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Join Us For a Jewish Community Get-Together This Sunday October 29

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Photo credit: Israel and You 

By popular demand, I’m running another FREE one-hour community Zoom get-together for everyone who could use some support and connection right now.

I heard from so many of you that the session I led two weeks ago left you feeling inspired and empowered, and this time we’ll delve a little deeper into topics like speaking out effectively against Jew hate and misinformation about Israel – all while coming together with hundreds of other Jews who get what you’re going through right now.

The event will take place this Sunday October 29, at 8:30 PM UK / 4:30 PM NYC / 1:30 PM LA, and you’ll find:

  • Support for navigating the silence (and worse) so many of us are experiencing from friends, activists, and influencers
  • Step-by-step guidance on effectively combatting Jew hate and misinformation about Israel, online and off
  • Connection, community, and comradery with fellow Jews who understand what you’re going through right now – including breakout sessions to say whatever you are feeling.

This event is free and open to the community, so please do register now  – and share with anyone you think could benefit.
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How to Support Your Jewish Friends Right Now: A Guide for Non-Jews

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Photo by Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash

Right now, in light of Hamas’s horrific massacre, a lot of us Jews are having a hard time. We’re reeling from the largest loss of Jewish life on a single day since the Holocaust, and all too often we’re feeling alone and wondering why the rest of the world isn’t more outraged and devastated.   

If you’re a non-Jew with Jewish friends, family, or colleagues, your support right now would mean so much to the Jews in your life. I know it can be hard to know what to say or do at times like this, and so I’ve put together a list of some ways can help. 

Check In

This is an incredibly hard and scary time for us as Jews, and checking in to see how we’re holding up is so appreciated.

So many of us have family and friends living in Israel – and even if not, in a sense all Jews are really one big family. A quick text is all it takes. Just let us know you’re thinking of us, or ask how we’re doing. 

Use Your Voice

From silence to Israel-bashing, by and large the responses we’re from non-Jews seeing online and on social platforms are making us feel isolated, vulnerable, and afraid.

If you feel able to speak up for Israel to those in your circle, either on social media or offline, that would be so, so appreciated. It can be as simple as sharing a couple posts on your Instagram feed.

As much as I hate having to mention this, I also want to make it clear that supporting Israel’s right to exist, and its people’s right to life, doesn’t mean you back the current government – and it also doesn’t mean you don’t care about innocent Palestinian lives being lost right now. 

Some great Instagram accounts creating shareable content are @henmazzig, @rootsmetals, and, of course @yourjewishlife.

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The War Against Israel: How to Feel Supported, Connected and Comforted with Everything Going On Right Now

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If you’re feeling isolated, shocked, heartbroken or scared, and unsure how to communicate about everything happening in Israel with your non-Jewish friends, colleagues, or on social media, watch the replay from last Sunday’s community get-together where you’ll learn:

  • How to handle friends who are outspoken about other issues, but are silent on Israel
  • Tips for talking about the war in Israel effectively
  • When to engage and when to walk away
  • How to handle comment trolls
  • Self care: How to deal with the stress of Jew hate
  • Basic history of the conflict, and resources on where to find out more

>> WATCH NOW

Some of the comments that have come in from people who have watched it are:

“I feel very confident now on how to approach others on the topic. Thank you so much”

“I’ve been feeling so alone. I don’t anymore!”

“Loved the ‘Chevruta”

“I might be able to sleep tonight for the first time in more than a week. It is just so nice to not feel alone.”

“Thank you for giving us straightforward ways of dealing with what we are all facing”

“I have felt so alone going through all of this, and now I feel connected + comforted”

“Thank you, you have brought light and made me feel better and hopeful”

“Not to waste time on idiots and trolls. More Jewish Joy and Hope!”

“Thanks for giving feeling of support, tips, just got to know you and love it!”

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COMMUNITY GET-TOGETHER: How To Talk about the War in Israel with People Who Don’t Get It

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How are you doing? I know that right now many of us are feeling isolated, shocked, heartbroken, and scared – and unsure how to communicate about it all with our non-Jewish friends, colleagues, and on social media.

It’s not easy to engage when we’re confronted with silence, or worse, hostility toward Israel.

But it’s so important that we speak up about what’s really going on – and I want to make sure you have the tools to do so confidently, safely, and effectively. 

That’s why this Sunday October 15, at 8:30 PM UK / 3:30 PM NYC / 12:30 PM LA I’m running a one-hour community get-together, where you’ll learn:

  • Tips for talking about the war in Israel effectively
  • When to engage and when to walk away
  • How to handle comment trolls
  • Basic history of the conflict, and resources on where to find out more
  • Plus, you’ll find a safe space to be with others who get how you’re feeling.

This event is free and open to the community, to please do register now and share with anyone you think could benefit.
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A Magical Garden Jewish Wedding at Habustan, Abu Gosh, Israel

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Ariella & Ryan, Habustan, Abu Gosh, Israel

Gorgeous venue alert! Israeli couple Ariella, an account manager in digital marketing, and Ryan, a product manager at a high-tech startup, fell in love with their venue, Habustan, the minute they set eyes on it – and we’re pretty sure we’re having the same experience right now!

The couple couldn’t get enough of the magical garden vibes, and they knew they wanted to keep the focus for their big day on the venue’s natural splendor, with fairy lights, trees, and flowers galore. Their photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman, captured the understated yet elegant feel of the day so perfectly – in addition to making Ariella and Ryan and their guests feel comfortable and calm as he captured the most phenomenal moments.

One special touch we love: when it came time for the sheva brachot, Ariella and Ryan picked seven VIPs to give one bracha each, and they gave their MC a small script to introduce each person, thanking them for the way they touched the couple’s lives.

We’ll let Ariella fill you in on the rest…

Ariella & Ryan, Habustan, Abu Gosh, Israel Ariella & Ryan, Habustan, Abu Gosh, Israel Ariella & Ryan, Habustan, Abu Gosh, IsraelAriella & Ryan, Habustan, Abu Gosh, Israel
How We Met

Ariella, the bride: . We met through a mutual connection, who knew Ryan well and got my name and info from a friend of his who found out that I had recently made Aliyah. We went on our first date only three weeks after I landed in Israel and the rest is history!Continue ReadingContinue Reading