Thank you all for your overwhelming feedback on my report on the phenomenal inaugural “Mominary” program. I usually do not do a postscript from one week to the next but I had to share a powerful conversation that I had before heading to Israel. In the short time I had in New Jersey between trips to Los Angeles and Israel I visited Stephanie Pomerantz who was sitting Shiva for her beloved Father Danny Kahane A”H. Stephanie and Shari Alter were both Moms of EFG Seminary students who suggested to Rachel Spinner, the indefatigable Associate Director of Aish in North America, to create the Seminary experience for their peer group.
Stephanie was unable to attend the program due to her Dad’s declining health. As we sat together she explained how powerful the Aish approach to Judaism was. The fact that we are so open to every Jew and provide the answers to many questions made us the perfect fit for so many women to come to Jerusalem to be inspired. Frankly, I was inspired by listening to Stephanie describe the impact that Aish has had on their family and so many others. We are eagerly scheduling the next “Mominary” and we wish the Pomerantz family only joy and happiness in the future.
Shortly after I landed in Israel we hosted an important gathering of journalists in Israel. Under the leadership of Aish’s head of Public Relations Raphael Poch, we have coordinated a number of dinners at the Dan Family Aish World Center for journalists. It has given us a chance to engage many who influence public opinion. The conversations have been as wide-ranging as the composite of those attending.
The topic we chose to discuss with this illustrious group was what the day after the war in Israel would look like. Given the fact that there were tremendous divisions within Israel before October 7th would Israeli society revert back towards infighting or would the unity achieved over the past year be strong enough to set a different stronger course? The responses were wide-ranging and fascinating.
I was blessed to be joined in this conversation by Aish Chief Media and Marketing Officer Jamie Geller and Aish Global Director of Education Rabbi Daniel Rowe. There was an analysis of the political factors regarding the divisions within Israel as well as how Aish could help overcome some of the challenges. One of the most special additions to this grouping was a young catholic woman from Spain who was fascinated by the Jewish people. She reminded us that people were also interested in understanding the Jews outside of the conflict parameters. She gave Shabbos as an example. Many people wanted to understand what Shabbos meant to the Jews.
This led to incredible discussions about the role of women within Judaism. One of the reporters who came from Italy and was Orthodox spoke about going on one of the top Italian news shows to represent the pro-Israel side against others who were not as friendly to us. She said she was very nervous before going on the program which was compounded by the fact that she had to explain to everyone in the hair and makeup room why she was wearing a wig as an Orthodox Jewish woman. They were fascinated by her explanation and convictions.
As the evening wound down our new friend from Spain asked us which Israel we would most like to see emerge from the October 7th war. We went around the table and everyone had a chance to talk about the important themes they wanted to see come into view. What was so beautiful was that everyone addressed straight on the role they felt Aish could play globally in helping the Jewish people come together and maintain the strands of Unity.
I ended the night by speaking about an Op-Ed that I had written this past week for YNet News. I wrote about the young generation of Jewish leadership that had emerged as a result of October 7th. Obviously, our enemies had seen what they thought to be a weakened Jewish people. As always they underestimated who we are.
This generation of young Jews has stepped up to fight through the IDF for their brothers and sisters who were taken and those who remain in captivity. They have fought the vile disgusting racists online who want to see Israel destroyed. They have stood up to the sick antisemitism which has rocked campuses around the world. This generation of young heroes must lead us into a world of Jewish Unity in a post-October 7th world.
I explained to the room filled with high-level caring journalists that this was the reason that we created Aish Ha’am as a party within the next World Zionist Congress. Aish was committed to the next generation of leaders who populated our candidate list. Most importantly Aish is committed to formatting and creating unity amongst the Jews. If we can stand strong shoulder to shoulder as we must then the world around us will be stronger and more peaceful. This is ultimately what the Almighty wants from us. This is what being a part of the movement of Aish is all about. From “Mominary” to Aish Ha’am to our newfound journalist friends this is who Aish is. A movement of love for each and every Jew that will heal the world around us.
