Dear Moishe House Family,
We are one month into the war in Israel and the weight of this reality sits heavily on all our hearts. We remain in close touch with our Moishe House team members and community builders throughout Israel, where 17 of our community builders (11 from North America and 6 from our communities in Israel) have been called up for active duty.
Moishe House Ramat Gan resident, Anton, who was called up at the start of the war, shared this photo and message. With his permission, we’re proud to share it with you: To the Moishe House family – please continue spreading our light to the community. We are strong together – אנחנו חזקים ביחד (Anahnu hazakim yahad).
From Moishe Pod – Serbia’s fundraiser to support Israelis in Serbia, to Moishe House Chicago – Lincoln Park gathering their community to write letters to IDF soldiers, and Moishe House – Camden hosting an Israeli supper club fundraiser for Magen David Adom, our community builders across the globe continue to inspire and mobilize their communities to support each other and Israel during this time.
Like many of you, we have been grappling with how to navigate through our daily life in this time wrought with heartache and tragedy. Our VP of Programs, Rabbi Ari Perten so poignantly reminded us that, Jewish history is replete with experiences and ritual designed to acknowledge that progress forward (even towards joy) must be held jointly with memory (even of pain). It is in our DNA, no matter how difficult, to hold this duality of emotions. We found his words to be particularly moving right now and we hope you will, too.
We want to share with you 4 things happening at Moishe House as we continue looking forward and leaning into the power of our global community:
- For the Sake of Argument author and 4HQ educator (previously of JAFI’s Makom), Robbie Gringras, is hosting 3 learning sessions for our staff and Community Builders as we explore how to navigate this moment, seek a path toward inclusive dialogue, and uplift our commitment to each other. Community Builders, if you’d like to join the session this Sunday, reach out to your Community Manager.
- The Jewish Learning Collaborative (JLC) is hosting a twice-weekly series of learner gatherings where JLC educators will share Jewish wisdom, traditions, and history. These sessions are an opportunity to seek support through Jewish text and tradition. We invite you and anyone in your network to join us for any of these sessions if you’re looking for context and healing. Session details and registration information can be found here.
- The opportunity to be together is as important as ever. We’re continuing to host our staff and peer-led retreats around the world. This weekend, participants will gather in Atlanta, GA for our Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation retreat for a meaningful weekend full of spiritual renewal, meditation, and connection. If you feel that you could use some meditation and regulation, check out this video from Rabbi David Yedid of Base Denver.
- This coming Tuesday, thousands are gathering in Washington, D.C. to march on the National Mall in support of Israel, the hostages and to fight back against antisemitism. Several Moishe House staff members and community builders will be traveling to D.C. to proudly participate. If you’d like to march with us or find our group, please fill out this form and we’ll share details with you.
Wishing peace and strength to us all as we move through these times together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Your Moishe House Mishpacha (family)
