Israel Active

The Moon passed completely through the shadow of the Earth on Sun 7 Sep.  The full “Blood Moon” was visible in Israel from 8:30pm until 9:52pm. The next time the event will occur is on 31 Dec 2028.  But in the auspicious Jewish month of Ellul – who knows?

Those familiar with the Biblical book of Genesis will know that Abraham weighed out 400 shekels of silver to purchase the Cave of Machpelah where he buried his wife Sara. Now Israeli archaeologists have proved that silver was used locally for commerce and payment over the centuries when coins did not exist.

Ben J. and Dorit Genet have donated $1.6 million to the Ohr Torah Stone network for its modern orthodox women’s seminary in the central Israeli city of Lod. Renamed Lod Midreshet Dorit, it supports women wishing to learn Torah, work in the community and serve in the IDF.

No, not SMS. Today, an unprecedented number of American Jews are seeking new ways to grapple with the complexity and nuance that is needed to understand Israel. The Jewish Education Project has the answer: return to the core texts of your people.

Marina Shear, wife of Newsletter subscriber Glen, can help any reader wishing to make Aliyah or purchase a property in Israel.  She has assembled teams of English-speaking lawyers, mortgage brokers, builders, property managers, inspectors and designers. Read her guide and contact her for more details.

Ok this is not the main reason for making Aliyah, but it’s good to get some help during and after the process.  It’s not a complete list – there are many more – please consult an Aliyah advisor.

The record $180 million to Rabin (Beilinson) Medical Center (see previously) was not the only donation from Israelis Shmuel and Anat Harlap. They also contributed tens of millions of shekels to the Weizmann Institute for restoring a building damaged in last June’s Iranian missile attack.

The UK-based Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation donated $1.2 million for two Sci-Tech schools in Ashkelon, a city heavily impacted by Hamas rockets. Ronson Afridar school will receive a new state-of-the-art open-air theatre. Henry Ronson school will also be renovated.

Singer Idan Amedi performed at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park for 30,000 reservists, their families, wounded IDF soldiers, and bereaved families. The performance was dedicated entirely to honoring those who have risked their lives and made significant sacrifices for the security of the State of Israel.

With no more threats from snipers, anti-tank weapons and mortars from Gaza, the concrete barriers that concealed Kibbutz Nahal Oz from north and central Gaza are being taken down. All terrorist infrastructure has been destroyed and the IDF now control the vantage points.