“Hakhel” at the Kotel
Some 50,000 people attended the once-in-seven-years’ “Hakhel” communal ceremony at the Kotel (Western Wall in Jerusalem). Israel’s President Isaac Herzog participated with Israeli religious and political leaders in the dedication of three Torah scrolls. In Biblical times the King read the whole scroll.
Surfside to twin with Samaria
Surfside, Florida is to establish a twin city relationship with Israel’s Samaria Regional Council. Its purpose is to thank Israel for its help its help in the search and rescue operation at the site of the collapse the 12-storey Champlain Towers South condominium last year.
Israelis rescue survivor from Ukraine
Two volunteers from Israeli NGO United Hatzalah rescued a wounded 86-year-old Shoah survivor from the fighting in the Ukrainian city of Lyman. Alexander and Vadim traveled over 2,500 km to bring the woman to the Slovakian border, where she received medical treatment.
100 babies born at one hospital on Rosh Hashana
100 babies were born on the Jewish New Year, at Shaare Tzedek Medical Center in Jerusalem - 51 girls and 49 boys. Prof. Sorina Grisaru, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, said "… there is no greater happiness than starting a new year with a new baby in the family.
800 orphans celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvah
As last year (see previously), 800 children who lost one or more parents celebrated their bar and bat mitzvah at Israel’s Superland amusement park. Israel’s National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) Rehabilitation branch sponsored the event together with Colel Chabad.
Circle of Life
50-year-old Eyal, a father of five from Holon, received a stem cell transplant to save his life from an Israeli donor who was a perfect match on Ezer Mizion’s bone marrow database. Eyal’s daughter was so grateful, that she registered with Ezer Mizion and her stem cells recently saved the life of a baby.
Jerusalem’s festive streets
Pre-Yom Kippur services feature prayers to ask for forgiveness – “Selichot”. In Jerusalem, these are major events, taking place at the Kotel, the President’s residence, Sultan’s Pool, and Kikar Safra. After Yom Kippur, preparations for Sukkot (Tabernacles) and tree planting begin.
Outstanding immigrants
Seven Olim received the 2022 Sylvan Adams Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize for their contributions to the State of Israel (see ). They include Prof. Eidelman (Neonatology and much more), Prof. Hartstein (Opthomology ), and Asher Friedman (Israeli-Emirati Forum).
Aliyah increased by 128% in 5782
The Jewish state absorbed 60,000 new citizens during the Jewish year 5782 - a 128% increase compared with 2021, when 28,500 Jews came on Aliyah. The majority went to the cities of Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, and Jerusalem.
Five red heifers
Many religious Jews have been waiting for the rare appearance of a red heifer – a cow with entirely brownish red hair, required for the purification process prior to service in the final Temple. Five kosher red heifers have just arrived at Ben Gurion airport – the gift of a Christian Zionist in Texas.