Category: English

“… It is good to thank Adonai and to sing to Your name Elyon….. For, Adonai, what you do makes me happy, I take joy in what your hands have made… How great are your deeds, Adonai, how deep are your thoughts…”

( Psalm 92:2,5,6).

Shalom and blessings, my dear friends.

Over the past month, it seems that everything in Israel is quiet and the war is behind us, but this is not the case.–

The war continues against the forces of evil, the same terrorists continue to try to harm Israelis.

It is indeed a complex time, when we humans are at a loss, looking and seeing how the Lord of lords navigates and leads his flock, and we are part of this wonderful flock. He helps us and guides us and has chosen us to be a help to those in need.

The Creator finds those people who are prepared to be a part of the action, both in prayers from all around the world also by donations, and encouragement. Each of you is a key part this blessed work and partnership.

Assistance to the security forces:

The soldiers and commanders of the Home Front Forces Unit know how to say thank you to our friends around the world.

This unit has had extensive experience in helping many citizens in need around the world, during similar times of disaster. Earthquake and house collapses, such as in Haiti, Turkey, Russia, the Far East, Mexico and other places around the world and in Israel.

During the war (which has not yet ended), there are many houses along the borders and beyond the borders that have been severely damaged, and there is a tangible danger of staying near and entering these buildings. They inspect and make safe from house to house in those areas.

The soldiers and Sabra volunteers help people found with disabilities in these places.

We gave these soldiers high-quality warm coats as a gift (and at the request of the donors who donated to these causes).

It was indeed an impressive and moving ceremony, the distribution of the coats. In fact a ceremony to express gratitude for all the help they gave during the war, (some of the soldiers and other soldiers engaged in the work will be given the coats by the army forces themselves).

The commanders and soldiers asked us to say thank you from the bottom of their hearts to all our friends around the world for their prayers, donations and encouragement.

Their personal request to each of you is to continue to pray for their work, and the protection of our Father in Heaven for all the people of Israel, Their request comes with a great blessing to all our brothers and sisters around the world.

The soldiers, Holocaust survivors and children in the northern regions of Israel also received warm socks that women who love God and man, had knitted with much love and prayer. Some of the families who remained and others who have begun to return to their area are supported by us with food and medical facilities.

As I was writing these lines, it occurred to me that these seemed routine and even slightly boring stories.

But this is not the case; If only you could see the light and smile return to the faces of the recipients of these love gifts.

May the blessing of the Most High be upon you, your family and your congregation.

From the home of good deeds, and the land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem

Your brother in faith

Mordechai ben Yaakov

“—O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures—”. Psalms 104:24 (ESV)

Shalom and blessings, my dear friends

In recent months, Sabra’s activity has been very successful thanks to you. Your prayers and donations have allowed us to provide aid to those in need.

Helping Holocaust survivors:

Our work with Holocaust survivors, with God’s help, is ongoing. We offer daily activities, home visits, and a listening ear. We convey your love and prayers, and we help them materially using your donations. We are your emissaries, with the help of the Creator of the world, we find the people who love the God of Israel and His people Israel. Those who are praying and want to help with all their hearts, sometimes more than they can handle. And join them to people they can help.

We all have the responsibility to help the Holocaust survivors, who are a symbol of what happened about 80 years ago because of the hatred to the Jewish people. The suffering that Holocaust survivors endured is a living expression of what human evil can achieve. In contrast to this evil, there is a little comfort and light from those believers who say to their Creator, “We are your children, we are different.” We are the salt of the earth, and our mission is to bring comfort and encouragement to those who suffer. Sabra, we and our volunteers, provide essential medications and treatments, celebrate birthdays, and bring food, flowers, and vegetables. 

One such visit was to a Holocaust survivor diagnosed with cancer, who, as per their own account, felt much better recently, thanks to the many prayers and blessings they had received.

Last Hanukkah, Sabra participated in numerous events for Holocaust survivors, including one in Tel Aviv that brought together survivors from different parts of the country.

On that occasion, we blessed you by discussing your prayers, we also distributed a gift to every Holocaust survivor: warm socks that a righteous woman who loves God and man knitted, food tickets, and a greeting card. On the first day of Hanukkah, we celebrated at the Sabra House, lighting the first candle of Hanukkah. The celebration was attended by Holocaust survivors, soldiers, and guests of faith from various countries, including Papua, who were also very excited. The soldiers’ objective was clear: to participate in the party to show their support for the Holocaust survivors and guests from those countries. They wanted to thank them for their unwavering support of the people of Israel.

