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01 President’s Message 02 Impressions
03 AMIT Reservists Juggle Army, Family, and Jobs 05 Make-a-thon Showcases AMIT Students’ Creativity
10 AMIT Mechina Program Teaches Resilience & Independence
14 Stories of Bravery in Sderot
16 Rabbi Sacks’ Legacy Lives On: Integrating Jewish Philosophy and Technology at AMIT
19 Event Highlights
25 Dvar Torah
26 Rosh Hashana Recipe
27 Our Donors
THE AMIT FAMILY MOURNS THE LOSS OF MRS.
As we go to print, we learn the sad news of the passing of Shirley. A treasured member and proud leader of AMIT Israel throughout the years, Shirley embodied AMIT values in her many varied roles serving our children. Acting both with and without formal titles, she willingly assumed many responsibilities on the executive and chapter levels, and on multiple committees. A consummate volunteer, Shirley led by example and could always be counted on to bring a smile and good cheer to our holy work. May her memory be for a blessing.
SHIRLEY SCHEIN, Z”L.
President’s Message
The haunting events of October 7 are seared into our collective memory. Since then, my frequent trips to Israel have only deepened my admiration for our community’s unyielding spirit. Our faculty has shown heroic grace under pressure. They know that education is not just a basic right, but a profound duty—a duty to impart knowledge, to inspire wisdom, to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
Imagine being a student uprooted from everything familiar, thrust into a new school with new faces and unfamiliar teachers. Our students from Sderot met this challenge with a flexibility that would leave most adults in awe. For those who needed more support, AMIT was there with essential therapy services. The students’ ability to focus on their future, despite the chaos around them, is a testament to their inner strength and the nurturing environment that AMIT has worked tirelessly to create. Their perseverance ensures that their academic journey continues and prepares them for a brighter future.
students from Sderot, who were scattered across the country, soldiers in the principals’ units went door to door to personally encourage each student to attend school. This wasn’t just a gesture; it was a mission, a testament to the extraordinary lengths our educators go to ensure their students’ well-being and education.
Our faculty members have shown unparalleled dedication to their students and their profession. Some made the tough decision to leave their families behind to continue teaching, while others undertook long commutes, traveling over two hours each way, to balance their commitments to both their families and their students. These professionals exemplify the concept of growth out of a crisis. They taught our students more than academics; they imparted lessons on resilience and on the sheer unbreakable human spirit.
In May, I traveled to Israel to attend a conference for our principals from almost 90 high schools throughout the country. I was honored to hear their individual stories of sacrifice and dedication. Many principals reported to their reserve units even before being officially called. They worked tirelessly to balance their military responsibilities with their duties at AMIT, exemplifying a deep sense of duty and commitment. In one instance, when attendance issues arose among our displaced
Those stories and experiences would have been enough to make my trip to Israel memorable, but the pinnacle of the weekend came during our Shabbat lunch. We were all gathered for our meal when there was suddenly a murmur in the room. Because it was Shabbat, most people did not have their phones. Not all of our staff or schools are religious, however, so some secular individuals had access to technology. The din grew, and suddenly someone shouted, “They just released four hostages!” Moments later a correction ensued: “No… they just rescued four hostages!” The whispers turned into full conversations, and questions about the identity of the rescued hostages surfaced. Suddenly, someone yelled, “It’s Noa! They rescued Noa!” Noa Argamani, a graduate of AMIT Wasserman Junior and Senior High School in Beersheva, was home. She, along with Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, had been rescued. We later learned that some of the specialforces heroes who performed the rescue are part of our AMIT family. The emotion in the room was palpable. There wasn’t a dry eye. People began clapping, praying, singing, and offering toasts to L’Chaim. It is a moment I will never forget. Looking around that room, I felt an overwhelming sense of optimism.
As I write this, we don’t know what the future holds for Am Yisrael, but that experience was a powerful reminder of the profound connections between our educators and students, and on the ability our faculty has to help build Israel—one child at a time.
Shari Safra AMIT President
Over the past few decades, I have had the duty of sounding the shofar at our synagogue. Jewish liturgy is filled with tens of thousands of written pages from the greatest Torah scholars on this commandment of “the listening”—of its criticality, symbolism, and mystical impact for those who hear the shofar’s voice and literally G-d knows what in terms of its spiritual magnificence. As such, performing the required blasts brings great anxiety. In a many-yearslong evolving act of mental self-preservation (or perhaps delusion), my preparation has become to consciously ignore the approaching holiday until the moment arrives and immediately prior to the blessings utter the extraordinarily simplistic prayer of “Please G-d, don’t let me mess this up.” No, I do not claim it to be best practice—but it is authentic. It is what it is, as I am what I am before the Creator of the universe (my rationale being he knows me well and I should be honest with him).
One of the well-known reasons we hear 100 blasts was written by Dr. Norman Lamm, z”l, in “Festivals of Faith: Reflections on the Jewish Holidays”:
their sons in the same war? Was no Jewish blood spilt in our long history, no Jewish tears shed by grieving mothers?”
5784 was a year where Israeli fathers and mothers burying sons and daughters became commonplace; where the horrors of the biblical Tochachah manifested itself on October 7 and were gleefully celebrated by the murderers on social media; where every Jew in the world (even those with the most muted sense of identity) were called out as an amoral people, often ostracized and sometimes terrorized. The mighty institutions of higher education we adored and supported instantly vilified our viewpoint and, soon after, our children. The International Court and many nations enthusiastically condemned and sanctioned us. Most infuriating of all, many of the loudest voices condemning us have been those who call themselves Jews—a modern-day Evsektsiia.
Impressions
“Sisera was a Canaanite general, leader of an army that was, so to speak, highly mechanized compared to the peasant people of Israel which it attacked. This arrogant pagan warlord was defeated by the Israelites, who were led by Deborah. In Deborah’s song of triumph, she paints the picture of Sisera’s mother, usually overconfident, this time anxiously awaiting the return of her son (Judg. 5:28): Be-ad ha-halon nishkafah—she peers intently out the window, a nagging question burning within her; maddua boshesh rikhbo lavo—why is his chariot so late in coming, why do the wheels of his chariot tarry? She answers, soothing herself: My son and his soldiers are busy dividing the spoils of their great victory; they are splitting up the dyed cloths, the embroidered garments, the damsels of conquered Israel. But the delusion cannot last forever. The truth must emerge. Her son is dead. Va-teyabbev—the mother of Sisera breaks out into uncontrolled sobbing. There were one hundred sobs, tradition declares (Tosafot Rosh ha-Shanah 33b, citing the Arukh), and for this reason, we Jews on Rosh Hashanah sound a total of one hundred notes on the shofar.
