October 6th vs. October 8th: At the Intersection of Before and After

This is the calling of our time. We must reimagine our identity not just as Jews in diaspora but as members of the global People of Israel – Am Yisrael. We must acknowledge that the challenges facing Israel are challenges facing us all. We must strengthen our connections to our heritage, our homeland, and each other. Like salmon swimming upstream against the current, we have always defied easy paths. Today’s struggles, both external threats and internal divisions, require the same determination and courage that have sustained us throughout our history.

A Global Zionist Citizenship
My hope is that we as a collective awaken, focus on what binds us rather than what separates us, and leapfrog Zionism into an era Herzl and our ancestors could only dream of. Moving forward will require us to let go of the past – not forgetting our past – but willing to move forward from it and into a globalized perception of self, a global Zionist citizenship.
As no longer a people scattered in exile, but as a nation among nations, we must see ourselves through a global prism. Only then will we be successful in reclaiming, redefining, and re-educating Zionism, our destiny, succeeding in the delivery of l’dor va’dor, from generation to generation.
The intersection where we stand offers a choice: fragmentation vs unity, despair vs hope, retreat vs engagement. By choosing to strengthen our collective identity, by prioritizing Tikun Israel, and by practicing ahavat chinam, we can ensure that Am Yisrael’s journey continues for generations to come.
The better days ahead aren’t guaranteed—they require our commitment, our action, and our belief that we, the People of Israel, will not only survive this historical moment but emerge from it stronger and more united than before.
Am Yisrael Chai is not just a slogan, it is a way of life

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Isra-el: Struggling with Purpose – An Educational Framework

Key aspects of this new framework include: The article frames this approach as “new-old” – drawing from ancient traditions and biblical sources while applying them to contemporary educational challenges, particularly in the context of modern Israel and post-October 7th realities. Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Experiential Learning Transmission of Jewish continuity and Israel connectivity…

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A Passover Letter: From Sinai to Zion

As we prepare for this year’s Passover Seder, we reflect on the profound journey from slavery to freedom that defines our people. The Exodus story resonates deeply today as we witness the eternal struggle between darkness and light that has followed the Jewish people throughout history. Duality and Contradictions Duality and contradictions are found throughout…

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Movement of The People

What was once “Never Again”, is happening again except this time around it is different. Unlike our ancestors who confronted humanity’s worse for 2,000 years, 1948 ushered in a new reality—Israel. The manifestation of the age-old dream to return and be free in our home, l’hiyot am chofshi b’artzeinu, is a game changer and we are holding on for dear life.  

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On MLK Day: Zionism and Tikun Israel

In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream that “…this nation (US) will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: …that all men are created equal.”  Dr. King’s dream extended beyond healing African American suffering; his vision included “…all men…” society as a whole.  70 years earlier, in 1895,…

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On Zionism, Continuous Revelation & the Next Generation

Transmission of Jewish continuity and Israel connectivity does not take place in the formal classroom setting on its own. Israel and Jewish education must include an experiential component; it is through experientialism that our children explore and discover meaning that they can connect to. Transmission to the recipient in a more practical – less theoretical…

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Continuous Revelation: Transforming tomorrow’s generation today

Transmission of Jewish continuity and Israel connectivity does not take place in the formal classroom setting on its own.  Israel and Jewish education must include an experiential component; it is through experientialism that our children explore and discover meaning that they can connect to.  Transmission to the recipient in a more practical – less theoretical…

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Who is a righteous person, a tsadik?

So who is a righteous person, a tsadik? Is one born a righteous person? Or does one evolve to become – a righteous person? Was it Noah? Abraham? Two weeks ago we read about Noah, and that he was a righteous man – within his generation; well what does that tell us about Noah? After…

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There is a time for everything, now is the time to stay alive

There is no doubt that we, here in Israel, need to go through some process of cheshbon nefesh, self-reflection, reconnecting with our principals for humanity and seeing the sanctity of life in all that we do. We can discuss politics, society and the educational system – all of which require serious thought & consideration. My…

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Seeds of diplomacy: The Children of Israel then and now

This week’s Torah portion, the beginning of the book of Exodus (Shmot – שמות) describes the realities in Egypt as the Israelites multiply and their presence becomes of national interest, or rather disinterest. In it there is a verse that spells the beginning of the end: ויקם מלך חדש על מצרים אשר לא ידע את…

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