At this event, a virtuoso artist who plays various instruments, a man of God, and a devoted believer volunteered.

The presence of the Shekinah was undeniable: in the prayers, the singing, and the joy.

Help for children, schools, and boarding schools:

Most of you are familiar from our updates on our help in these schools, which includes serving hot meals five days a week, renovating classrooms, providing high-quality furniture, teaching materials, and textbooks, and various kinds of enrichment for studies. Our goal is to give these children the same conditions and opportunities that children from more affluent families receive.

The cooperation with these schools is amazing. We work closely with the teachers and school principals, who are, of course, aware of the help they receive.

The Sabra team participated in the children’s Hanukkah celebration, including a nine-year-old girl who was fascinated by the atmosphere. One of the teachers invited her to join the children in the class, and she did. We also organized an event with the school children to make the elderly happy at the local nursing home in Afula. Sabra purchased doughnuts, which we distributed to the residents of the nursing home, along with singing and dancing with the elderly.

We are helping the families of evacuees and their children. Many families evacuated from the north live in Afula. Especially those whose homes were destroyed in the heavy bombardments, and who still have no possibility of returning to their homes. We provide various forms of assistance, including learning equipment for children, warm clothing, and food vouchers. Some children learn via Zoom and require computers, for which Sabra has provided several. For instance, we provided a computer to a ten-year-old girl whose mother is divorced and does not work. We also provide clothing and food. We also provide assistance to needy families.

On a regular basis, we provide food products, including meat, vegetables, and fruits, to needy families. We deliver the food with the help of local volunteers.

Helping  NEW Olim ( immigrants).

In cooperation with the Afula Municipality, we help immigrants who come from different countries, including Russia, Ukraine, France, South America, and various countries from Europe.

This is not just a gesture; it’s a divine mandate, a responsibility we proudly uphold (Isaiah 11:12 / Isaiah 49:22). The ongoing increase in Aliyah to the Land of Israel is a clear sign of the End of Days.  We will pray and bless: “Blessed are You who will restore His Shekinah to Zion, quickly in our days, Amen.”

Peace and blessings, my dear friends.

Helping soldiers and their families:

1. Winter has also arrived in our country. Winter in the Galilee, especially along the northern borders and in the Golan Heights, is cold. We provided soldiers with warm coats, and items of warm clothing, in addition to greeting cards and greeting letters from around the world.

2. We help lone soldiers, most of whose parents and families do not live in Israel, with shopping options when they go on vacation, etc.

May the blessing of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your congregation.

From the home of good deeds, and the land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem

Your brother in faith

Mordechai ben Yaakov

I assume that you, lovers of the God of Israel, and the people of Israel, know more or less and worry and pray about what is happening in Israel at this time. All those unrestrained attacks by the terrorist enemy in the north called Hezbollah. The same heavy bombardment of northern settlements, the destruction  of many homes and civilian structures. In some localities, the destruction is over 60% of the settlement, and when most of its residents are evacuated; all those  settlements are located in many different places in the country. The small number of residents who decided to stay; Their  suffering is indescribable (a large proportion of the residents are without electricity, as a result of the bombings). At the same time, the Israeli army is very limited in its defense, since almost all Western countries restrict Israel and even threaten us in all sorts of diplomatic and non-diplomatic ways from “answering” Lebanon, the sovereign state that allows a terrorist organization to operate from its territory.

The many fires in the north, in which most of the agriculture is burned and destroyed, entire cowsheds, chicken coops, fields and orchards are burned and can be said to be destroyed. And those that have not yet been destroyed have the difficulty of picking the fruit from the trees or collecting the eggs from those chicken coops that are not yet destroyed.

We, as members of Sabra, after prayers, decided to take action, and help one farm, a farming family that really needs the help of working hands. Despite the huge work we have at Sabra, we went out to help, and to lend a little hand to help pick the plums.

These days are hot  summer days. The fruit, if not picked very quickly, will be spoiling on the tree itself. The task is to pick and pack in the field  the fruit, and from there to transport to the market.

Our team was there alongside children and youth who also came to help, and  they understand the responsibility placed on their shoulders during this challenging time.