ANDY GOLDSMITH Executive Vice President
The hell with mercy—and the hell with Sisera and his mother. We are justifiably furious. Do we now give a damn about the grief of our murderous enemies’ mothers?
No. We do not pity a Jew killer’s mother. Her distress is not the cry of a mother losing her son. We do not need her in our liturgy when we have Rachel and Sarah, our own paradigms of superhuman compassion and precious tears.
It is her realization, her hubris, every fiber of her belief in her son’s infallibility and in her people’s warrior ethos— in all she raised him to be and was comforted by—that is instantly and utterly shattered. And so, she is griefstricken and hopelessly wails, and therein is our lesson.
Before the events of this year, we all had certain inalienable beliefs—a sense of security, belonging, and communal acceptance. All of that has been laid bare and stripped away. So much of what we thought and believed was plain wrong, and we are left standing before G-d with nothing to offer but a confused and broken heart.
And standing before the Master of the universe as the shofar sounds—perhaps that is exactly the way it is supposed to be.
“A beautiful, compassionate story. A shining example of historical generosity and forgiveness—we relive the pain and anguish of the mother of our enemy. But were there no Jewish mothers who were bereaved of
May the year end with its curses and the new year begin with its blessings.
AMIT Reservists Juggle Army, Family, and Jobs
BY LINDA GRADSTEIN
Yotam Ruf, AMIT’s professional director of Eco 24/7, has spent most of the past eight months in miluim (reserve duty). Ruf, 37, is commander of the Paratroopers Special Forces selection process and head of Paratrooper Warfare. He is also an officer in charge of giving eulogies at paratrooper funerals, something he’s had to do more than 20 times since the war began.
Ruf and his family are evacuees from Kibbutz Erez, near the border with Gaza. He is a new father; his third son was born just weeks after the war started on October 7.
“The hardest part [about the current situation] is the uncertainty,” he says. “I have no house and I don’t know what my future will hold. Sometimes I get calls at midnight and I must go explain to families how their loved ones died.”
For the first few months of the war, Ruf barely saw his newborn son, Nadav. But he says it’s hardest for his son Gilad, 3, who bursts into tears every time he sees his father in uniform, knowing it means Dad is leaving soon.
Ruf’s family was originally evacuated to a hotel in Mitzpe Ramon, but after Nadav was born, they rented an Airbnb in the town. Now the entire kibbutz has moved to a building in Kiryat Gat, although Ruf longs for the time he can return to his home.
“It’s especially difficult for the kids,” he says. “They loved the kibbutz.”
For six months, Ruf served more than full time in the army and couldn’t work for AMIT at all. Now he’s in and out of reserve duty, trying to catch up on his job at Eco 24/7, AMIT’s after-school program comprised of both formal and informal educational
activities. Ruf says that AMIT has been incredibly supportive of his lengthy time in the army.
“The AMIT Network was always there for me and my family,” he says. “Amnon [Eldar] called me several times, and AMIT gave all kinds of special gifts to my family, like a voucher for a hotel, which we’ll use after the war ends. My boss always told me to do what I needed to do, and that really strengthened me. It’s been almost nine months of my not being able to do my job, but I do try to come for the important things.”
Living Our Jewish Values
Ofer Hahn, 42, is AMIT’s deputy director of innovation and a commander in the special forces Egoz Unit. Like more than 300,000 Israeli reservists, he was called up on October 7 and spent most of December and January fighting inside Gaza.
During that time, Hahn says that his wife, Liat, took care of their five children, ages 3 to 14.
“I think the challenge my wife had was even harder than the seven weeks I was in Gaza,” he says. “She was brave and the kids were too, but it was hard for them not to hear from Abba [Dad] for weeks, when every day you hear about people wounded or killed in Gaza.”
When he was released, Hahn says he may have broken the speed limit rushing to get his second grade daughter, Ahinoam, from school.
The night before he went into Gaza, a delegation of AMIT came on a solidarity mission to Israel and visited the area where he was stationed.
“I spoke to them about going into Gaza,” says Hahn. “It gave me a lot of power and strength. They came all the way from the U.S. to be here with us. It gave me a
feeling that we really are one family, and it helped me deal with the challenges of fighting in Gaza.”
He describes his wife, Liat, a piano teacher and music therapist, as a hero, and says his children understood that he made a sacrifice to fight for Israel. But there are still negative effects from the ongoing war. Some of his children are suffering from anxiety, he says, and have had difficulty concentrating in school.
He notes that the AMIT Network has been very supportive.
“When I finished my reserve duty, they said, ‘We don’t want to see you back at work until you take a vacation with your wife and kids,’” he shares. “When I was in Gaza, I was very proud to tell people that I work for AMIT, and that they not only talk about values, but live their values.”
Recognizing the Power of an AMIT Education
Amir Kalangel, director of Gogya and an intelligence officer in the Givati Brigade, agrees. After being drafted on October 7, he was on the outskirts of Gaza until the end of February. Since then, he has been on alert for a possible outbreak of war on the northern border. He is also the father of four children, ages 2 to 10.
“The most challenging part for me was that we had to cut off our regular life and give all our energy to defending the country,” he says. “Out of nowhere, the state said, ‘Now you are in miluim. There is no family, no children, no work, and no hobbies.’”
But being in kibbutzim like Beeri and Kfar Aza soon after October 7 sharpened Kalangel’s sense of what he was fighting for.
“After that, when we went into Gaza, it was challenging but very clear why we were there,” he says.
Now, he’s trying to balance both reserve duty and his job, spending one or two days a week in the army and the rest at AMIT. While it’s not easy to do both, he says, his time in Gaza helped him understand the importance of an AMIT education.
“In Gaza, we saw what education for evil can lead to,” he says, referring to Hamas, which inculcates hatred of Jews and Israel in the hearts and minds of young people.
Kalangel continued, “Coming back to Israel, I realize that education can save the world, and it is no less important than fighting.”
MAKE-A-TH N Showcases AMIT Students’
BY LINDA GRADSTEIN
The whole process has taught them creativity, self-confidence, and how to work together. No less important, they learned a lot about chesed.
