by Guy Page

Temple Sinai Rabbi David Edleson, on lower Church Street Burlington at noon Friday, November 17, led about 100 people in song as they remembered the 248 Israeli hostages taken in the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Congregation Ruach haMaqom Rabbi Jan Salzman, Edleson and others gathered around two long tables set for Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner, complete with Challah bread, but with non-one in the seats – signifying the hostages not with their families for the traditional Friday night Shabbat meal. In this video, Edleson leads the Church Street congregation in the Hebrew song Yedid Nefesh. Translated, the words mean: “Beloved of my soul, Merciful Parent. Draw your servant to Your will. Your servant runs like a deer to bow before you.”

Salzman was raised on a cooperative farm in Israel. The group also sang Shalom Aleichem, which means “Peace to You.”

The event was sponsored by four Burlington area Jewish congregations: Temple Sinai, Ruach haMaqom, Ohavi Zedek, and Chabad.