We as the Sabra team and the volunteers began picking and packing and preparing the fruit for transport.

We  saw those owners of this plantation happy for the same help with which we were able to lend a hand and help. Their reaction was moving. They blessed the God of Israel for those Israel-loving friends who came to help, and thanked for the prayers of many friends around the world, for their encouragement and support. “Blessed be you, Israel, that you have such friends who love you.”

Help for boarding schools:

On the evening of 03.0.24 we were invated to a bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah party (for eight boys and five girls)which  was arranged  to the boys and girls of the same boarding school. They had got  a helpful explanation throughout the year. The Bar Mitzvah celebration is a very important event for the child and the family itself (the event is the acceptance of responsibility to G-d for his actions), an event that every Jewish child will remember for the rest of his life. Sometimes the cost of the event is high, even for a poor family, but there are those who cannot even give the little; The child and his family are sometimes frustrated by this.

The management of the boarding school held the party in a very dignified and impressive way and all  the ceremony  was made according   to the  Jewish roots

Together with the volunteers and guests from abroad we arrived there  and we must say; we were very excited.

It was a great experience to see our fellow guests who love Israel excited about the event.

After prayers, we decided to give gifts to those children celebrating (by the way, in Hebrew, the boys and girls are called brides and grooms during the event, as a connection to G-d).

Each  child received two gifts from us: one is a good, durable suitcase;  child can travel home with his belongings in that suitcase in a dignified manner.

The second gift, on the recommendation of the teachers and the principal of the boarding school, will help a child  with his studies, so that he will be like the other children in his class.  We had attached greetings with the gifts  on behalf of all friends around the world.

The director of the boarding school, the heads of an organization that manages all boarding schools in Israel, and others congratulated and thanked Sabra and her friends around the world for their help and support.

At the end of that event, the children’s reactions were indeed very touching. For example, the two children stood with their luggage next to us while we waited by the elevator at the exit from the hall, telling us some jokingly and some as a dream: “We are in a hurry for the flight, we don’t want to be late for check-in”.

Some of the Bar Mitzvah revelers when they opened the “small” surprise and discovered what was in it, a tablet, were so happy, and thanked us very much. And the truth is that we and the guests were even more excited.

On the way back to Sabra  our  hearts were full of experiences from the event, and the mind was full of thoughts about what is happening today in Israel and around the world, when so many are against the Jewish people and against the people of Israel, the God of Israel, our Father in heaven; we are happy to  have those righteous people, who love the God of Israel, and the people of Israel. We will continue to pray for more brothers and sisters to be added.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family and your congregation.

From the House of Good Deeds, the House of Sabra, and the Land of Zion and the City of Jerusalem

Your brother in faith

Bomshelter

We’re happy to share some exciting updates on the amazing work being done to help those in need! The Sabra team has been hard at work in discussions with the Home Front Command regarding the establishment of a bomb shelter in the combat zone on the Lebanese border.

Sabra is honored to work alongside the Home Front Command in the Northern Command on many fronts, including helping those civilians who are evacuated, civilians who continue to live in the combat zones, including Holocaust survivors, civilians with varying degrees of disability, and those who refuse to evacuate for various reasons.

The Home Front Command has the most up-to-date information regarding the needs in the various locations.

The security room that was offered to donate through Sabra will be manufactured according to the Home Front Command’s standard and under its responsibility.

The bomb shelter will be stationed in one of the captors in the north. Near the general clinic and dental clinic. The same community underwent a terrorist attack years ago, when terrorists entered the community and murdered three women.

We can’t wait to share more details as soon as the bomb shelter is up and running.

Israel needs your prayers, and we need them now more than ever! Israel is still in the thick of it in the North (border with Lebanon) and Judea and Samaria.

Sabra needs your prayers so that we can continue to be used for His glory!

Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in time of trouble.           (Psalm 41:1)

I wish all of you, who stand with Israel and who pray for Jerusalem, for Israel, and for Sabra, the very best of the Lord’s blessings and the fulfillment of all the promises! May the Lord’s promises to our fathers be fulfilled! The Lord is so gracious and longsuffering, and He is good to all, but especially to those who have faith and who are near His word and do it!

 May the blessing of the Most High be upon you, your family and your congregation.