- EINAT SHABTAI, principal of the AMIT Wasserman Junior High School for Girls in Ma’ale Adumim
Fourteen-year-old Chana Ben Chamo frowns at the computer screen in front of her.
“I can’t get the Wi-Fi to work—and without Wi-Fi, I can’t test the sensor,” says Ben Chamo, student at the AMIT Wasserman Junior and Senior High School for Girls in Ma’ale Adumim, in frustration.
Ben Chamo is at the AMIT Make-a-thon as part of a team of five girls who have come to Beit Halochem in Beersheva to present tech projects they’ve worked on all year. Their project is a voice-activated smart shower meant to help veterans who have lost the use of their hands.
All students at the Make-a-thon met with disabled veterans—either from the current war with Hamas or from earlier conflicts—and were then tasked with developing technological solutions for veterans’ unique challenges. Students competed first within their schools before advancing to the national competition.
“It’s a special feeling when you can help someone,” Ben Chamo says. “At the beginning it wasn’t so easy to work together as a team, but then we divided up the work and that was easier.”
The voice-activated sensor for the shower is housed in a waterproof box next to the shower stall. The students invented the device and built a prototype. Now, they’re practicing for the pitch they will give to the competition’s judges.
The idea of getting up on stage in front of hundreds of people makes some of them nervous.
“I’m a little emotional right now,” says Hodaya Zarzar, 14. “I never thought we’d make it here. It makes me very happy, but I’m also a little afraid.”
Einat Shabtai, their dynamic junior high principal, reassures them. The school has 72 girls in the eighth grade; three teams, those who won the competition in the school, are here today.
“They came up with the idea, and we helped them with the practical part,” Shabtai says. “The whole process has taught them creativity, self-confidence, and how to work together. No less important, they learned a lot about chesed.”
While this project was planned before the war in Gaza, she says the girls have become much more connected to it because of the war. The project was also meant to encourage the young women to learn about adults with disabilities. For example, they played
basketball in wheelchairs to understand what it’s like to play sports without the ability to run across the court.
The principal of the school, Ruchama Vogel, believes the Make-a-thon embodies AMIT’s theory of education.
“The program is not just another program at our school. It is the very essence of what defines us; it is the DNA of our school,” she says. “In today’s world, a bagrut certificate alone [the matriculation certificate earned by students who pass their exams] is no longer sufficient. Students need up-todate skills to navigate a constantly changing world. This is where the Educational Ecosystem comes in, providing practical knowledge and hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom.”
Vogel says these projects also inspire selfconfidence and independence.
“We want the student to believe in herself, in her abilities, and, of course, in the Creator of the world,” she explains. “And then, she will decide that she needs to initiate and positively influence the world. The Ecosystem is the tool with which she can influence and do good in the world, with the help
of the Almighty.”
At another table, students from the AMIT school in Hatzor are working on their presentation for a magnetic hand.
“We met a soldier who can’t lift silverware, so we designed this magnet hand to help him,” Ido Menachem, 14, says proudly. “Each magnet can lift five kilos [11 pounds].”
The projects go from vision to reality with the help of Ariel Drach, manager of the Makers Department of Innovation in AMIT schools. Drach’s position is new, and he says that until now these projects were outsourced. The makers movement, which started in the U.S., is a do-it-yourself movement that uses both old-school tools like hammers and nails and new tools like robots and 3D printers to help students understand how machines work, he explains.
At AMIT, we want to bring the education to the makerspaces. We want to bring students and teachers to learn history, Torah, and even sport through makers.
— ARIEL DRACH Manager of the Makers Department of Innovation in AMIT schools
“Nowadays, we realize that kids need to understand the process,” Drach says. “At AMIT, we want to bring the education to the makerspaces. We want to bring students and teachers to learn history, Torah, and even sport through makers. For example, in history we make games using a 3D printer, and we use robots to teach the kids programming.”
After dinner, the contest begins with the teams going up on stage and pitching their ideas. The judges, including former cabinet minister Matan Kahana, vote on the best projects.
“It is very emotional to be here this evening, which is the climax of an educational and values-oriented process,” says Dr. Amnon Eldar, director general of AMIT. “The students took the issue of wounded IDF soldiers, which is especially relevant now in war, and helped each student learn how to help wounded soldiers.”
The first-place winner is a project called “Makom,” or “Place,” from students at the AMIT school in Shoham.
We want the student to believe in herself, in her abilities, and, of course, in the Creator of the world. And then, she will decide that she needs to initiate and positively influence the world.
— RUCHAMA VOGEL
Principal of the AMIT Wasserman Senior High School for Girls in Ma’ale Adumim
“We spoke to some people with disabilities who said that sometimes people don’t want to get up and give them their seats,” says Alon Stollar, 16, a member of the winning team. “The idea is that when they use their Rav-Kav [public transportation card], Makom shows them where there are available seats. If there are no seats, it shows the person sitting in them that this is a priority seat for people with disabilities and tells them to get up.”
The smart shower and the magnet hand were among three projects that tied for fourth place.
The next stage, says Drach, is to help the students build prototypes that can eventually be used commercially. The program is part of AMIT’s
philosophy that encourages hands-on, projectbased learning rather than rote memorization.
“The story of the 21st century is the ability of students to handle changes and solve problems that arise,” says AMIT spokesman Shmulik Klein. “Creativity and solving specific problems is very important. This is also essential for AMIT’s moral compass, which talks about giving to society and about responsibility to the people of Israel and the state of Israel.”
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Resilience & Independence
BY LINDA GRADSTEIN
After high school, while their American peers are headed to college, most Israelis are drafted for compulsory army service, with boys serving for two years and eight months, and girls for two years.
Yet a growing number of Israelis choose to defer service and attend a mechina (pre-army program) for a year before being drafted. There are all kinds of mechinot—religious, secular, all-boys, all-girls, coed—and securing a spot can be competitive. By and large, army officers say students who do a mechina are more mature and more prepared for their army service.
Students who typically attend mechinot come from strong, educated, and financially stable families, where education and personal development are values that are prioritized. It was less typical for AMIT students to attend mechinot, given that many students come from the periphery in Israel, where they experience more challenging socioeconomic circumstances. These students haven’t grown up with the idea of attending a mechina, and many do not have the luxury of taking a year off or meeting the associated cost of a mechina. Some students are already working to provide for their families, or they want to finish their army service as quickly as possible so they can start working full time.
