web feb 24

34 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Over 200women gathered together inDeal Synagogue lastmonth in response to the horrific events of October 7 th . We yearned for encouragement and guidance. We felt the strong desire to unify, to do something, anything , to help our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael at this very fragile moment in Jewish history. Mrs. Jackie Bitton spoke to us that night, emphasizing the importance of creating ahdut by strengthening our love and acceptance for every Jew. Inspired by her examples and the unending, unconditional love and hesed that was happening in Israel, we wanted to be a part of it, too. We wanted to connect to the soldiers, the families of the hostages, and the bereaved families of the fallen. We wanted to do something to show our solidarity and love for them all. We were intrigued when a unique learning program, just for women, was unveiled that would give us the opportunity to grow in Torah, enhance our love for each other, and create zechut for Am Yisrael . The Ahavat Yisrael Project The book that was chosen, The Ahavat Yisrael Project , teaches us how to improve our interpersonal relationships and how to increase our love for our fellow Jew. The book is set up as a daily study, for 40 days. Each day is broken down into two parts. The first part explains the things we should stay away from, such as rechilut , lashon hara , and ona’at devarim, while the second part focuses on the positive things we can incorporate into our lives to improve relationships, such as noticing good points, greeting people with a smile, and encouraging others with compliments. Unlike most projects, this one was set up to be learned with a partner or group each day. The lessons are read and then a discussion ensues to bring the points home by adding personal stories and struggles, advice, or asking and answering questions. Each person was given three names – that of a child who was being held hostage, an adult hostage, and a soldier that we are learning in the zechut for. That really gave us a personal connection with what has been unfolding in Eretz Yisrael . Learning live with someone each day was a new experience for most. The lessons really hit home, ranging from topics such as anger, character traits that lead to negative speech, how to respond to negative speech using the acronym D.E.A.F., respecting yourself, showing gratitude, feeling compassion, and not blaming. New Awareness The main thing was the awareness that came about from learning the different laws, given over with real life, relatable examples, and easy-to-understand lessons. Many women wrote how the evening was life-changing. They so appreciated being a part of this beautiful group and as a result, they now naturally hold back from speaking badly about others and they feel more positive towards all Jews. Some even said they gained new friendships with the partners they were matched up with. When news of hostages being freed surfaced, our group buzzed with shouts of joy - “ Baruch Hashem, m y hostage was freed!!” We felt a close connection and responsibility to these Jews whom we did not know, had never met, and probably never would. Yet, we took our learning seriously, we tried to internalize its messages to contribute to the protection and success of our family in Israel by increasing our love for every Jew. MARI GINDI THE AHAVAT YISRAEL PROJECT Community Women from the Jersey Shore Unify to Fight Spiritual Battle