For so many Jews since October 7th, we have not had a good night’s sleep. We constantly check our phones throughout the night to see if there has been some new attack on Jews around the world and to see if the status of the hostages has changed. As the news is consistently talking of a hostage deal we must all beseech the Almighty to bring our brothers and sisters home as soon as possible. Please be sure to open your hearts and allow your prayers to flow this Shabbos.
Last Shabbos, I had the honor of spending time with both our Yeshiva and Seminary programs. Sitting in a room filled with the future leaders of our people is always invigorating for me. The questions I was asked about how our students can contribute to Aish were truly moving. I also had a chance to visit with and speak to an Olami program for the students at IDC in Herzlia. If anyone has questions about the future of the Jewish people, I urge you to talk with young Jews. They are fired up and ready to fight for our nation. They are our Jewish future.
On Monday, I traveled from Israel to Washington for the White House Hanukka Party. As most of my advocacy work now happens in Israel I don’t have the time I’d like to spend in the U.S. with elected leaders. Still, I have always felt that it is important to attend the gathering at the White House no matter which administration is in power. The fact that the United States was one of the first Nation-states to proclaim Freedom of Religion to be an inalienable right has always been moving to me in the tapestry of history.
I want to thank Shelley Greenspan who has functioned as the Jewish Liason to the Whitehouse for the last four years for her service to our community. Shelley has been a true friend to Aish throughout her term and an advocate for our people. The White House Hanukkah party also allows me to speak to so many diverse Jewish leaders to fill them in on what we are working towards at Aish. This is important because collaboration sometimes comes from places where we least expect it.
The highlight for me every year is having the opportunity to Daven with a Minyan (quorum) at the White House. This year as a few of us gathered towards the end of the party to pray, the White House staff generously offered us a designated room to hold services in. As we started our prayers I noticed there was a Secret Service guard at our entrance guarding our room. We probably had the safest Minyan in the country!
Immediately after the party I flew to Miami where I have been for the past few days. While I know the world has become uber-efficient by holding meetings on Zoom, I personally still like to speak to people in person. I have had so many meetings with longtime friends, partners, and supporters of Aish, while I have been down here. It helps put all of our hard work in perspective.
One conversation that I have found in the “Jewish” air has been the future of a post-October 7th world. There are so many unknowns that many are focused on understanding the changed Jewish world. In many ways the past year has been one of the largest growth years we have ever had at Aish. Aside from the new buildings and programs that have been established the number of Jews that we connect to has skyrocketed. Previously unaffiliated Jews have flocked to our online portals by the millions. We must continue to support their thirst for Jewish knowledge and an ultimate closeness to the Almighty.
Part of the catalyst to make sure that we continue to move forward has been our Aish Ha’am election efforts. We have over 200 incredible candidates and we held an online rally this past Wednesday night for our candidates. Please take a moment to visit our portal and sign up to support Aish Ha’am in the World Zionist Elections.
In short, my friends, we are living through crucial times for the Jewish Nation. Our battle against the haters around the world has taken on new intense levels. The battle for the hearts and minds of Jews all over the globe is just as crucial. In many ways, it feels like the destiny of the Jewish people is coming to a head. I would urge all of you to not sit on the sidelines as it all plays out. Get up and get involved. Whether it is with Aish or other efforts Jews were never meant to be passive. We must make the world that the Almighty has given us into one of substance and meaning. Let us work together on making the world a true paradise on earth.
