[CBI] Rabbi Traveling to Israel

[CBI main mailing list]

Henry Bloom, President


 
Rabbi Ari Isenberg

 
Cantor Lorna Wallach 

 
Rebecca Gallanter, Executive Director

 
Julie Schwarzwald, Director, Congregational Learning                    

 
Rabbi Steven Bayar, Emeritus


 

 

 

Dear Congregants,

 

I am expecting to leave for Israel on Monday afternoon.  Allow me to
explain:

 

Since my arrival at CBI in 2020, I've sought to strengthen our connection
with our local partners and the greater community. 

Last year, thanks to your generosity, CBI contributed significantly to
relief efforts in Ukraine. After Dov Ben-Shimon, Federation GMW's CEO,
returned from his trip to the Ukrainian border, our synagogue was among his
first visits. 

 

Last summer, CBI had one of the largest synagogue delegations on
Federation's Centennial Mission to Israel.  I was delighted to serve as one
of Federation's Rabbis on the trip, and was so proud of CBI's strong
representation.  

 

A few days ago, I received a call inviting me to join a small group of
Rabbis and Federation leadership on an Emergency Solidarity Mission to
Israel.  Despite having two young children at home and the obvious dangers
of flying into a war zone, Gila and I needed all of 2-minutes to affirm the
decision for me to go.  

 

I anticipate leaving on October 30th and returning at some point on November
2nd. Obviously, nothing is certain in the current environment.   

 

On the ground, we will visit with evacuees and survivors from Kibbutz Erez,
Merhavim, and Ofakim. We'll bring funds so that we can purchase local goods
to bring them. 

 

We will meet with those who were injured in the October 7th attack, and
spend time with wounded soldiers. We will convene with municipal leaders and
officials. 

 

We will visit with the relatives of those currently held hostage in Gaza.

 

We may visit a shiva house. 

 

We will connect with JAFI and other critical organizations on the ground,
volunteering our time to assist with urgent projects.  

 

Throughout it all, to be able to fully share this experience with
Congregation B'nai Israel by my side, I will post online, I will take video,
I will bear witness, and I will bring back messages and information that can
direct our continued response.  

 

Donation Opportunity:

I anticipate needing $15,000 (including Mission costs, security, flight, and
money to purchase goods to be distributed there).  

 

I am more than halfway to that goal. 

 

If you would like to make a contribution to the Rabbi
<https://cbi-nj.org/donate/> 's Discretionary Fund over the coming days (a
charitable contribution for you), my pledge is that I will inject those
funds directly and immediately into the local Israeli economy.  

 

It fills me with pride for our congregation to work closely with the Greater
MetroWest community and to demonstrate our leadership at this critical time.
I look forward to seeing you upon my return, issuing updates, and continuing
our sacred work together.  

 

With all of my appreciation.  

 

Am Yisrael Chai. 

 

Rabbi Ari Isenberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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