To address these issues, AMIT recently established a mechina during 12th grade, when many students experience a lot of downtime in between matriculation exams.
“The 12th grade is spent focused mostly on passing the bagrut [national matriculation exams],” says Naomi Strauss, AMIT’s specialist in Connections in Israel Society. “There is so much available time, and utilizing our unique mechina program, students can benefit from leadership development, engage with diverse Israeli populations, connect further to our heritage and history, and build their character.”
Most mechina programs include a combination of study, volunteering, and trips around Israel. They focus on characterbuilding and strengthening the participants’ bond to the land of Israel and Israeli society. They provide students with the opportunity to be exposed to Israeli society at large, and offer physical and emotional preparation for their army service. AMIT’s mechina program is no exception.
Each school devotes a total of 24 days to the program, which is funded by the schools and run by the students. Each school comes up with its own
program, and the students choose how to divide up the 24 days—whether they meet weekly or have several concentrated sessions of four or five full days.
The mechina reflects AMIT’s educational philosophy of student engagement and partnership, helping students become active members in critical decision-making and leadership of their schools. Just like AMIT aims to transition the students from passive recipients
of knowledge to active learners who take responsibility for and ownership of their learning process, AMIT does the same in the field of leadership and social engagement. AMIT students do not just run programs; they conceptualize, dream, research, build, develop, adapt, and ultimately, implement their ideas. And of course,
like everything run through the AMIT Shalem –Gogya Implementation, students are accompanied and mentored by school-based leaders in the field of Connections in Israeli Society, who themselves receive professional training, mentorship, and guidance from our HQ experts.
The mechina offers students a chance to think about the bigger issues in their lives. There are four fields that each school studies: leadership, service and shlichut (mission and destiny), Zionism and Judaism, and Connections in Israeli Society.
What is unique about the program is that it is organized and run by the students. For the leadership portion, for example, the students at one school may decide to go on a three-day hike. Other students might choose to visit the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) and meet with today’s leadership to learn about the challenges and opportunities they face regularly in their given roles.
The AMIT mechina program began in 2020 with two schools. This past year, 21 schools—a total of 1,200 students—participated. Starting this fall, all of the network’s schools will participate in the program.
“Sometimes the education system treats students as passive members,” says David Simchon, head of chevra at the AMIT Network. “This program creates an opportunity for students to take ownership over their character development, leadership skills, and
This program creates an opportunity for students to take ownership over their character development, leadership skills, and involvement.
involvement. They choose the best route for their development, and see it through from idea to creation, with the guidance of AMIT staff members who specialize in this area.”
According to Simchon, the mechina also offers a connection to “the broader story of Zionism, Israel, and Jews that will help the students come to the army with more motivation, with light in their eyes, and with a knowledge of why the State is important.”
The programs will have a long-term impact on many AMIT students. In the two years since the program began, there has already been a 24 percent increase in the number of AMIT students attending mechinot after high school.
“This groundbreaking program has the ability to change lives,” says Dr. Amnon Eldar, director general of AMIT. “ Mechina programs shape the identity of students and build them up as leaders, increasing their chances of success in their meaningful army service and beyond. Our goal is always to help our students reach and
actualize their potential, and I am proud that we can provide this platform.”
The mechina program has already helped students prepare for their army service and has ingrained important values in them. On Hanukkah, just a few months into the war, participants from all of the schools gathered to climb Masada, the symbol of the heroism of the Jewish people in their fight against the Romans 2,000 years ago.
“It’s immensely gratifying to see each one of you not just persevere, but flourish together even in the face of adversity,” said Shari Safra, AMIT president, to the students assembled. Safra was on the Masada trip as part of an AMIT senior leadership mission, along with members of the executive committee and board of directors.
“I’m constantly inspired by the unwavering dedication of all our AMIT students, who seize every opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and reinforce Israeli society with their unique talents and skills. Together, we’ll create a vibrant and resilient future, and a country that thrives on the innovation and strength of remarkable young people like yourselves.”
BY ILANA GOODMAN
Where were you and what were you doing when you heard about the first plane flying into the twin towers on 9/11? If you’re over the age of 35, most likely you remember. When we experience a shocking or traumatic event, we remember that moment for a lifetime.
Fourteen-year-old Shir clearly remembers what she was doing on the morning of October 7, 2023, when she first heard the siren in her hometown of Sderot. She and her family ran into the safe room, where they stayed for the assigned five minutes. When she left the room, she heard shooting and ran to the window to see what the noise was. Hamas terrorists had just entered Sderot. When they saw her at the window of her fourth-floor apartment, they shot at her, grazing her forehead. Her father managed to get her out of their home, call an ambulance, and, together with another injured person, reach the local Magen David Adom clinic.
That fateful day ended in Sderot with 52 policemen and civilians dead and many injured, in addition to many other incidents in the Gazasurrounding communities. The police station bore the brunt of the attack and was totally ruined, as were a local supermarket, the municipal library, and other buildings.
What kept that day from turning into an even bigger disaster was the devotion, dedication, professionalism, and sheer determination of many policemen, soldiers, and civilians throughout the region who took control of the situation and fought back. Many came from near and far to help those in the line of fire and rescue them from the vicious attacks.
Although Shir experienced a miracle when the bullet itself only caused a superficial head injury, she did not escape further injury. When the bullet shattered the window of Shir’s home, many glass shards went into her eyes. While her head wound was treated and numerous shards were removed, some remain in her eyes, as doctors are not able to remove them without surgery.
The police station will not be rebuilt on the same spot where it once stood. In its place, a monument telling the story and commemorating the fallen will be erected. Work on building a new police station on another site in the city has already begun.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS OF SDEROT
This past spring, the AMIT High School in Sderot decided it was time to tell the stories of some of the survivors. They set up the Guidance Center for Sderot Heroism and helped local children and
adolescents learn to speak to visitors from Israel and abroad.
The survivors attended workshops, learning how to tell their personal stories, talk to large crowds, and get listeners involved.
These students themselves have become ambassadors of Sderot, taking groups to visit several sites in town that were pivotal on that day.
The main goals of these tours are:
1. To describe the experience of life in Sderot in general, with a focus on the October 7 events in particular.
2. To create a connection between the events in Sderot and the concept of heroism.
3. To enable unmediated meetings among AMIT students from all over the country.
4. To empower children and adolescents in Sderot to tell their survival stories in a meaningful and interesting way. They are encouraged to share their personal experiences of strength and growth, making them true partners in the story of the survival of Sderot.
