Warm greetings from Jerusalem, where we just experienced one of the most uplifting and inspiring Shavuos holidays I can remember.
From the Dan Family Aish World Center to the yeshiva and seminary, every corner of Aish was filled with energy, learning, and connection. Thousands of people joined us throughout the holiday, creating an atmosphere that was simply electric. Late-night Torah study flowed into breathtaking sunrise minyanim overlooking the Western Wall, moments filled with holiness, unity, and gratitude.
There are certain times when you can feel the heartbeat of the Jewish people in a very real way. This Shavuos was one of those moments.
None of it would have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our staff and volunteers, who worked around the clock to welcome so many people into our home. I am deeply grateful to every person who helped create such a meaningful experience.
I also had the tremendous privilege of celebrating with two of my very close friends, Louis and Manette Mayberg, at the wedding of their daughter, Brielle, to Mordechai here in Jerusalem. Louis has served as an executive board member of Aish for many years and was incredibly influential in bringing me to Aish 11 years ago. I have tremendous gratitude and appreciation for both Louis and Manette, not only for their friendship, but also for their extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Jewish people and to the mission of Aish.
The chuppah took place at Aish overlooking the Western Wall, and it was truly unforgettable. As inspiring as our sunrise minyanim were over Shavuos, there is something uniquely powerful about watching a young Jewish couple begin their lives together overlooking the eternal city of Jerusalem. It was beautiful, emotional, and deeply moving to witness Brielle and Mordechai begin building their future together in such a holy place.
Over the past several months, Aish has also been facing significant financial pressures due to the strength of the shekel against the weakening U.S. dollar. The impact has been substantial. During this time, I have witnessed something incredibly moving: the overwhelming generosity and partnership of our community.
People have stopped me in the street, called me directly, and written heartfelt messages saying, “We want to do more.” Some supporters who have stood with Aish for years have increased their giving. Others who have been quietly reading Aish content online for a long time have chosen this moment to step forward for the very first time.
That response says something profound about who we are as a people.
This week, we launched our “Bridge the Gap” campaign, and I want to personally invite you to join us. Every partnership matters. Every contribution helps us continue reaching millions of Jews around the world with Torah, wisdom, inspiration, and Jewish connection.
One conversation that kept resurfacing throughout Shavuos, and again during a podcast interview I recently recorded, centered around something people ask me very often.
People ask why I spend so much time speaking publicly about antisemitism, Israel, Jewish advocacy, and the challenges facing the Jewish people. They ask why I go on television so frequently, write op eds, and speak out publicly on behalf of the Jewish community.
Many people look at Aish as a Torah institution and ask where this approach comes from. It is not always the classic image people have of a yeshiva or a Torah educator.
The answer is simple.
This comes directly from Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt”l.
Rabbi Weinberg believed that Torah without responsibility is incomplete. Torah is not meant to remain inside the walls of a classroom or exist only in theory. Torah must shape how a Jew lives, how a Jew leads, and how a Jew responds when fellow Jews are hurting.
The purpose of Torah is not only to connect us to God, though that alone changes everything. Torah also demands responsibility for one another and responsibility for the world around us.
The Talmud teaches, “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” — “All Jews are responsible for one another.”
Over the last two and a half years in particular, I have seen this responsibility come into focus in a way that has been both heartbreaking and inspiring.
At Aish, we have had thousands of university students come through our doors from campuses all over North America and around the world. Many arrive carrying something I have not seen at this level before: fear.
Students have sat with me and shared stories about hiding their chai necklaces under their shirts before walking onto campus. Others have told me they were afraid to put a mezuzah on their dorm room door. Some have described classrooms where they no longer feel comfortable speaking openly as Jews. Others simply say they feel alone.
Think about that for a moment.
Young Jewish students in 2026 are afraid to openly live as Jews.
At the same time, I have witnessed something incredibly powerful. I have seen young Jews searching more deeply than ever before for meaning, identity, and connection. I have watched students walk into Aish uncertain, confused, and isolated, then leave with pride in who they are and a renewed sense that they are part of something eternal.
That is why we cannot remain silent.
That is why Torah learning and Jewish advocacy are not separate missions.
They are the same mission.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt”l once wrote, “Judaism is God’s call to human responsibility.”
Responsibility means we do not look away when another Jew is struggling.
Responsibility means we do not stay quiet when Jewish students feel intimidated on their campuses.
Responsibility means we strengthen one another with courage, wisdom, faith, and love.
At Aish, we are privileged to teach Torah to Jews across the globe, both in Israel and online. Teaching Torah also means reminding every Jew that they are never alone.
We are one people.
We are one family.
Families stand together.
When Jews are attacked, we speak up.
When Jews feel isolated, we reach out.
When Jews are searching for meaning, we open the door wider.
The world feels increasingly fractured and uncertain. Hatred toward the Jewish people has become louder and more normalized in places many of us never imagined. Moments like these demand more from all of us: more courage, more unity, more faith, and more responsibility for one another.
Every time you support Aish, you are helping a Jewish student walk proudly onto campus. You are helping another Jew discover meaning and connection. You are helping strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish pride, and Jewish unity around the world.
Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for standing with Aish.
Thank you for standing with the Jewish people.