From Sabra house – the house of good deeds and land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem Your brother in faith

”…Surely you should break your bread for the hungry, and bring the moaning poor [to your] home; when you see a naked person, clothe him; and do not hide yourself from your kin…”    (Isaiah 58:7)

Dear friends, I’m updating you about the work of Sabra just after Pesach.

Close to Pesach Sabra helped needy families to celebrate this special Chag Pesach and this year, thanks to you, we even succeeded in helping more needy people than over the past years.

This year we helped the families of the children who go to the school that we are supporting. This arrangement made it possible also for the families to come and enjoy the Pesach meal with their children. Of course we helped also children from the Boarding School who travelled home for the holidays. Their families are not able to celebrate Pesach without our help. So we did help them.

We helped Jewish communities; those who immigrated from Ethiopia, Holocaust survivors, and 12 needy families from the group of Arye; he delivers the food packages to those families that he knows. They got kosher food packages containing  matzot, vegetables, wine, chicken, puddings for children, techina etc.

Also those who had remained near the borders (for example in Kiryat Shmone) -holocaust survivors, handicapped children with their families, we made it possible for them to have at least something good during this important Feast of Pesach.

Also some poor arab families got help to their feast that was close to Pesach.

This year just before Pesach we helped lonely  soldiers and also soldiers from poor families.

In Sabra house we arranged a special Pesach gathering (24.04.2024)for Holocaust Survivors with food and all those symbols of Pesach connected to the going out from Egypt. Also we spoke about the suffering in Egypt and during the holocaust, and about the sufferings just now. All these are strongly connected with each other. And all these processes have connection with the Faith in G-d of Israel. This year the holocaust survivors were deeply moved; especially this year this gathering had a huge importance. Some dear believers from different countries also joined this party. At the end of this gathering our beloved old people said that they are grateful to G-d for the relationship with Sabra. Through Sabra those believers, friends who love the G-d of Israel, nation of Israel and help holocaust survivors in Israel; actually they help also the future generation. There are not enough words to thank you, dear friends all over the world, for your sincere prayers, for your love, support ,and help. We pray that it will be counted to your for your merit before the Creator of all the earth.

Once again thank you so much on behalf of holocaust survivors, children, needy families, and all those who really need help. You are real brothers.

In one of the schools that we are helping they discovered that two children from a family came to school  without food, and they didn’t eat anything during the school days, when other pupils were eating. It was clear that they also didn’t have any food at home. We are discussing with the principal of this school, what would be the best way to help this family and also other pupils in this school, which is very close to our hearts. That family really needs your  strong prayers. May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family and your community. From the House of Good Deeds, the House of Sabra, the Land of Zion and the City of Jerusalem.

Your brother in faith Mordechai ben Yaakov

Close to the Holocaust Memorial day 6^th of May 2024

Dear friends,

The 6^th of May is the day we remember the Holocaust. It is the day we remind each other of what has happened, and remember all the victims. We are standing together with beloved holocaust survivors supporting and encouraging them and praying for them.

Like every year, we will arrange a gathering in Sabra house this year, too, and join all together in this important and deeply touching event.

It is really important to remember that the number of holocaust survivors still alive is diminishing day by day. There are not so many with us any more. This is exactly the reason why we must, both physically and spiritually, stand with them, encourage them.

Every prayer you pray is like lighting a candle. Your encouragements and all your support have a really huge and important meaning.

On Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Day, we stand together, Jews and non-Jews, and remember those who were murdered by gas, starvation, disease, firing squads, and torture; as well as those trapped in the concentration camps and  who somehow survived. We also remember those who escaped the deadly dragnet (often miraculously) and hid in plain sight, and who joined the underground resistance.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you.

From the House of Good Deeds, the House of Sabra, the Land of Zion and the City of Jerusalem

Your brother in faith

Mordechai ben Yaakov

P.S.

Would you like to support beloved holocaust survivors by sending a letter or an email that shows your love, understanding, and comfort for them?

Shalom dear friends of SABRA

Here’s a summary of the recent and continuing work completed by SABRA along with all of you, our supporters, over the last few months.

Help for Holocaust Survivors

“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age; do not abandon me when my strength fails.” (Ps. 71:9)

SABRA Fund continues to support Holocaust survivors. 