The tours include a general description of the town, its history, and its pivotal role on October 7. The guides explain to visitors what life is like in Sderot. One of the first things they need to explain is that if you hear a siren, you need to lie down on the ground and cover your head with your hands. Only when you hear the “all clear” siren can you get up. They tell visitors that because they are a large group, they can’t all fit into a mobile shelter.
The tours start at the Founders’ Building (Beit Hameyasdim) and pass by the police station and several other locations, including a central mobile shelter. This is the place where a group of elderly men and women were standing on October 7, waiting for the driver of their minibus to fix a flat tire so they could continue on their day trip to the Dead
Sea. The terrorists showed up before the tire was fixed and killed the entire group.
Daniel Be’eri, principal of the AMIT Eitan High School for Boys in Ma’ale Adumim, visited the Guidance Center with his students.
“We went on a tour of Sderot and met the local teenagers there,” he says. “We were very impressed by the way they conveyed their personal stories about everything that happened there on October 7. I think that this has been and continues to be an amazing healing process for the girls. The fact that they are able to stand in the same places where they were injured, which includes their own homes, and pass on the stories of their heroism is very powerful. These girls have turned themselves from victims into heroines.”
Sixteen-year-old Alma is one of the young people who tells her story at the Guidance Center.
“We woke up on that Saturday morning to the sound of sirens,” she shares. “We didn’t understand what was going on. About 15 minutes later, people started sending photos and videos on WhatsApp about what they were seeing. My grandmother, who lives opposite the police station, called and said she could see terrorists walking in the street. I started crying. We spent the whole day in the safe room.”
“After three days, we were evacuated to a hotel at the Dead Sea,” she continues. “We stayed there for five months and only recently were able to return home. Now we are trying to catch up on the schoolwork we missed. I am very happy to talk to people who come to the center because the media doesn’t always report the news accurately.”
Rabbi Sacks’ Legacy Lives On:
INTEGRATING JEWISH PHILOSOPHY AND TECHNOLOGY
AT AMIT
BY ILANA GOODMAN
In an ever-evolving, increasingly complex world, education is of critical and fundamental importance not only in shaping knowledgeable individuals, but also in guiding, training, and inspiring socially responsible citizens. The integration of Jewish heritage into modern educational systems offers a unique perspective on religious teaching and spirituality, highlighting its relevance to contemporary life. Jewish teachings, with their emphasis on values and ethics, provide a rich foundation for students to explore profound questions such as “Who am I?” and “What is my place and purpose?”
AMIT, a leader in the field of education, is dedicated to implementing a holistic approach that incorporates Jewish values and the development of skills, personal enrichment, and technology. This approach empowers students to successfully navigate and contribute positively to a world of constant change. It’s natural, then, that AMIT has formed a unique partnership with The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, which perpetuates the timeless and universal wisdom of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, one of our world’s most eminent teachers of Torah and a guiding moral voice.
Before his passing in November 2020, Rabbi Sacks was a leading figure in contemporary Jewish thought whose teachings underscored
the importance of ethics and the transformative power of faith to shape a strong, compassionate, and cohesive society. Now, a new generation of AMIT students are benefiting from his enduring wisdom by means of a digital avatar of the former Chief Rabbi, who speaks fluent Hebrew with a soft British accent, harnessing a metaverse platform that resonates with today’s youth. Technology serves as a bridge, combining the wisdom of Jewish teachings with the realities and possibilities of the modern world. This fusion allows for a more interactive and personalized learning experience for students.
“This is a true game changer in education,” declares Elad Bar Shalom, director of the Torat Chaim program at AMIT. “Incorporating Rabbi Sacks’ teachings through the metaverse is our way of harmonizing age-old wisdom with modern technological
advancements. Rabbi Sacks addressed timeless questions about Jewish identity, and through this platform, we hope students can deeply connect with our mission and these teachings in an engaging and modern context.”
The unique virtual experience, made possible through a strategic collaboration with the startup Inpris, is currently running in four AMIT schools in Israel and set to expand to more AMIT schools around the country and additional schools abroad. This will open opportunities for collaboration between Jewish students in Israel and the Diaspora.
Incorporating Rabbi Sacks’ teachings through the metaverse is our way of harmonizing age-old wisdom with modern technological advancements.”
In the AMIT learning environment, asking questions is accepted and encouraged as an essential path to deeper understanding and personal growth. AMIT’s integration of technology in education further enhances this dynamic, creating opportunities for students to engage with learning materials in innovative ways and to explore their spirituality and values in a context that is both meaningful and relevant to them.
Students are encouraged to use their technological skills to address both Jewish and global challenges, such as promoting social justice and supporting environmental sustainability. By fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment, education becomes a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. Through this partnership, students at AMIT not only gain academic knowledge, but also develop a strong moral compass and a commitment to improving the world around them.
On the platform, students are charged with a mission. They receive a message that technology, mainly AI, is taking over the world. The Rabbi Sacks avatar explains how they must use their Jewish identity, including elements such as chesed (kindness) and tzedakah (charity), to save the world and give people back their freedom of choice.
The students can raise questions, deal with various dilemmas, and ask Rabbi Sacks’ avatar for guidance. Students immerse themselves in his essential teachings, covering topics like Jewish identity, gratitude in prayer, free will in Judaism, and the meaning of life. Engaging activities, such as exploring the contrast between temporary joy and enduring happiness, are thoughtfully crafted to enrich this unique educational journey.
Rabbi Sacks’ Ten Paths to G-d, a 10-unit curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity, is based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Sacks himself. This curriculum, which emphasizes belief, identity, mitzvot, and contribution to society, can be freely adapted and used by anyone involved in formal or informal Jewish education, including parents learning one-on-one with their children and individuals who just want to think deeper about Judaism.
“Rabbi Sacks had a vision of disseminating Torah principles through innovative methods,” explains Rabbi Dr. Daniel Rose, director of education at The Rabbi Sacks Legacy. “This project brilliantly encapsulates education, Zionism, and state-ofthe-art technology, perfectly aligning with his enduring ideals.”
Through The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, AMIT is inspiring scores of students to become thoughtful, engaged, proactive citizens of Israel.
