RKYHS 11th and 12th graders had the special opportunity to watch a performance of Rabbi Hagay Lober’s one-man play “October 7th.” Rabbi Lober is the head of the Aspaklaria Theater company in Jerusalem, where the play was performed this past year. The hour long play in Hebrew, taking place on a simple set, is a monologue delivered by a father who is grieving his spouse’s loss, but finds a way to live alongside his mourning. Rabbi Lober’s son, Reserve Staff Sergeant Elisha Yehonatan Lober, was killed in action fighting in Gaza last December, and the performance explores how bereaved families in Israel cope with their loss, while strengthening Jewish resilience.

All in attendance were incredibly moved as they watched the performance explore the complexities and personal nature of dealing with loss. They worked to take in Lober’s performance, processing the story that unfolded on the stage alongside the personal loss he endured. After the performance, Lober spoke with the students about his decision to move forward with the play that had been in the process of production before his son’s death. He shared his personal process of mourning with the students and the comfort it brings him to feel how all the Jewish people are connected and share in the loss. Lober impressed upon them the need to be resilient, celebrate and live their lives to the fullest and not let the terrorists win—enabling all those that have fallen since October 7 to not have fallen in vain. RKYHS is grateful to the Paul E. Singer Foundation for enabling this performance to take place.