• We are purchasing medical equipment and medicines
• We also drive them to medical appointments when needed
• Taking  them food and warm clothing
• Buying them heaters to keep out the winter chill.
• We supply warm socks that are hand-knitted by wonderful volunteers.
• On their birthdays we happily visit these special people, giving them a bunch of flowers, a birthday card, and some specially chosen edible treat.
• We ensure regular visits to their homes: – some in their own flats, others who are in assisted-living homes, and still others who are in the hospital due to poor health.

We convey to each of them, how much you care about them, which you show in your ongoing prayers and generous donations. They are filled with gratitude and appreciation; many of them have asked us to inform you of their thankfulness.

Our relationship with these elderly folk is close and personal. We’ve come to see them like members of our own families. They feel the same way, often calling our office administrator, Lana. They want to communicate/chat with someone, they tell her about their back pain, a bad dream or of a neighbour who bothers them, or a pressing problem in their flat. It’s extremely important that they have someone to turn to, and it’s a joy for us at SABRA to be that “someone”.

Help for Schools

“I and the children whom the LORD has given me…” (Isa. 8:18)

SABRA continues to help the disadvantaged, both at the day schools and boarding schools located in the area of Afula and on the Gaza border. This help is expressed in a few ways:

• Supplying the children with prepared warm food during school days (five times a week)
• Purchasing school supplies to provide these kids with opportunities equal to their peers in the rest of Israel
• Renovating the school premises and environment with new furnishings appropriate for modern classrooms.
• Improving the play areas, so that the children can enjoy their study breaks and leisure time in a healthy way.

When holidays are approaching, we organize celebrations at their schools, we are teaching them about the roots of their Jewish identity from the Bible; ensuring they know the real meaning of the Feast of Trumpets – Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover (due to arrive this month) and Shavuot.

Annual Bible Quiz

April-May is the season of Israel’s annual Bible Quiz (Hidon Ha-Tanach) for the youth of the nation. This is an Israel invention dating back to 1963 under Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Each town conducts a local competition for schoolchildren in grades 6-12. The winners from each location have the option to compete for the national title. An international version also takes place in Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day. This event is broadcast live on Israeli TV.  To prepare for this event, Jewish children aged 14-18 attend a special week-long Bible Camp; in 2023, twenty different countries were represented.

It is noteworthy that this tradition can be considered revolutionary in today’s world, which sees the Bible as an outdated book with little value beyond a bit of ancient history (at best). Increasing numbers of “intellectuals” are claiming that it’s a collection of unfounded myths, or even that it has a harmful influence on humanity. (There are countries where Bibles are forbidden.)

Believers in the Book of books know why for young people the National Bible competition is a great motivator by encouraging Israeli children to read the Tanach. It forms the foundation of our people’s existence and our presence in the Land of Zion, testifying of GOD’s unfailing promises, some of which were fulfilled when we returned to the Land after 2000 years of exile; others still waiting to be fulfilled.

Learning about the prophecies handed down by our people encourages the children to pray to their Creator, with the assurance that He hears and He answers. SABRA represents all supporters, and encouragers worldwide who love the Land of Israel, to fully back this wonderful Israeli tradition.

Help for Israel’s soldiers in ‘high-risk’ areas

“It is the time of Jacob’s distress; yet he will be saved from it.” (Jer. 30:7)

It’s unbelievable that after 75 years, Israel is still fighting for its life. Most of us vividly remember last October 7 as a nightmare that could not be fully grasped as possible in the 21st century. Hamas invaded the Jewish state after two years of careful planning. In one day, they systematically massacred over 1,200 civilians on our soil engaging in rape, mutilation, and other sadistic acts.  Incomprehensibly they filmed it all; proudly showing it to the world. The shock and outrage were initially shared by many nations in the world, seemingly standing by Israel’s side. However, that global support soon faded once Israel began to take action against their brutal perpetrators.

Today, only six months later, very few seem to remember the horror of that day – along with the fact that over 100 Israeli hostages (many of whom may now be dead) are still being held by our heartless enemies. Each one of these acts is an undisputed war crime. But the world looks away.

The UN pays lip service to “the plight of the hostages”…not making any demands on the International Red Cross to visit the hostages and it’s clear that this so called ’humanitarian organization’  has not made any effort to check on the condition of the hostages as required by international law; they should be prosecuted!