“Rabbi Sacks represented the epitome of a Jewish role model,” says Dr. Amnon Eldar, AMIT’s director general, who emphasizes the importance of this trailblazing project. “By integrating his teachings with advanced technology, we are bringing his wisdom to the fingertips of a new generation.”
There’s no better place to ring in the Jewish New Year than right here.
THE INBAL: WE'RE MORE THAN A HOTEL. WE'RE HOME.
EVENT Highlights
NYC AND TRI-STATE RECAPS
An Evening With Michael Oren
Shari and Jacob Safra hosted an exclusive evening with Ambassador Michael Oren in May. In a wide-ranging conversation, Ambassador Oren spoke about the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitism, U.S.-Israel relations, and where Israel goes from here. Ambassador Oren’s optimism for the future reflects all our hopes and dreams for a safe and secure Israel.
A Conversation With Julianna Margulies
On March 13, AMIT hosted “A Conversation With Julianna Margulies” at the exquisite Safra Center in New York City. Julianna spoke to a sold-out crowd of over 150 people about her Israel activism and her work in bringing Holocaust education to young students in the United States. Our mission at AMIT is “Building Israel. One Child at a Time.” And as Julianna noted, it sometimes takes just one person to make all the difference to a life. Thank you to our co-chairs Leslie Schapira, who moderated the conversation, and Alex Luxenberg, who spoke about the special work AMIT does.
Michael Oren, Chella Safra & Shari Safra
Leslie Schapira and Julianna Margulies
Leslie Schapira, Alex Luxenberg, Shari Safra
Miriam Pascal Cohen
Mother in Israel Superette
The AMIT Forest Hills Ilana Rena Chapter held their Annual Mother in Israel Superette on June 25. Hosted by Lillian Kaufman and chaired by Toni Gordon and Reba Weiner, 30 women gathered for a potluck dinner, enjoying an evening of inspiration and camaraderie. Robin Rothbort, AMIT’s national director of development, provided an update on the AMIT schools’ situation since the war began on October 7.
EVENT Highlights
What’s Cooking in New Rochelle
On April 2, a sold-out crowd of 60 women from New Rochelle came together to enjoy a cooking demo and tasting with Miriam Pascal Cohen. It was very timely since Miriam had just come out with a cookbook and Pesach was three weeks away. The event was graciously hosted by Debbie Isaac and chaired by Laren Bochner, Jill Ellman, Aliza Koplow, and Elana Minkove. The event brought the community together to support the Maot Chitim campaign to help ensure all AMIT families have Pesach food and supplies.
All in for Israel Benefit Night
AMIT of Greater Teaneck’s All in for Israel Benefit event was a huge success, bringing together more than 150 supporters and raising close to $55,000 to benefit our students in Israel. The stakes were high as guests competed for top earners at blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. The winner’s circle included Daniel Finn, Dovi Miller, and Jon Rosenberg. Participants were treated to a wonderful Israeli wine tasting program and had the opportunity to bid on Israeli art curated by Jenny Mohel in a silent auction.
The event was graciously hosted by Chayah and Yoel Fuld and chaired by Annie and Yale Baron, Abby and Elad Cnaan, Chanee and Eli C. Fuld, Rachel and Shawn Langer, Chana and Dan Shields, and Meital and Howie Teitelman, who all helped ensure the event’s success.
MID-ATLANTIC AND NEW ENGLAND RECAPS
Mother
in Israel Event in Philadelphia
AMIT Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter celebrated its annual Mother in Israel event honoring relatives and friends protecting the State of Israel. The event took place at Lower Merion Synagogue in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on June 6.
Thank you to our emcee, Stefanie Bloom, member of the chapter’s board of directors. We were honored to have Rebbitzin Dr. Adina Shmidman lead Tehillim and give us an overview of her son’s experience in the IDF.
Sarah Rosner, chapter vice president and generous supporter, presented a summary of her family trip to AMIT Kfar Blatt prior to October 7. Sarah was inspired by our outstanding staff and their devotion and support for our students. She was impressed with the success of our students and saw firsthand how they move on to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Dina Hendler, our guest speaker from Israel, wowed the crowd with her emotionally charged recap of her experiences on October 7 through today. Dina, a single mother of four children (ages 20, 17, 14, and 7), lives in Sderot and works at the AMIT Network as director of hybrid learning.
Yaela Baine, chapter president, thanked all for coming out to honor our many children, relatives, and close friends who are protecting Israel. Yaela conveyed our gratitude to everyone for supporting our AMIT children.
NewGen Trivia Night
How many children does AMIT educate across Israel? How many feet below sea level is the Dead Sea?
These were some of the questions posed to attendees at AMIT NewGen’s Trivia Night in West Philadelphia this past April. The evening’s theme? All things AMIT, as well as general facts about Israel. People got to show their competitive side while enjoying pizza, schmoozing, and watching a video showcasing AMIT’s latest work.
Philly Wine & Cheese Event
AMIT Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter hosted a wine and cheese tasting at Le Vin Cellar in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on April 7. Dr. Frani Pollack, RD, LSW, PhD, shared important insights into combating trauma. Sarah Rosner, chapter vice president, created an artistic charcuterie spread with assorted cheese and fruit for all to enjoy as they tasted wine for Pesach. Our supporters expressed their gratitude for AMIT’s dedication and support for our children who evacuated Sderot.
Phoebe Weisbrot, Yaela Baine, Sarah Rosner & Rene Rubin
Sarah Rosner Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman
Mother in Israel Garden Party
AMIT New England’s Mother in Israel Garden Party took place at the home of Renee and Paul Shane in Waban, MA, in June. The event overlooked gorgeous perennial gardens as attendees enjoyed warm hospitality and a delicious champagne brunch.
Ethlynne Brickman welcomed Bonnie Polin Pomper, aunt of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a hostage being held in Gaza. Bonnie spoke to us about her family’s experience through these difficult times and her advocacy for Israel and the hostages in Washington, D.C. June Rubin, owner of A Wild Flower in Newton, assembled tables in the garage loaded with seasonal flowers and herbs for an interactive, boutique-making workshop. Many new AMIT supporters worked side by side to create beautiful arrangements to enjoy in their homes.
