World Mizrachi

The annual Sukkot Luncheon dedicated to the memory of Arieh Halpern z”l, a dear friend and leader of the Movement, under the patronage of our dear friends, his brother Sam and Gladys Halpern, took place on Hol Hamoed in the Sukkah of the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem. This year, the luncheon was proceeded by an interesting presentation by Rav Yisrael Rosen of the Tzomet Institute. Rav Rosen explained how Tzomet has been utilizing technology to create halachically acceptable electrical products for use on Shabbat, for example the Shabbat elevators in hotels, the special Shabbat pen used in hospitals and other advancements used in the IDF. Following the presentation, the crowd made its way to the beautiful Sukkah and were entertained by music from Eli Yechieli and enjoyed the gourmet food on offer. Following a welcome from World Mizrachi Director-General Solly Sacks, participants heard from World Mizrachi President Kurt Rothschild, as well as insightful words from Minister Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz and MK Zevulun Orlev. For the 300+ attendees, this year’s luncheon was particularly well received, and will undoubtedly be marked on everyone’s calendars for next Sukkot!

Following the dedication of a Sefer Torah to the Bnei Netzarim community in Halutza two years ago, we took a group of 50+ participants to re-visit the community and see the progress that has been made. The demand for the tiyul was very high with a number of people turned away due to lack of space. The day was due to begin with a visit to an army base on the Gazan border, however, that had to be cancelled due to the impending release of Gilad Shalit and the accompanying heightened security levels. The group were taken to a point very close to the Gazan border, and stood a short distance away from the exact point where Gilad was captured – an amazing and timely experience.

The group then moved to the Halutza area, where in the middle of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes, communities and agriculture are blooming. First, they were shown the hothouses which contained peppers and were explained how the pioneers in the area are succeeding in growing vegetables in such an arid area of the country. Upon visiting the packing house, the group was afforded the opportunity to taste a cucumber grown organically in the area specifically to be pickled by the Kibbutz Yavneh plant. They were also allowed to take some etrogim which were not purchased prior to Sukkot, which could be smelt from some distance away!

Moving on to Bnei Netzarim, the group were greeted by the sight of the new shul, funded by monies raised by World Mizrachi, the building of which has come a long way, but is not yet finished. Both the border with the Gaza Strip and the border with Egypt were pointed out to the group – a mere few kilometers from their location at the time. During a delicious catered meal in the large Sukkah, participants were treated to an extra when they were addressed by a young IDF volunteer from Canada who was doing shmira (security) for the yishuv as part of his training. The young man impressed the listeners with his maturity and willingness to give to Israel even though he does not live here. Following Mincha in the temporary shul building next door, the group entered the new shul. The building is very impressive and has been modeled on the shul that stood in the Netzarim community in Gush Katif. The group was informed that although much work has been completed since World Mizrachi last visited, the building is currently at a standstill as they are awaiting more funding to enable the completion of the building. On a tour of the yishuv, the group saw the beautiful houses surrounded by sand, as well as the public buildings such as the mikva and school. The group then visited the nearby new yishuv of Shlomit where they saw another example of the pioneering spirit in the area. The tour concluded with the group visiting the nearby Yavul community where the Gush Katif evacuees have been living in temporary accommodation since the Disengagement in 2005. The last family moved from Yavul into Bnei Netzarim on Erev Sukkot. The tiyul was enjoyed by all who are looking forward to the next tiyul!

This Hoshana Raba, Yavneh Olami and the World Mizrachi Young Leadership Division teamed up with Beineinu (a division of Young Israel) to hold a night of ‘learning and music’ on Leil Hoshana Raba at the Yeshurun Synagogue. The night’s speakers included Rav Shlomo Riskin, Rav Yoni Rozensweig, Rav Aviad Tabory, Rebbetzin Chasidah Pinchuk and Prof. Melanie Landau. The speakers were very well-received. In addition to the lectures given in English, there was also a program for Spanish-speakers in the Beit Midrash, which also had a big turn-out.