After six months and mountains of evidence, the International women’s rights organizations have yet to denounce the abuse of Israeli women by Hamas. Instead, with absolutely no evidence, beyond Hamas’ erroneous claims, these global groups are accusing Israeli soldiers of the very same acts which Hamas committed!

Think what our brave men and women in uniform are feeling as they are risk their lives not only to protect Israeli citizens, but also to avoid harming the civilians in Gaza. It is becoming widely known that Military experts have expressed admiration for the low rate of civilian casualties compared to other wars with armed combatants throughout history. But global media buries that assessment and historical facts by pushing nonstop rumors of ‘IDF atrocities’ reported by sources working for Iran and Qatar.

Lone Soldiers

Those serving in the IDF without families in Israel are especially vulnerable to discouragement and loneliness. Likewise those assigned to guard the civilians who decided to stay in Israel’s northern towns; despite the danger from incoming Hezbollah missiles are also alone, bravely protecting these towns. Not many people outside Israel are aware that both Arab and Jewish citizens are among the residents of the North; both are also among the soldiers faithfully serving our country.

Thanks to the generous help and continual prayers of our friends, who love Israel, SABRA are helping Israel’s soldiers (both Arab and Jewish) through this difficult time by doing the following:-

• Taking them warm clothing, cooking equipment, and other items that make their military service easier.
• Purchasing a defensive, lifesaving machine in coordination with the IDF.
• Helping them with their traditional celebrations while being away from home – feasts like Purim and Hanukkah
• With great care and love we supplied them with holiday treats to show our gratitude for their service.

The soldiers we encountered are full of appreciation and thanks. For some of them, it was the first time they had received help from lovers of Israel who live outside the country.

Help for needy families

“Is this not the fast that I choose… to break your bread with the hungry…?” (Isa. 58:6-8) Our support for the poor in our area continues. Weekly we supply a package of food items, which are delivered near the end of the week. This package includes high-priced items like meat and fish, along with canned goods, and something sweet for the children.

Passover – the holiday of freedom

“The LORD’s Passover shall be on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of this month there shall be a feast; unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days.” (Num. 28:16-17)

When all the family is gathered around the Passover holiday table, both young and old take part in reciting the great miracles our forefathers saw in Egypt, remembering the mighty acts of GOD in bringing our people out of bondage and recalling His faithfulness to us through the desert journey until we arrived in the Promised Land. I don’t need to explain to Bible believers how important it is for the Jewish people to observe this Feast each year at the appointed time.

With the rising cost of food in Israel, we want to make it as easy as possible, for as many individuals – as many as we can help – to celebrate Passover properly. Not surprisingly, the number of families requesting food aid this year is higher than last year.

We are hoping to be able to answer the requests of 500 families this Passover. A package of food for one person for the seven days of Passover costs NIS 150 (around USD 40); for a family of three, the cost is NIS 350 (around USD 95). Every contribution of any size will be received with gratitude by those who receive it.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, family and community. From the House of Good Deeds, in the Land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem.

Your brother in faith,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

“…and you shall tell your child…” (Exodus 13 : 8 )

What is our motive to celebrate Passover each year? It must be, to tell the Passover story to future generations. We do this by sharing the ‘Seder’ with our children explaining from our knowledge as adults that we were slaves, labouring under harsh bondage from a ruthless Pharaoh in Egypt. It is our obligation to instil in these children just how miraculously HaShem intervened opening the sea and bringing us out of slavery with a strong hand and a mighty arm.

Each year we are invited to one of the schools that we have helped and supported for many years – the age of the children ranges from kindergarten to sixth grade in elementary school. We enjoy and love to help organise and prepare the children before they leave the school to celebrate Passover. We teach them a little bit about how the holiday is celebrated and what the ‘Seder’ is all about.

Usually the students, teachers, and the representatives of the community along with the Rabbi of the town and our team are involved in the event; sometimes including guests from around the world; this time we were joined by dear friends from Finland and a couple from Germany.

However, this year the event was different from previous years. We added things such as prayer for the soldiers along with the recovery of the wounded and prayer for the safety of the hostages still in captivity.

Indeed, the atmosphere was different; all of us adults and guests could see this tension in the children because the daily news about the war and its continuation breeds a considerable anxiety in the students. We celebrated but with an atmosphere that was mixed with joy and sadness at the same time.