MIDWEST RECAPS
Emergency Fund Event
On November 21, AMIT Cleveland hosted an intimate Emergency Fund event at the home of Tikvah and Isaac Lifshutz, featuring Dr. Zev Levy, child psychiatrist. Dr. Levy shared his perspective as he had just returned from Israel, where he supported the Sderot children and families. His expertise and understanding of Israel’s national mental health crisis was highly moving for the entire AMIT Cleveland community. Event chairs included Ilka Gordon, Aviva Klein, Chagit Ruskin, and Wendy Lefko Messeloff.
NewGen Bouquet Basics
On May 30, Annie Aliphas hosted the New England NewGen Bouquet Basics event. The event was chaired by Paula Ostroff. Seventeen women, both old and new AMIT friends, gathered to learn the basics of floral arranging from Sari Lieberman while also learning about Reshet AMIT and the many accomplishments of our AMIT students in Israel. The group left energized to further their involvement in AMIT.
Ethlynne Brickman, Renee Shane
Israela Kahan, Lauren Ruchelsman
June Rubin speaking to guests
Lynn Abrams
Annie Aliphas and Eliana Vidan
Mother in Israel Event in Chicago
On June 5, the Midwest Council of AMIT hosted their annual Chicago Mother in Israel event, a beautiful evening with a sold-out crowd. The atmosphere was one of achdut, love of Eretz Yisrael, and pride in AMIT.
Our three guest speakers highlighted all facets of Israel and AMIT. Tami Drapkin led us in Tehillim, while Dina Hendler, co-director of AMIT’s Hybrid Gogya, eloquently narrated her family’s story about living through October 7 in Sderot. Lastly, Skokie native Dr. Chava Blivaiss presented a very meaningful slide show about her several tours in Israel performing trauma surgeries on IDF soldiers.
ISRAEL SOLIDARITY MISSION
In February, AMIT led a solidarity mission trip to Israel, providing our supporters with a unique and lifealtering experience as they witnessed the aftermath of the events on October 7.
The journey began in Sderot and Be’eri, where participants saw firsthand the impact of terror. They then connected with displaced students at the Dead Sea learning centers, where AMIT had quickly transformed hotel areas into classrooms to ensure learning could continue immediately. Participants ended the day dancing and singing with IDF soldiers,
many of whom were AMIT graduates, and shared words of hope for a better future.
At the Kfar Blatt Youth Village, participants had the chance to hear from AMIT students about how they overcome trauma through various tools, including music and woodworking therapy. They also learned from Yoav Heller about the potential future of Israel post-war. The trip concluded with an emotional visit to Hostages Square, where they prayed for the return of all hostages.
Arleen Leib, Dina Hendler, Dr. Chava Blivaiss, Fern Katz, Barbara Blivaiss
SOUTHEAST RECAPS
Saundra Rothenberg, Meryl Palgon
Generations II Boynton Event
AMIT Yocheved/Boynton Chapter held its first Generations in Israel event in March at Orchid Gardens restaurant. The esteemed Boynton co-chairs, Meryl Palgon, Miriam Neuman, and Saundra Rothenberg, brought in more than 50 women to learn about AMIT’s work in Israel and lift all our spirits with some A-list comedy by none other than Mikey Greenblatt. It was a very successful event that raised over $7,000 for the AMIT children in Israel.
Boca Black Box Comedy
It was a night of laughter and unity for the Boca community at the Boca Black Box this past March. The evening’s program featured a lineup of popular Jewish comedians—including Eli Lebowicz, Daniel Lobell, Mikey Greenblatt, and Chani Lisbon—whose performances benefited AMIT’s children in Israel and allowed for some levity, joy, and hope for the future.
Boynton BBQ
The Yocheved Chapter held its annual Jay Kaplowitz, z”l, Memorial BBQ at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. More than 80 people attended and heard from Eleanor Chiger and Saundra Rothenberg about AMIT’s work getting our students back home to Sderot and to our schools. Jay, whose memory should be for a blessing, was pivotal in uniting the Yocheved Chapter during his lifetime.
Florida Comes Out for AMIT
This past June, the Southeast region was honored to have Dina Hendler, co-director of AMIT’s Gogya hybrid program, appear in Miami Beach and Hollywood. Dina shared her firsthand experience of living in Sderot on October 7 and the aftermath of being displaced from her home for months. She showed our supporters how uniquely fortunate our students are that AMIT already had the Gogya hybrid learning program in place, which enabled our students to receive immediate support, therapy, and the stability and security of continuing normalcy through remote education. Thank you to the generous hosts, Rina and Joel Kleiner, and regional Florida presidents, Sara and Ronald Gottlieb.
Bru Pool-Sokal, Sara Gottlieb, Dina Hendler, Ronnie Gottlieb & Elana Grauer
DVAR TORAH
The Value of Persistence
DAVID SHASHA
One of the most striking features of the Torah— and one could even say of the entire Bible—is its succinct language. The Torah does not lengthen words that are not necessary, nor does it relay any superfluous information.
Where the Torah deviates from this brevity, it means to highlight something significant for us to learn so that we might draw a certain conclusion from it, which we can try to understand independently or with the help of the words of our sages.
The Torah tells us how the Israelites steadfastly adhered to the commandments of the Holy One, blessed be He, during their journey in the desert. When the cloud rose above the tabernacle, the children of Israel followed it, and where it stopped, they encamped.
But the Torah does not describe this briefly, as is customary; rather, it elaborates extensively with a large number of verses. This raises the question: What lesson is the Torah trying to impart to us here?
According to Chazal, the Torah extends this description to highlight Israel’s merit. Despite the Israelites fulfilling many other mitzvot with absolute perfection, their merit in following God’s word in the wilderness is given special, detailed attention. Why is this particular merit emphasized so extensively?
The Ramban explains this in great detail:
“If the cloud lingers over the Tabernacle for many days, and that place is not good in their eyes, and they desire very much to travel from that place, they will not transgress God’s will. This is why the children of Israel keep God’s commands and do not travel, because of the fear of God and their vigilance in the observance of His commandments they will not travel. Likewise, if the cloud is there for about two or three days, and the people are very tired, and the road is hot, they will do God’s will to follow the cloud.”
The Ramban underscores that the Israelites’ great merit lies in their unwavering commitment to follow God’s command, regardless of the difficulty or inconvenience. And it is this persistence that the Torah praises extensively.
There’s a well-known saying of the sages, “ארַָגְאַ
(According to the sorrow is the reward), which highlights that greater toil and effort in fulfilling mitzvot leads to greater reward. The Israelites exemplified this by persevering with God’s commandments for nearly 40 years, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
This is the great merit that the Torah extends in praise throughout many verses—persistence in following God’s command no matter how difficult it is at the moment.
