Category: Support Itamar
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A letter to all our dear friends of Itamar – the meaning of The Seder – or order -on Pesach and how it applies to the turmoil in the world and of 2013
The entire process of exile and redemption is ordered and planned by G-d. If one knows this, it can bring about a transformation from personal slavery in our everyday lives to morphing into complete freedom in knowing indeed that Hashem rules the world and has a Divine SEDER (order) planned for the Jewish people and the world. Although Hashem could have made a perfect world from the start, it clearly states in the book of Genesis that “the earth was null and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” This describes the world as a topsy- turvey place, disjunct and in disarray.
But Hashem had a plan. Things were fixed and placed, as He passed judgment and enforced influence over His creations. The next verse brings this into play as the passuk continues: “And G-d said, let there be light! And there was light!” The festival of Pesach, even before the SEDER, is brought in by lighting the candles, by shining a light on to a new reality – into a room that was completely turned over and taken apart from the standard order and turned upside down only to be finally made perfectly clean orderly and kosher for Pesach. Peace and order begin to take form as the candles we light pave the way for a tranquil illumination as the setting for our SEDER table and festival. We usher Pesach in with light.
There is no other nation that knows chaos than the Jewish people who were chosen to be a light unto the nations from time immemorial. Am Yisrael have experienced the crux of turmoil in every form, on their flesh and on their spirit – to this very day. As these words are being written there are world leaders who come today and ask to forfeit G-d’s Land and, its very heart and soul, the core of our ancestral Land. But there are those who have been placed and fixed to stand with G-d’s will and rectify the world by bringing SEDER to it. The nations witness Israel’s return to her Land and now decide if they want to walk with G-d’s plan in the continuity of time and how His will is fixed and placed precisely according to the timetable of redemption. What is happening today is no mere chain of events or coincidences but an implied series of events- according to a SEDER, the way to final redemption as only Divine Providence will have it. One can read all about these days we live in in the prophets written thousands of years ago.
The Friends of Itamar would like to bless all of you who have been placed and fixed to stand by our side at this great moment in history, during a time that we have left exile (but not completely) and are in the motions of redemption. It is a chaotic time, anything can happen which is why we need your help more than ever . We call on you at this time to extend a hand of support to your brothers and sisters on Itamar who are holding the lantern on the top of the mountain and shouting “Let there be light!”
Some of our current projects include: Completing our permanent Beit Knesset, if we receive the proper funds we can finish it in 4 months- assistance for the schools and children, town infrastructure, setting up an Itamar park of biblical botanical gardens, and the list goes on………….
You can visit our websites: – www.touritamarsupportisrael.com and www.friendsofitamar.org
Please sign up at touritamarsupportisrael.com for our weekly newsletter and tell your friends to as well!
Donations can be sent via paypal on both our sites or by check made out to Friends of Itamar and mailed to Friends of Itamar Attn. Lester Goldsmith 1483 East 34th Street Brooklyn NY 11234
Happy Passover, Chodesh Tov and Chag Kasher Ve’sameyach!
Leah Goldsmith
Dear Friends of Itamar,
The highlight of the Rosh Hashana prayers has us beseeching: “Inscribe us in the book of life… grant us life which we will use for Your sake, torah and good deeds.” There are challenges facing all of our lives today. We read about them on the front page of any newspaper. If EVER we have come to a time so defining in the message of life and blessing- or G-d forbid- death and destruction – it is staring us in the face today. If there was EVER a time demanding us to reaffirm our roots in the soil of the heartland – it is now!
Right here on Itamar, at the top of the mountain we feel enthusiastic about the New Year about to approach us because of our alliance with you, which shares the mission of building and fortifying the development of this vital area of the Land of our forefathers. Through your generous support, we have been able to take action in greening the land, improving infrastructure as well as educate future generations in actualizing the vision of redeeming the Land.
As visionaries you have been adopting and funding our key projects and granting new life for Hashem’s sake, the torah’s sake and for the sake of the Land. I have no doubt that your devotion to Itamar inspired by pure love and kindness will tip the scale for all of us with a blessing of a sweet and special New Year!
Together, the work we are doing here on Itamar will have a profound effect on the future. We turn to you at this time to make a request to repeat your kindness and enthusiasm by contributing to our vital cause.
Blessing you with a Shana Tova U’metukah!
