One of the most remarkable things about the Jewish people is that we are storytellers. For over 3,500 years, we’ve passed down our history, our struggles, and our triumphs. The Jewish experience is a story. We may not know how it ends, but we do know it’s one of the most powerful and extraordinary journeys the world has ever seen.
At AISH, storytelling has become central to our mission. As we pursue the goals of AISHVision 2030 through our work online, we are striving to bring Jews closer to their heritage. Telling our story has never been more essential.
That’s why we launched AISH Studios, our in-house production company committed to producing two major films each year, alongside countless other pieces of meaningful content. One of our most important releases this year is a powerful film titled After October. It was created by Jamie Geller and her team, and I honestly struggle to put the impact of this film into words.
I spoke with the cameraman we hired to help with the production, someone not formally part of the AISH team, and he told me he had never cried during an interview before. But this time, he couldn’t hold back. I had the chance to preview a very raw version of the film, and the emotion that pours through the screen is overwhelming.
Every single staff member who has seen it has been deeply moved. The pain of loss. The strength of those who remain. The unwavering spirit of Am Yisrael. As I’ve said many times since October 7th, the strongest thing in the world is the broken heart of a Jew. That truth is embodied in this film.
After October will premiere on Tisha B’Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It will be available for free, because we believe everyone should have access to this vital story. However, if you’re moved to support this project, we are accepting sponsorships. You can use the links below to sign up, watch, and if you’d like, help us bring more of these stories to life.
I want to thank every member of our studio team, as well as our generous donors who make this work possible, especially Jonathan and Irit Tratt, whose support has allowed us to expand our production capabilities. And to my dear friend, Mark Levin, who, five years ago, told me unequivocally that AISH must build a recording studio to tell the story of the Jewish people, thank you for your vision. It’s happening now, in a very real way.
This past Shabbos, I had one of the most beautiful and uplifting experiences in recent memory. My wife Rachel, my partner in everything I do, created something extraordinary. Alongside our dear friends Josh and Aviva Brody and Rabbi Yoni and Shulamith Zakutinsky, Rachel has helped lead a movement of couples growing together on their Jewish journey.
A few years ago, they launched Shabbos in the Country, gathering about a dozen couples in the Catskills, known simply as “the country” to New Yorkers, for a shared Shabbos experience. Many of the participants weren’t yet fully Shabbat observant, but during that one weekend, everyone kept Shabbos together. The growth and connection that resulted were profound.
This year, they took it to the next level: Shabbos Around the Country.
These couples boarded planes and flew to Denver, Colorado, to spend Shabbos with Rabbi Yaakov and Chaya Meyer and the beautiful AISH of the Rockies community. Rachel, who helped lead a previous trip to Israel for Denver couples, was instrumental in helping Rabbi Meyer run this weekend. The visiting couples from New York and New Jersey joined local Denver families for an unforgettable Shabbat.
Friday night dinner was held in Rabbi Meyer’s backyard, a stunning evening of connection, Torah, and unity. Over the weekend, there were many Torah classes, shiurim, and heartfelt conversations. I had the privilege of speaking to the AISH Denver community about our three core values: Wisdom, Love, and Responsibility, and how AISH is becoming more than an organization, it’s becoming a movement.
I also had the honor of participating in a Q&A with Rabbi Meyer, where members of the community asked questions about AISH, the Jewish world, and the direction we’re heading. It was meaningful, inspiring, and deeply energizing.
One of the most moving parts of my time in Denver was the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time with Sandy Schiff. Sandy is not only one of the founding figures behind AISH Denver, but she is also one of the people who hired me a decade ago. She has been a powerhouse behind so much of what has happened in AISH Jerusalem and played a vital role in helping to build the global AISH movement. She was extremely close to Rav Noach Weinberg zt”l, and deeply involved in every corner of AISH’s mission. It was an honor and a privilege to sit with her, catch up, and thank her for the indelible mark she has made on our people.
We often speak of unity in times of danger, but the Torah challenges us to go further. In Parshas Vayigash, when Yehuda confronts Yosef, unaware that he is speaking to his own brother, we witness one of the most emotionally charged moments in the Torah. The confrontation ends not in violence, but in reconciliation. Yosef reveals himself and declares: “Ani Yosef—Is my father still alive?” (Bereishis 45:3). The brothers embrace. They cry. They reunite.
That moment is more than a family reunion; it is the spiritual blueprint for Jewish unity.
The Midrash teaches that the Second Beis HaMikdash was destroyed not because of idolatry or immorality, but because of sinat chinam, baseless hatred. And we are told it will be rebuilt only through ahavat chinam, unconditional love.
Unity is not a luxury. It is the precondition for redemption.
We are living in a time of unprecedented hate. Antisemitism is rising globally, in universities, online, in corporate spaces, and even on the streets. Jews are being silenced, targeted, and made to feel unsafe in places they once considered home.
We cannot just react to hate.
If all we do is respond to antisemitism, we remain trapped in a defensive posture. We become reactive. Our energy is consumed by fear and survival.
Instead, we must be proactive. That means actively building bonds of love. That means creating space for each other, spending time with each other, and showing up, not just when there’s a problem, but because we believe in each other.
That doesn’t happen at a distance. It requires being in each other’s lives. Being in each other’s homes. Visiting each other’s communities. Learning one another’s stories. Creating shared memories. That was the important lesson I learned in Denver.
Years ago, when I was lobbying in New York City and State politics, I attended the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus weekend in Albany. I showed up on Sunday, went to all the pre-parties, and later joined the main dinner. It was a massive room of 2,000 people. To my surprise, I was given a seat of honor, right next to the evening’s honoree.
I asked someone why.
He said, “Usually when the Jewish community wants something, they invite us to a boardroom in Manhattan. But you, you came to us. You showed up. You gave your time. That meant something.”
That moment left a mark on me. I realized: We need to go to each other. We need to be present. Showing up is half the battle.
That’s why I travel as much as I do in my role at AISH. I’ve visited your homes, your shuls, your schools. When I’m with you, I don’t feel like I’m visiting; I feel like I’m with family.
We must all do this. Because this is how we build strength. This is how we build a movement.
To those of you who travel to Israel, make it a point to come visit us at AISH. Spend time with us. Just as importantly, spend time with each other. Meet Jews you’ve never met before. Visit communities you’ve never been to. Open your homes. Open your hearts.
It’s powerful to attend a retreat or a conference, but it’s even more powerful to share a Shabbos in someone’s home, in their shul, in their neighborhood. When you do that, you don’t just connect, you belong.
We face immense challenges as a people, but the antidote to hatred is love. The answer to division is presence. And the response to isolation is family.
Let’s not wait for threats to bring us together. Let love lead the way.
Wishing you all a meaningful week.
