Sweetness Amidst Bitterness: A Tishrei Reflection

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, our hearts are heavy with the weight of recent events. The outbreak of war on Simchat Torah and its ongoing impact have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, to the point where for many, the mere mention of “Simchat Torah” now evokes feelings of pain and sadness in their hearts. In times like these, we might be tempted to echo the ancient liturgical phrase, “May the year and its curses come to an end,” yearning to forget the pain and turmoil we’ve endured.

Indeed, the past year has been one of unprecedented challenges. The horrors of the Simchat Torah massacre, the subsequent societal rifts, and the continued state of conflict have tested our resilience as a people. It would be understandable to wish for this year to fade quickly from memory, to turn the page and start anew.

However, as we at Sulamot and La’Ofek have witnessed, this challenging year has also given rise to truly uplifting and incredible phenomena that we dare not forget. Amidst the darkness, we,ve seen the indomitable spirit of Am Yisrael shine brighter than ever before.

Featured: Rabbi Eli Taragin and Rabbi Daniel Fridman (JCOT) planting seedlings in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom through Sulamot’s Atufim project, which supports 9 Gaza border communities on their journey to rehabilitate and rebuild.

We’ve witnessed an outpouring of unity and support across all sectors of society that defies imagination. Soldiers rushing from every corner of the country – and even from abroad – to aid those in need; civilians initiating countless projects to support our troops and displaced communities; and an unprecedented strengthening of bonds between Israeli Jews and our brethren in the Diaspora. These expressions of solidarity and selflessness have been nothing short of miraculous.

The civilian response has been particularly inspiring. We’ve been inundated with calls and messages from people eager to contribute in any way possible – from providing military equipment to preparing food for soldiers, from writing encouraging notes to offering shelter to the displaced. The sheer volume and diversity of initiatives have been overwhelming and deeply moving.

Moreover, the connection between Israeli Jews and our global Jewish family has reached new heights. As an organization, we’ve always maintained ties with communities worldwide, but the current crisis has sparked an unprecedented level of collaboration. Rabbis, community leaders, and individuals have offered support in various ways – by making Aliyah, volunteering, providing financial assistance, and organizing prayer gatherings and solidarity events in their communities.

Sulamot’s Ratzim LaMishna program: Inspiring 200,000 children globally to study Mishna in their free time through engaging videos and events. Featured: Siyum Masechet Ta’anit, uniting bereaved and international learners.

As we enter the new year, Am Yisrael’s mission is clear. While we may wish to leave behind the pain and suffering, we must not lose sight of the incredible unity and strength we’ve discovered within ourselves. These are the silver linings that illuminate our path forward.

Our challenge now is to harness this positive energy – the dedication, the sense of mission, the connection to Eretz Yisrael, and the unity of our people – and channel it into our daily lives and keep it close to our hearts like a talisman that guides our way as we pray for peaceful times ahead.

This year, our prayers take on added significance. In Tishrei, as the Almighty determines the course of the coming year, we must intensify our prayers. We pray for the safety of our soldiers, for the return of the hostages, for the displaced to return home whole in body and spirit. We pray that the Almighty will guide our nation to its rightful and honorable place.

Let us conclude with the timeless words of our liturgy, which resonate more powerfully than ever:

“And so, too, O L-rd, grant honor to Your people… gladness to Your land, joy to Your city, flourishing of pride to David, Your servant, and a clear, shining light to the son of Yishai, Your anointed, speedily in our days.”

Rabbi Eli Taragin is the CEO of Sulamot and La’Ofek, organizations dedicated to Jewish education and community empowerment through education and employment. Working closely with founder Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, he drives innovative projects within these institutions. Rabbi Taragin also serves as the rabbi of Kehilat Maayan Rivka in Petach Tikvah, Israel.