We know the saying of the sages means “According to the sorrow is the reward.” However, it doesn’t have to be sorrow as we usually define this word today, but exertion and toil. The more a person toils and labors to fulfill the mitzvot, the greater his reward.
Since winning the Chidon HaTanach Bible Competition, I have been asked many times, “What abilities do you need to win such a competition?”
Studying for the Chidon HaTanach requires many things, among them a very high level of self-discipline and time management skills. But the most important thing one can have to succeed is persistence. No matter how hard it is and how much you feel you have no more strength in that moment, you have to continue on, just as the Israelites did in the desert.
This lesson extends beyond any competition—persistence is essential in life. To achieve great accomplishments, one must persevere diligently and unwaveringly over time.
DAVID SHASHA of Yeshivat AMIT Kfar Ganim, Petach Tikvah, is a winner of the 2024 International Chidon HaTanach for youth.
Rav Amitai Sar-Avi, principal of Yeshivat AMIT Kfar Ganim in Petach Tikvah, and David Shasha
MARINATED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH ARTICHOKES & FENNEL
By Kim Kushner
Ready in 50 minutes / Serves 6 people
It seems like so many of us are looking for easy recipes using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Well, here you go! Marinating the chicken breasts adds significant moisture and infuses the meat with intense flavors. I always keep a bag of frozen artichoke hearts in the freezer, and I love that they add an unexpected Mediterranean essence to this dish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 chicken breasts pounded thin, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, washed, peeled, and thinly sliced
• One 10 oz. bag of frozen artichoke hearts cut into quarters
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
• 1 tablespoon of grainy Dijon mustard
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
1. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the chicken, onions, fennel, artichokes, garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, place in the refrigerator to marinate.
3. Heat a grill pan or sauté pan over high heat. Lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
4. Transfer all the marinated ingredients into the pan. Give the pan a good shake. Cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the temperature to medium heat. Cover and cook for 7 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook for 7 minutes longer, rotating all the ingredients occasionally as they cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are caramelized.
TIPS & TOOLS:
• The yellow onion can be replaced with any onion variety.
• The fennel can be replaced with any sliced vegetable.
• The artichokes should not be thawed.
• This dish can be assembled and marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
• This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• To reheat this dish, let it come to room temperature before reheating, covered, in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
Culinary educator Kim Kushner is the best-selling author of The Modern Table, I Heart Kosher, The New Kosher, and The Modern Menu. Raised in Montreal, Canada, Kim learned to cook from her Moroccan-born mother and spent summers with family in Israel. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, she worked as a private chef before launching Kim Kushner Cuisine in 2005. A recognized leader in redefining kosher cuisine, she now travels the world teaching her popular cooking classes. Kim has appeared on the Today Show and has been featured in The New York Times International Edition, Huffington Post, Saveur, and The Chicago Tribune. Kim lives in New York City with her husband and children.
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Beth and Bradley Alter, IL
Apex, Israel
Ziv Aviram, Israel
Rachel, z”l, and Martin Balsam, NY
Diane and Noah Berkowitz, NY
Phyllis and Edward, z”l, Berkowitz, NY
Ellen and Morris Bienenfeld, NJ
Andrea and Bryan Bier, NJ
Sarah Black, z”l, TX
Beth and Reuben Blumenthal, NY
Deborah Stern Blumenthal and Michael Blumenthal, NJ
Freda and Elliot Braha, NJ
Marisa Braunstein, NY
Sari and Stuart Braunstein, NY
Adrianne and Leon Brum, FL
Ruth Burian, NY
Herman and Kate Caro Foundation, NY
Barbara and Melvyn Ciment, MD
Trina and Paul, z”l, Cleeman, NY
Daniela and Ezra Cohen, NY
Florence Cohen, z”l, NY
Shevi and Milton Cohen, NY
Lisa and Ephraim Dardashti, PA
Dexel Factory, Israel
Renee and Harvey Douglen, Israel
DSJ Management, NY
Elaine and Lewis Dubroff, NY
Hattie and Arthur Dubroff, NJ
Linda and Barry Eichler, PA & NY
Sherry and Aaron Eidelman, NY
Ester Eisenberg, z”l, CA
Phyllis and Joseph, z”l, Eisenman, NJ
Fanny and Dov Elefant, NJ
Evelyn Ellenbogen, FL
Danielle and Ronald Ellis, Israel
Kay Fialkoff, NJ
Amy Fisher, Israel
Sharon and Jeffrey Fishman, CA
Debra Jakubovitz Fletcher and Tim Fletcher, CA
Nancy and Asher Forst, NJ
Etan Fraiman, NY
Frances Frankel, z”l, NY
Beth and Harry Fried, NJ
Robbie and Adam Fried, NJ
Sandy and Edward Fried, KS
Marsha and Tom Friedman, NJ
Sharon and Jeffrey Frieling, NY
Renee and Avrohom Fruchthandler, NY
Judith Isaac and Walter Gadlin, NY
Rita Lourie-Galena, PA & NY
Leonid Gandelman, CT
Linda and Norman Garfield, PA
Barbara and Steven Geller, IL
Debbi and Marc Geller, IL
Rita Geller, IL
Caron and Steven Gelles, NY
Lea Gilon, z”l, NY
Abby and Ari Glass, NY
Shari and Maurice Gluckstadt, NY
Paulette and Max, z”l, Goldberg, NY
Esther and Jack, z”l, Goldman, NY
Shira and Gadi Goldress, NY
Nathan and Louise Goldsmith Foundation, NY
Sandra E. Goodstein and Arthur Rosenblatt, PA
Gorlin Family Foundation, MD
The Gottesman Fund, NY
Sara and Ronald Gottlieb, FL
Green Street Power Partners, CT
Robert and Cindy, z”l, Grosberg, NJ
Suzanne and Barry Gurvich, NY
Myrna Haas, NJ
Phyllis Hammer, MA
Debbie and Robert Hartman, IL
Debbie and Eddie Herbst, CA
Sylvia Holder, z”l, NJ
Shulamit and Avram Holzer, NJ
Nancy Isserman Horwitz and Joel Horwitz, PA
Aviva Hoschander-Sulzberger and Vernon Sulzberger, NY
