From the desk of Rabbi Steven Burg, AISH CEO
The success of the Jewish people has always revolved around community. We are strongest when our community is united and most vulnerable when we are at odds with each other. During this time we reflect on our lives. What can we be doing better?
The success of the Jewish people has always revolved around community. We are strongest when our community is united and most vulnerable when we are at odds with each other. During this time we reflect on our lives. What can we be doing better?
I travel to be with my Jewish family all around the world. Nothing is sweeter than to sit and talk with Jews from different communities.
Whether it be online or in cities around the world, Aish is inspiring the Jewish nation. Our mission continues to be to ensure 100% of our brothers and sisters ‘Fall in Love with being Jewish’.
This past week, Aish ordained six young rabbis in Jerusalem. I was honored to speak at their graduation.
Many challenges have come along with the extraordinary growth Aish has experienced over the past few years. One of the most pressing issues we have dealt with is a lack of physical space. I am excited to announce that we have recently leased space in the Old City for a new Beis Medrash.
Two years ago Aish branched out from the website onto other social media platforms. Our target for 2023 was 50 million video views on SM. I am proud to report that we achieved that goal in just 6 months! We are consistently breaking a million website sessions on aish.com every month.
I always enjoy spending the 4th of July in Israel. It is a constant reminder of the strong bond between Israel and the United States.
One of the most important aspects of being a Jew is the concept of community. Throughout the ages, the Jewish people have been known for the strength of our ability to support one another.
There is no greater joy that the Almighty has then to see his children working hand in hand towards the betterment of our nation. Thank you Olami for providing a passionate Jewish path for young Jews around the world.
As we have embarked on this annual rigorous self evaluation, I find myself focused on one major question. This question is not “What” or “How” but rather that of “Why.
In my position as CEO of Aish, I have been blessed to meet politicians from around the world. Last week, I found myself moved beyond words to hear the personal stories of two Jewish political leaders.
Ten months ago Aish restarted our women’s educational division which was formerly called EYAHT. Today our two flagship programs, Aish Aspire and Aish Gesher for Women have been wildly oversubscribed.
Over 3000 years ago we received a beautiful diamond from the Almighty. Take it, polish it, own it and share it.
Over the years I have had many opportunities to attend meetings and gatherings at the White House. As an American Jew, I have always treasured these moments and in fact treat them as a responsibility.
We must always care for one another. We must always assist one another. We must always celebrate with one another. May we all constantly remember what is important in life: to love and be there for one another. There is no greater mission for a Jew.
Understanding the needs and challenges of Jewish communities around the world is so important for the health and continuity of the Jewish people. As my travel took me to Egypt this past week, I felt a certain amount of conflict that I hadn’t before.
What we can never forget is that we are family. The greater Jewish family. We can argue all day long but in the end we must hug each other. We must love each other. We must defend each other.
We must constantly seek unity and brotherhood. This is what the Almighty desires above all else for His children.
We are the only people who have a designated term for our particular form of racism: “antisemitism.” It is as strong today as it was in the time of the Egyptians.
The Seder is the night where we attempt to intellectually stimulate Jews of all ages around our table. We reminisce about how, when all seemed lost, the Almighty heard our prayers, rescuing us from tyranny and oppression.
No one sacrificed more for Aish or worked harder to build our organization than Rebbetzin Weinberg. Incredibly, she still managed to raise twelve beautiful children while playing a pivotal role at Aish.
Our family suffered a terrible loss this week. The passing of Rebbetzin Denah Weinberg, zt’l is the end of an era for Aish.
Rav Noach was famous for telling his students that if he had ten of the right Jews, he could change the world. Often he would say that Rabbi David Geffen was certainly one of those ten.
Being a part of Aish means seeking out ways to heal the world and build proverbial bridges all around us.
AISH has and always will be there for every Jew no matter where they are located. Please join the entire AISH family as we achieve our philanthropic goal and tell the world that the Jewish Nation is alive and well. Am Yisroel Chai!
One of the highlights of the year in Jerusalem is when we have Aish Branch directors from around the world converge on our headquarters in Jerusalem for our annual Aish ProDev Conference.
We observed the 14th yahrzeit of Aish founder and leader, the great visionary, Rabbi Noach Weinberg zt”l.
While we have many memorials and tributes planned, the greatest legacy for Rav Noach is in the power of his students who continue to lead the way around the world.
When Chief Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman of Ukraine came to visit me in Jerusalem, I asked how I could help. He suggested that I come to strengthen the resolve of the Jews of Ukraine. I immediately said I would try my best to come.
