Orna Sonnenschein
Welcome to Temple Beth Am

As the Director of Education of Temple Beth Am, I am pleased to make available, on-line, my thoughts which are found in Temple Beth Am's monthly newsletter, TEBEAM.

My articles are available on-line and are readily available for viewing or downloading and reading at your convenience.

Director of Education’s Message
Tebeam
November 2007

Some parents may remember that last year our students had the opportunity to hear from an alumnus of the Temple Beth Am Religious School who decided to join the Israeli Army.  Aaron Blank (son of Michael and Patricia Blank) is a remarkable young man who is so passionate about Israel he was compelled to make Aliyah (become an Israeli citizen) and join the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).  When he came to talk to us last year he was on leave in between training sessions.  He told us a little bit about himself and how he ended up choosing this path.

While in college Aaron went on a Taglit-birthright Israel trip. (An organization that provides the gift of first time, peer group, educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26.) When Aaron graduated he volunteered for a program called Otzma.  What seems like eons ago I myself took part in Project Otzma.  It is a program sponsored by the CJP that provides social services throughout Israel.  When I participated, Otzma was still a new program; and still it was such a powerful experience that I did not want to leave.  So it was no surprise to me to hear Aaron talk about how he fell in love with Israel and wanted to make it his permanent home.

His mother tells me that Aaron felt it was his duty to serve in the IDF not only to protect this country that he loves but to protect what he feels is very important to all Jews.  The students, teachers and I got to hear firsthand about Aaron’s training in the army.  And despite his lightheartedness and sense of humor it was clear to me that he had experienced grueling and frightening moments.  This High Holiday Season, while we were fasting, attending services then breaking fast, Aaron like many soldiers in Israel Aaron was on the border of Israel and Jordan guarding the borders to keep his country safe.  He was fasting the whole time as well.

The difference between Aaron and most of the other Israeli soldiers however, is that Aaron’s family is here.  He knew that going in, but is still finding it challenging.  I know that training and fighting in the IDF is punishing…but being so far away from your parents only adds to that hardship.

This is where the school comes in.  I’ve been told that Aaron will be moving locations in approximately 2 weeks which means by the time you read this we’ll have his exact location.  We promised Aaron and his parents that we would maintain contact with him and try to provide him and his unit with provisions.

Aaron told us about the food they are given highlighting “loof” (think SPAM) as their main source of sustenance.  It would be wonderful to be able to supply them with something a bit more exciting.

One of our 6^th graders is friends with the Blank family.  As part of his Bar Mitzvah (Hamitzvah Hazot) Project he hopes to find ways to raise money for this cause.  I think it’s important that the whole Beth Am community become aware of this cause--that one of our young members has chosen to part from his family to defend Israel…the homeland of the Jewish people.

Once we know where Aaron is and what he needs we will devise various projects to benefit Aaron and his unit.  Please keep an eye out for that information. 

Being a soldier can be lonely and we are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to fulfill a Mitzvah.  Pat Blank tells me that while he has struggled with his decision Aaron has stayed with it.  He is a combat soldier in the Nachal Bricgade and is one of the first to go in when there is trouble.  Let’s do what we can to support Aaron and his family.  That’s what being a member of a community is all about. 

L’Shalom,