Inside AMIT, Fall 2022

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Audrey Axelrod Trachtman AMIT President

DebbieIsaac

James Seaman

S e venty percent o f A MIT ’s 4 0,000 c hildren c ome f rom I srael ’s po orest n eighborhoods , where providing a child with basic needs is a daily struggle. But we can help.

The AMIT Back to School campaign ensures that each child starts with a new backpack f ull o f s chool s upplies, along with m e als a nd c lothing. O ur c hildren n eed s upport from y ou t o r ealize t heir po tential.

Please make a generous gift today and support AMIT’s mission to foster a nurturing atmosphere for all children, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Donate today amitchildren.org/bts

RAV YONI BERLIN serves as Principal of the AMIT Gwen Straus Junior and Senior High School for Boys at Kfar Batya in Ra’anana, the leading religious high school for science and technology in Israel.

MekonenItamar

EVENT Highlights

NATIONAL EVENTS

In AMIT’s latest installment of our wine club, more than 85 people and 5 viewing parties across the U.S. tuned in on April 4 to sit back, sip wine, and imagine themselves in the Shiran Winery in Rosh Tzurim. Although we couldn’t physically be in Israel, everyone felt immersed in the sunshine, warm air, and special tasting notes in each of the three unique bottles of wine we tasted. Brad du Plessis from KosherWine.com led us on this journey and helped us discern a Cabernet from a Merlot and a Pinot Noir from a Pinot Grigio. Everyone had an amazing time and was glad to “sip for good” and support AMIT through this Pre-Pesach wine tour, tasting, and sale. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your case of wine, and we look forward to our next AMIT wine tasting!

AMIT’s Mother-in-Israel Program Strikes a Chord

Your support of this campaign helps secure Israel’s future through education, providing crucial opportunities that put our students on the path to success.

We were thrilled to have close to 1,000 Mother-in-Israel supporters join us on June 9 for our “Strike a Chord” virtual program that featured four outstanding students who have flourished thanks to the music programs at their AMIT school.

Our thanks to international chair Debbie Moed, cochairs Rebecca Adlerstein and Jen Koplow, and the hardworking committee from all our AMIT chapters across the U.S. and Israel for making this our most successful Mother-in-Israel campaign yet!

More than 185 people joined AMIT and The Jewish Book Council (JBC) as we collaborated to commemorate Yom HaShoah with a meaningful program drawn from Paper Brigade, JBC’s literary magazine.

The original “paper brigade” consisted of a group of writers and intellectuals in the Vilna Ghetto who risked their lives to rescue books and documents from Nazi hands.

This was a timely topic as we remembered the Holocaust and the heroism that took place, with poignant parallels to today’s uncertain climate.

Daniel Silva, a number one New York Times best-selling author, wowed AMIT supporters once again. Interviewed by his wife, CNN Special Correspondent Jamie Gangel, Silva captivated the Zoom audience with the latest escapades of fictional art restorer and Mossad chief Gabriel Allon. Silva talked about featuring the same character in 22 of his books, and shared insights into writing his latest novel, “Portrait of an Unknown Woman.”

REGIONAL EVENTS

The AMIT Southeast Region has moved to a more centrally located area. The office is now located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton—a modern building that will allow for more growth. AMIT President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman was on hand to hang a mezuzah on the doorpost of AMIT’s newest office. We hope you’ll come visit us!

Dr. Roni Raab Shares Hostage Story at Florida Gathering

On May 24, AMIT supporters from North Broward and South Palm Beach gathered for the first in-person AMIT event in the region in more than two years. Southeast Region Director Dr. Roni Raab shared his harrowing story of being held hostage by terrorists during a 1970 hijacking. Rabbi Shalom Malul, Dean of AMIT Ashdod Yeshiva, and AMIT President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman shared their strong passion for AMIT. The event was held in partnership with Boca Raton Synagogue.

EVENT Highlights

New England’s Garden Party

The New England Garden Party, Brunch & Flower Tour took place on June 12 at the lovely home of Paul and Renée Shane in Newton, Massachusetts. AMIT President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman gave an inspirational and informative presentation on AMIT’s amazing work in Israel. Paul Shane spoke about the intricacies of his beautiful gardens, and Rocky Levin shared her experience with developing a garden in the shade. Ethlynne Brickman, Laura Eisenberg, and Renée Shane chaired this lovely event. It was a pleasure meeting old and new friends on a spectacular day. Donations helped support the orchestra at AMIT Sderot Religious Junior and Senior High School.

Top row: Sheryle Spar, Audrey Axelrod Trachtman, Judith BottomPoretskyrow:Leonie Meiselman and Hope Berger Nathan

Philly NewGen Street Fair

The 2022 AMIT Philly NewGen Street Fair took place on a very sunny May 15, and it was a delightful day! AMIT alumna Leah Genie punctuated a fun-filled afternoon with a moving and inspiring account of her winding journey from Ethiopia to a diplomacy program at Reichman University, and how AMIT supported her along the way. More than 100 guests came out to support AMIT’s mission, support local businesses, and create community.

AMIT Midwest Welcomes Rabbi Shandalov

On July 11, AMIT Midwest held our first in-person event since the rise of COVID. We were humbled to introduce Rabbi Zev Shandalov into the home of longtime supporters Aviva and Nate Lichtenstein. Rabbi Shandalov is an educator at AMIT Eitan Ma’ale Adumim School for Boys. He spoke about our AMIT schools and his newly published book of Hebrew piyyutim (short liturgical poems), which were inspired by his students. Thank you to Rabbi Shandalov for your visit and sharing your experiences with our Chicagoland AMIT community.

ROSH HASHANA MAIN COURSE