Crucial Conversations
Inviting General Tibon to Aish, I did not know what to expect. The General identifies as a secular Israeli Jew and I was unsure of how many values we might share. I found a warm hearted Jew and a new friend who inspired me completely. It was the same with the Imam and the Minister.
Reaffirming Our Commitments
One of the reasons that the Jewish people have survived and thrived for so long has been our ability to stay committed. This past Tuesday night, I saw this commitment firsthand as I ran back and forth between events in the Old City.
Holy Weddings
September is wedding season. I have been to many weddings over the last few weeks and all of them have been beautiful and moving. There has been one constant to all the weddings that I have attended.
Storming the Gates of Heaven
It is hard to remember a week that has been this difficult. The entire Jewish people feel broken. I feel broken. The brutal murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lonanov, and Carmel Gat has affected all of us.
The Leaders of Tomorrow
One of my favorite tasks at Aish is meeting with our students to hear their ideas about how to change the world. Many times they have become so passionate because our current Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, shlit’a, is constantly telling them that they must take responsibility for the world around them.
From Austria, With Love
I am writing to you from Austria where I have had the honor of being the scholar in residence for an amazing Jewish heritage tour in Western Europe. There are so many lessons to be learned when walking in the footsteps of our forefathers.
The Secrets of Jewish Longevity and Survival
I was so proud of our Aish team for producing the groundbreaking documentary “Voices of Pain, Hope, and Heroism.” It details the events of October 7th from the perspective of five Israeli families.
A Nation of Heroes
We are a Nation of heroes. From Ambassador Gilad Erdan to the Aish students we all must step forward and work together to strengthen our Nation.
We Are All Druze
I was particularly crushed by the horrific slaughter of the 12 young Druze adolescents murdered by Hezbollah while playing soccer. I had met the leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Muafak Tarif recently at a World Zionist Organization event. I immediately sent him condolences on behalf of the Aish global community.
Family
The hate we are encountering is unprecedented in our lifetime. Yet, if we stand together united by the bonds of family we will emerge stronger, joined by the unbreakable bond of love. The love that I saw last week among the couples on our Aish Mission. The love that I saw in Tel HaShomer Hospital. The love that I saw between Dvir and Shalev.