The event took place outside the main building in the playground. Each class has its own row of tables along with another beautifully set-out row of tables with chairs; empty, waiting for the abductees to participate in the Passover Seder.

While blessing the children and teachers, the Rabbi of Afula asked them, “Who is most important person at the Passover celebration?” The children tried to guess saying, “Miracles,” “Grandfather,” “Guests,” etc. He pointed out that it was the children who are the most important on Seder night because G-d commanded us to tell our children the story of the Exodus. We don’t know the future but we know G-d is in control and like the first Exodus will bring us through.

 Personally, I have known the same prayers and songs since childhood. This year they have taken on a different and sharper meaning.

Here is an example:

A song – “And She Who stood for our ancestors and for us…” – a prayer song known almost all over the world states the following…

“And He, the Holy One, who stood and stands,

For our fathers and for us

Not just one

In every generation our enemies who plan to destroy us

But the Holy One, “Blessed be He”

Save us from them”.

Also a prayer song from other sources:

“… we were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt…

 slaves yes! we were slaves…!

Now we are free people, we are free people…”

I thought about the meaning of these words today, at this juncture in our history. Listening to the beautiful happy and catchy melody, it occurred to me that it was important to teach the children and to remind myself that my root is not a “prince” but a servant of the Creator who Himself redeems me, my family, all my brothers and our nation out of slavery to worship Him as the King of kings.

As one family we went to Egypt (Jacob and his sons), as one big family we suffered there, and as one family we left Egypt so we will celebrate the Seder – those missing on the eve of the Seder are the hostages and  soldiers who continue to fight for us. We will encourage each other’s brothers, and many of our friends around the world who love us, pray  and support us.  I see them as those who are grafted into the family.

I was informed at the end of the ceremony of the happy news that this summer, new olim (immigrants families) will arrive in Israel from Europe. It is believed to be around 200 families from France. Twenty of them will come to Afula. The families have asked that their children study at the school which SABRA is connected with.

During this challenging time in our history, G-d is causing many to return to Israel – it made me think of the verse in Jeremiah which is being fulfilled before our eyes:

… Nations, hear the word of Adonai!

Proclaim it in the coastlands far away, say

“He who scattered Israel is gathering him,

guarding him like a shepherd his flock.”

10 (11) For Adonai has ransomed Ya‘akov,

redeemed him from hands too strong for him….” (Jeremiah 31:9,10,11)

We can know and understand that we are in the end times when we see scripture being fulfilled as quoted above. Is this ‘end time’ the coming redemption? We may ask ourselves, how will each one of us fit into this sacred and wonderful process?

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family and your community. From the House of Good Deeds, the House of Sabra, the Land of Zion and the City of Jerusalem.

Your brother in faith

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Shalom and blessings,

Dear brothers and sisters who love the God of Israel and the people of Israel. April 18th ( the 10th of Nisan) is a minor feast day called Yom HaAliyah (Immigration Day). This day may not have great importance for all lovers of Israel. You take part in Aliyah efforts, you pray that more Jews could be brought back home to Israel every year, but this day bears great significance for Jews only, out of love for Israel.

There are many Bible passages which say that the Creator of the World Himself will raise a banner for all nations and bring the Jews to the Promised Land. Read for instance Isaiah 11:12 and Isaiah 49:22. 

This time on the Day of Aliyah I would like to focus on two verses dealing with this theme: Isaiah chapter 66 verses 20 and 21.

”And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering [mincha] the  LORD – on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels´, says the LORD. They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings [mincha], to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels”(Isaiah 66:20, NIV).

”´And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites´, says the LORD” (Isaiah 66:21,NIV).

Sabra Foundation is helping new immigrants with great love and brotherhood – with your aid. Dear friends, you are working with us through your prayers, encouragements, and support.

Although the situation in Israel is now extremely critical because of the ongoing war, the ever increasing fierce antisemitism in the world around Israel, and because of the opposition of the Israeli people, yet more and more new immigrants are beginning to arrive, also from countries very few immigrants have come before. It is like a glimpse of light in these challenging times.

We, I and Sabra team, ask you humbly: Please go on praying for this project we are working with, so that Sabra can continue the holy mission.

I appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your support.

”This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ´See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders´” (Isaiah 49:22, NIV).

Be blessed.

The blessings of the Most High be upon you.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem.