Since the terror attacks in Israel began over the holiday of Simchat Torah, Keneseth Beth Israel (KBI) has continued to support Israel through classes, events, and advocacy efforts.
To mark the shloshim (30 days) since the brutal attack on Israel, KBI held an event in early November to pray for Israel, for the return of the hostages, and for the souls of those murdered.
Unsurprisingly, there was a significant turnout at this meaningful gathering.
The following week, on November 14, Rabbi Dovid Asher and several dozen KBI members traveled to Washington, D.C., to join the hundreds of thousands rallying in support of Israel and to combat antisemitism.
Particularly with rising antisemitism and the need for greater security, KBI held three security trainings in the month of November through the partnership of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Secure Community Network. These trainings included Situational Awareness, Countering an Active Threat, and Guardian/Active Bystander Training.
In late November, more than 12,000 pounds of surplus Virginia police gear arrived for civilian patrols in border towns across Israel. Those involved in facilitating this transport included Jason Miyares (Virginia Attorney General), Avrami Segal, and Rabbi Asher. (See article on this site also)
KBI has also continued to encourage community members to contact Virginia’s elected officials to push for efforts to help secure the release of Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who grew up in the Richmond community before making aliyah (moving to Israel) with his family.
Hersh’s parents have directly requested that the community contact elected officials to push for the release of all hostages. This includes Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine as well as Rob Wittman (1st District Congressman) and Jennifer McClellan (4th District Congresswoman).
On Thanksgiving day, KBI and the Richmond Jewish Learning Experience (RJLE – led by Rabbi Don Cantor) partnered to present a pre-Chanukah class—perhaps even more meaningful now—entitled Why Did We Fight, Why Do We Light.
Even through these dark times, there has also been some light.
In early November, for example, KBI kicked off its Shine program, a Bat Mitzvah Club for girls, ages 11-13, and led by Aliza Asher, now in its third year.
The program, (see photos above/below) which is scheduled to run through Mid-March, is filled with discussions on a variety of topics like self-expression, prayer, leadership, chessed (kindness), communication, and many others.
Participants also customize journals that they use for reflection and to track personal growth in specific areas they choose.
In late November, KBI hosted a grand opening of its new Jewish Children’s Library—opened by Ilana Lessin and containing books, games, and more—in the newly renovated basement.
Barely a week later, the JLEAP* (see photo above/left) program held its Chanukah Kickoff Event at the Weinstein JCC that included an awesome magic show and exciting activities.
The many people who helped make this event a tremendous success include Chaviva & Miri David, Leah Fried, and additional Shaarei Torah students, Judy Lessin, Naava Plotnick, RTA students, and the RTA student council.
May the release of all hostages and peace within Israel be swiftly secured.
*Jewish Learning Enrichment and Play – a partnership with KBI, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Weinstein JCC, Rudlin Torah Academy, Jewish Student Union, and PJ Library