PS If you have not signed up for our newsletter – please do !
Thank you Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith
- Mazal Tov to Yitro and Miriam Asheri on the marriage of their son Shmuel this week. Yitro and Miriam lost their son Eliyahu a few years ago when he was kidnapped by terrorists at later murdered. We want to wish the family only happy events for the rest of their lives. Shmuel married a girl from Elon More a neighboring town to Itamar. The wedding took place in the nearby city of Ariel making it very easy for us all to get to the beautiful affair.
- Itamar welcome the visit of Rabbi Michael Cytrin, Rabbi Mordechai
Kaplan, and Rav Daniel Hartstein who came with their Yeshiva Lev Hatorah to plant tour Itamar and plant trees this week. - Watch Rabbi Goldsmith’s new Torah lesson for the week.
Special letter by Rabbi Goldsmith to all Itamar friends and supporters:
First of all, I want to thank you for standing behind our town, Itamar. Thank G-D Itamar is growing and developing all the time in your merit. Unfortunately, we are constantly under threat of terrorism which makes our mission harder to accomplish. Just a few days ago another miracle took place when a terrorist tried to enter our community at night and was spotted by our security camera. The quick response of our security response team prevented another tragedy from striking our community. The terrorist escaped to the village nearby, Awarta- the same village the murderers of the Fogel family. This is just one of many attempts that have been thwarted. Of course, it goes without saying that our devotion and strong spirit will not be broken. In addition, I want you to know that it means a great deal to us when our brothers and sisters from abroad reach out a helping hand and partner with us in building our community. Many are asking themselves, what can I do to help? I am listing a few suggestions below that will not be a burden on you at all but on the other hand can make a huge difference for us.
- It is very important for Itamar that we expand our network of support and our dear friends keep up the connection with our community. First of all, we have a new website we are creating for friends of Itamar called www.touritamarsupportisrael.com please go to the site and sign up to our newsletter. This will keep you constantly updated with Itamar. We want to improve our site and make it as attractive as we can so please feel free to send you advice. If you are a graphics person and have ideas don’t hesitate to suggest changes and improvements.
- Become a fan of our Itamar Israel support group on Facebook : by pressing like.
- Spread the word to your friends and family. Don’t just tell them – make sure that they sign up.
- We are well aware that financially it isn’t easy and there are many other important causes. Nevertheless, please find a way of putting Itamar on your tithe list. Don’t make light of it – Any help will make a big difference. You can donate on line via PayPal by going to our websites at www.touritamarsupportisrael.com or at our old website at www.friendsofitamar.org or mail checks directly to Friends of Itamar 1483 East 34th street Brooklyn NY 11234
- Those who want to become more involved by taking upon themselves a personal project from beginning to end don’t feel shy about calling us.
- We want to put on our website letters from friends. Please write a letter of support for our town and we will publish it on our website.
- When you come to Israel please come and visit Itamar make it a priority!
- Leah and I try to go on speaking tours a few times a year abroad so if you think you can help set up a speaking tour in your area contact us.
- Read this email once a week and post it on your bulletin board it will help you remember how much we need you.
- If you have any other ideas that you think can help us please send them our way.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy spring and a joyous Pesach holiday!
Thank you!!
Moshe Goldsmith Itamar Israel
http://youtu.be/ztTGkq5vC6E
Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith on Genesis Chapter 44:18
- Special request to all Itamar supporters: Unfortunately, since the destruction of our
new hilltop Givat Ariyeh, just a month or ago, our new camera system which was knocked out of commission by the Israeli army and police has not been reinstalled. The Israeli defense forces destroyed the infrastructure of the camera by ripping out the entire electric box and wiring. The estimated cost to fix this is around 45 thousand shekels. The army claims that if we leave the hilltop they will reinstall the camera. In the meantime, Itamar is left without a camera and in danger of infiltration. In addition, Itamar’s security officer is in desperate need of a trained watch dog that can patrol the community with him. The estimated cost is about 30 thousand shekels. Anyone who can help us reinstall this camera and purchase this dog would be doing a tremendous service for our community. Shabbat Shalom and thank you! Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith. - This week the Itamar youth marched from Itamar with torches to the army base below,
lit candles and danced with our soldiers to show our solidarity with our brothers that are defending our homeland. Itamar
stands with the IDF!
