Kesher Quick Blog

Being in Israel is a Transformative Experience 

While it’s summer plenty of folks are traveling to the mountains, beaches, and bucket list destinations, but traveling to Israel is unlike any journey you will take. You can find beaches, mountains, and good food around the world, but traveling to Israel is a transformative experience.

When the Confirmation class returned from their trip, I heard only how much the ten days spent together were the most memorable of their lives. They’re not alone. When we travel to Israel together as a TE family, we create bonds and memories that strengthen our Jewish identities when we return. That is why we believe that travel to Israel is a pillar of Temple Emanu-El’s success...

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Being estranged from loved ones brings mixed and complicated emotions. This virtual group is intended for those experiencing longstanding estrangements from family members. Group meetings will focus on processing and supporting one another.

Starts on Monday, July 10th for 8 sessions.

To learn more and to register contact Isabel Groedel at igroedel@jfcsatl.org or Rabbi Judith Beiner at chaplain@jfcsatl.org or 770.677.9352

There are two mitzvot pertaining to the Shabbat meal. One is oneg, the mitzvah to delight in Shabbat, as it is written: “Call Shabbat ‘delight’ (oneg)” (Isaiah 58:13). Oneg is fulfilled primarily through the meals, but snacks and a Shabbat nap are parts of it as well." (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat
7:2:2)

Providing the Oneg is performing a Mitzvah for our community.

Hosting an Oneg is not only a Mitzvah, but it can also be a way to celebrate a family event and share the good news with the congregation.

I will give them, in My House
And within My walls,
A monument and a name
Better than sons or daughters.
I will give them an everlasting name
That shall not perish. (Isaiah 56:5)

We are commanded not merely to grieve but also to remember and to observe.

Temple Emanu-El’s Yahrzeit plaques both perpetuate the cherished memory of the loved ones we have lost and create a permanent family legacy.

Memorializing our loved ones in this way fulfills the commandment to give tzedakah in their honor.