Jews in communities far from Israel gathered at synagogues this weekend for Shabbat services held amid the ongoing war ignited by Hamas militants' attack on Israel a week earlier. Rabbis led prayers of peace and shared grief with their congregations. At many synagogues security was tight.

In Pittsburgh, Rabbi Daniel Fellman of Temple Sinai spoke about the trauma that the Hamas attack has resurfaced for Jewish people, particularly in a city scarred by the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Fellman emphasized that the attack is not just another geopolitical event, but rather dredges up generations of trauma for the Jewish community.

Despite the anguish, Fellman's congregation, along with others across the world, heeded the words of an Israeli soldier who had urged worshippers to sing and dance and make sure that their voices were heard. Fellman emphasized the importance of understanding that all people are connected, and when one group hurts, everyone hurts.

In Pittsburgh, Rabbi Seth Adelson of Congregation Beth Shalom also spoke about the trauma that the attack brought back for the community. He compared the Hamas attack to the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, noting that the recent attack was tragic and horrifying, but believable. Adelson expressed that the community is currently feeling pain and a lack of support.

In other synagogues across the United States, emotions were high. At the Shul at Newtown in Pennsylvania, a SWAT officer guarded the entrance while worshippers gathered for service. Inside, Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein denounced those who justify the attacks by Hamas and emphasized that God has given the land of Israel to the Jewish people.

In Washington, D.C., police cruisers with flashing lights parked outside Adas Israel Congregation during services. Rabbi Aaron Alexander reminded congregants to pray for the captives and evoked the Israelis held hostage and Palestinians trapped in Gaza. He urged worshippers to show empathy and compassion for innocent lives lost.

In Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor, New York, Rabbi Daniel Geffen called on his congregation to stay strong and uphold the teachings of the Torah. He expressed anger and sadness but emphasized the importance of unity during these difficult times.

In Los Angeles, Rabbi Nicole Guzik strongly denounced the Hamas attack and praised her Sinai Temple community for their resilience. She emphasized that the Jewish spirit cannot be broken and commended the congregation for their support of Israel.

In Berlin, heightened security measures were implemented in front of synagogues due to tensions triggered by the Hamas attack and Israel's subsequent bombing of Gaza. The Chabad community in Berlin's Wilmersdorf neighborhood had street closures and increased police and private security presence.

In Indonesia, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, head of the local Chabad community, expressed that this is a challenging moment for the Jewish people but emphasized their resilience and trust in God. The only synagogue in Indonesia, Shaar Hashamayim in Tondano, called for peace and an end to the fighting in Israel and Gaza.

In Miami Beach, Florida, cantor Juval Porat prepared for Shabbat services while his parents remained in their safe room in northern Israel. Tears flowed as congregants prayed for peace and safety for Israel, the soldiers, and the hostages. The rabbis urged congregants to channel their emotions into supporting each other and relief efforts in Israel.

Overall, Jewish communities around the world gathered for Shabbat services amidst the ongoing war. The congregations prayed for peace, expressed their grief, and called for unity and support. Security measures were increased in many synagogues, reflecting the heightened tensions and concerns for safety.