San Francisco location provided with RSVP. 7-9 p.m. Free.

Monday, October 7

Oct. 7 Yizkor Memorial Service — Led by rabbis and cantors from Congregations Emanu-El, Am Tikvah, Beth Sholom, Ner Tamid, Sha’ar Zahav, Sherith Israel and JCCSF to remember, honor and mourn those killed during the attack of Oct. 7, 2023. Hosted by Emanu-El in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, Jewish Family and Children’s Services and the Contemporary Jewish Museum. At Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 7-8 p.m. Registration required.

“Every Life, A Universe: Oct. 7 Memorial Gathering for Israeli and Palestinian Life” — Workers Circle Northern California presents a tashlich ritual with music. Do not bring flags or signs. At Ocean Beach and the Great Highway, staircase #14, ramp #15, S.F. 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, email Art Persyko at [email protected].

North Bay

Sunday, October 6

Vigil for the Victims of Oct. 7 — Event marking the one-year anniversary. Presented by B’nai Israel Jewish Center, Congregation Shomrei Torah, Congregation Beth Ami and Congregation Shir Shalom. At Walnut Park, 201 4th St., Petaluma. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Monday, October 7

“Marin: An Evening of Remembrance and Hope” — With moments of silence, stories of resilience, solidarity, art, music and prayer. Presented by Brandeis Marin, Congregation Kol Shofar, Congregation Rodef Sholom, JCRC and Jewish Community Federation. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

Hostage Remembrance Oct. 7 Vigil — Presented by Hillel of Sonoma County and StandWithUs. At Seawolf Plaza, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 1 p.m.

Wednesday, October 9

“An Evening of Heroes” — Memorial event with prayer, song and survivor testimony. At Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St. No. 101, Petaluma. 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. programs begin.

East Bay

Sunday, October 6

“364: Remembering Oct. 7” — Event with song, prayer, reflection, therapeutic art and community. For ages 12 and up. Presented by JCC East Bay, JCRC and Sinai Memorial Chapel. At Berkeley location provided with RSVP. 4-5 p.m.

“A Service of Hope and Resilience” — Community-wide commemoration service with moments of silence, stories of resilience and a chance for the community to unite in solidarity, prayer, poetry and song. Presented by Contra Costa JCC, Jewish Community Federation, several congregations and other groups. At Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 6:30 p.m.

“Vigil for Peace: A Year of War, Grief and Pain” — San Francisco Bay Activists for Peace, a collective of Israeli peace activists in the Bay Area, presents event to grieve the lives lost in Israel and Palestine. Do not bring flags. At Albany Bulb, 1 Buchanan St., Albany. 4:30-7 p.m. Free.

Monday, October 7

“Oct. 7: Marking One Year” — Community commemoration with community art project, candlelighting and special program for middle school students. Childcare available. Presented by Congregation Netivot Shalom, Congregation Beth Israel, Jewish Coalition of Berkeley and others. Livestream option. At Berkeley location provided with RSVP. 6:15 p.m.

“Yahrzeit B’Yachad: Marking 1 Year of Loss for Palestinians and Israelis” — Community event to reflect, mourn and honor Israeli and Palestinian lives lost since Oct. 7, 2023. With ritual, collective recitation of Kaddish, moments of silence for personal reflection and facilitated small-group discussions. Do not bring flags or nationalist symbols. At a private home in the Oakland Hills, exact address provided before event. 6-9 p.m. $18-$52, sliding scale. RSVP required. Portion of proceeds benefit humanitarian relief work in Gaza.

South Bay/Peninsula

Tuesday, October 1

“October Rain” — Exhibit featuring works by 35 artists and writers memorializing the loss and pain of Oct. 7. Through Oct. 31. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Free. Registration requested at [email protected].

Monday, October 7

“Palo Alto: An Evening of Remembrance and Hope” — With moments of silence and stories of resilience, with communal solidarity and prayer. Note to parents and guardians: The evening will include difficult readings and videos. Sponsored by the Consulate General, Bay Area Friendship Circle, Jewish Community Federation and Sinai Memorial Chapel, in partnership with nearly 20 congregations, day schools and Jewish organizations. At Oshman Family JCC’s Freidenrich Community Park, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7 p.m. Registration required.

“An Evening of Gathering” — With music, poetry, modern dance and stories of those in captivity. Presented by Peninsula JCC and North Peninsula Jewish Collaboration. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 7-8 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. Registration and ID required.

“Marking One Year” — A full-day event with space to gather, presentations by Yavneh Day School students, “October Rain” exhibit, short films of personal stories, restorative yoga, a sound bath, a group walk and more. With light refreshments. Presented by Jewish Silicon Valley and Congregation Shir Hadash. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos. 8:45 a.m.-8 p.m.

“Peace Takes Flight” — Oct. 7 commemoration with kite flying in memory or the victims who lost their lives. Presented by Hillel of Silicon Valley, Jewish Silicon Valley, SSI SJSU and the Jewish Community Federation. At San Jose State University, South Tower Lawn, San Jose. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free, RSVP required.

Sacramento

Monday, October 7

Yahrzeit and Candlelight Vigil — Ceremony with local rabbis, song, readings, moments of silence. Presented by the Jewish Federation of Sacramento. At the west steps of the California State Capitol, 1315 10th St., Sacramento. 6 p.m.

Oct. 7 Vigil — Memorial event followed by grieving and reflection sessions. Begins at Central Park, 401 C St., Davis. 6 p.m. and moves to Hillel House, 328 A St., Davis, at 7:30 p.m. RSVP required for Hillel event.