SIX MONTHS: A LETTER to the COMMUNITY

Shalom Community, I can’t believe that half a year has passed since I landed at the airport in Jacksonville - in shock and very excited to start the wonderful journey called Shlichut.

I have had an amazing six months full of working with the community through all age groups. Hanukkah was an interesting experience here in Jacksonville, and the popularity of latkes, especially surprised me! It’s not that there aren’t any latkes in Israel, but it comes secondary to the sufganiya (donut). The sufganiya has a place of honor in Israeli kitchens during the Hanukkah holiday, so much so that just one can cost $5 (which is considered a fortune in Israeli terms).

A month ago, I took part in one of the biggest events I’ve ever been to - the Israeli American Council (IAC) Summit in Austin, TX. Beyond the exciting meeting with my fellow Shlichim, I met inspiring leaders such as Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, and Mark Wilf, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel. These people made it their goal to promote the inseparable connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. They shared with us their personal stories, which led them to promote this goal and also opened our minds to new ways of thinking about our work in the communities.

In February, I started the group “Medabrim Ivrit,” which is intended for people with an intermediate or higher level of

Hebrew. Anyone interested, please email me at jaxshlichut@ jewishjacksonville.org and I’ll add you to the list.

I can’t wait for the next quarter and all the programs I have for our amazing community. Please mark your calendars for April 30, 2023, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. for our Yom Ha’atzmaut Community Celebration at Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple. This will be a community-wide event where we will celebrate the uniqueness of this year as Israel’s 75th anniversary.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at programs and sitting down for coffee and at Shabbat dinners.