Weekly D'var Torah

“Our Children” from Ofakim at Ben Gurion Airport before the flight to New Jersey.

Last week, Adath Shalom hosted a group of Israeli teens from Ofakim, one of the MetroWest Federation Partnership communities.  The culmination of a three-year collaboration between our Religious School and the Amirim school in Ofakim, the teens stayed with Adath Shalom host families while they attended Camp Deeny Riback and took part in a panoply of activities at Adath Shalom.  They came to us as names signed on letters and Zoom images- Tamar, Noam, Maya, Bar, Ron, Ariel, Adi, Shoval, Yehonatan, Itamar, Tehila, Danielle, Yael and Liel and of course, their amazing guidance counselor Danit, teacher Ortal and social worker Gal.  But from the very first time we met them at our welcoming barbecue, they became something much more: our children.  Joining our families and teens for an intense week packed with camp, trips, get togethers, a Shabbat dinner, a bonfire and at the end, a trip to New York City, very quickly most of the barriers dropped away.   I could see it, the first night or two, the Ofakim children were frightened.  Most of them away from family and home 11,000 miles away, for the first time, there were some tears and some fears.  But I saw how their Adath Shalom adopted families and siblings embraced them, supported them and cared for them.  And the Jewish Neshamas (souls) that are all forever connected did the rest. 
 
This partnership has been one of my goals and dreams and to see it actually happen and exceed all of my expectations despite the obstacles and problems. More than once we were handed firm “no’s” and each time we equally firmly ignored them and moved on.  There is so much to learn from this encounter.  We have only just begun to unpack the meanings of the visit.  But for right now, I hope that every member of Adath Shalom feels proud, moved and inspired by what we accomplished.  How we offered love, support and even a bit of respite for a special group of Israeli young people who are still facing trauma and distress.  There is not a single one of them who was not impacted by that day two years ago when their town and community were violated by unspeakable violence, brutality and horror.  Whether a family member, relative, neighbor or friend, the shockwaves  still reverberate, the hostages, may they come home TODAY, and the war and threat of more violence hangs overhead.  But for a few days, these children were enveloped in the loving arms of their family here at Adath Shalom.  And when, G-d willing next year in better times, our amazing teens make the trip to Ofakim and stand with their Israeli peers atop Masada, they will understand that the love, unity, life, laughter, hope and connection that are their Jewish birthright are inextinguishable and can illuminate the whole world.
 
Each week I proclaim on my voiceblasts (I know it’s schmaltzy, but it’s true!) “Only at Adath Shalom- our Jewish Home!”  Now, we’ve shared that home.  Not only with our guests from Israel but we have, in a sense, passed the baton of community building to our own teens.  We have shown our teens how important community is and that Adath Shalom is theirs to use to connect and to make a difference.  They are Adath Shalom’s future.  As we go forward into 5786, there is only one message: Kadima- let’s keep going!  Chazak, Chazak- Stay strong, stay strong- V’Nitchazek- and let us strengthen each other!
 
With blessings and gratitude.

 The Ofakim and Adath Shalom teenagers enjoying
the welcome barbecue on the synagogue patio.