- A beautiful community Chanukah party was held on Itamar this week. One of the main themes of the party was to introduce the new members of Itamar to the veterans and connect with one another. I was an amazing evening. There were different kind of games and activities. We recommend it for all communities.
- Mazal tov to rav Uzi Damari for making it to the national Bible contest of Israel which took place in Benyany Haumah this week. Rabbi Demari is known for his vast knowledge in Tanach which is his love in life. You can’t find him without a bible in his hand. Unfortunately, Rabbi Uzi did not win the contest but he came in 4th place on the written test among the thirteen candidates who reached the finals. Enclosed is picture of Rav Damari standing on a deck with a view of the border like between the tribe of Efayim and Menasha as outlined in the book of Joshuah.
- Itamar welcomed its dear friend Chesky Wertman who came to visit the community. Chesky is one of Itamar’s oldest friends who stood behind us during some very troubling times.
- Mazal tov to Amichay and Yiscah Azulay on the birth of a son this week.
- Mazal tov to Yisrael Chay and Milcah on the birth of a daughter this week.
- Mazal tov to Shilo and Hadas on a birth of a son this week.
- Itamar welcomed a group of college students throughout America that came to hear about the community from Mayor Goldsmith. It was a very successful evening and the students were very interested and moved by their visit.
- Read Leah’s new Torah thought for the week.
- Watch Rabbi Goldsmith’s new torah lesson on the weekly portion which talks about taking responsibility.
Categories
A Purim Message
Dearest Friends it has been a while since I wrote to you. It is hard to believe that we are celebrating Purim already. Wow! The year is flying by so quickly. I wanted to give you all a small Itamar update with a Torah thought and of course wish you all a happy Purim.
Unfortunately, we have all been witness to some very tragic days here in Israel beginning with the terrible rocket fire on Sederot and culminating with the massacre of the boys in Mercaz Harav Yeshiva. Here on Itamar we had our share of security problems over the last few months as well. We have been suffering a lot of rock throwing at cars driving up our road and some infiltrations to our hilltops where sheep were stolen. In one incident, a rock hit a driver and caused a car accident where a guest visiting our community was hospitalized with moderate to serious injuries. Last Shabbat our security fence was cut and we were all put into high alert. There were also four shooting incidents at buses going through the nearby village; one took place last night. Thank G-d nobody was hurt but the busses were shot up.
The struggle for building our nation in the holy land goes on. Many people are asking themselves – when is this going to stop? If it is any way consoling, let us remind ourselves that this madness has been going on with ups and downs when the students of the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov started to make Aliya 200 years ago. Our sages didn’t hide from us their teaching that the land of Israel is acquired through suffering. Ok, so we can’t say that we didn’t know that building the land would not be easy. Nevertheless, why does it have to be this way? One simple answer is that nothing that is of any value comes easy. The greater the gift the more we have to work hard to attain it. Eretz Yisrael is the most precious thing in the world. Therefore, in order to acquire it we have to work very hard. The harder we work the greater reward we will eventually see. Many evil forces are hovering over the land of Israel that are trying to prevent us from reaching our goals. Every person that believes in Hashem, His Torah, and His people must act. We can’t remain indifferent at such a special time. Life is too short and there is just so much that we have to do.
As we read today in the Megillah – Mordechai says to Queen Esther – “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will be lost. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Mordechai is telling Esther that she must realize that G-d placed her in a special position for a reason of furthering the redemption of her people. When someone reaches the heights of royalty it is very easy to fall into the trap of wealth, honor and pleasure and forget about the priorities of life. Mordechai’s message was not only to Esther but it is for every one of us as well.
Although G-d has blessed us greatly with a comfortable life, we can not sit back while our nation needs help! Every day, we must spend a few minutes thinking about how we can help build our land. Those who have the strength should consider making Aliyah there is nothing greater than returning home. Those that are not ready to make Aliyah at this time must get involved in some Chesed activity for helping build the land. Any small action adds up. We have all been witness to the fluctuations of the stock market and the dollar around the world over the last few months. People are panicking about loosing their fortunes. Let’s put things into proportion, we have to thank G-d that we have food on the table and are not starving. After 120 years, a person is not going to take his dollar bills to the world to come. What he will take with him is the good deeds he did in this world.
I want to wish you all a happy Purim! Looking forward in seeing you here on Itamar.
Lehitraot,
Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith Mayor of Itamar