Since October 7, so much of our time has been dedicated to the very necessary battle of fighting against antisemitism masquerading as anti-Zionism. However, it is easy to become so consumed with this battle, that we forget about the beauty and essence of Judaism and Jewish life.  We are commanded to sanctify life, to fulfill the commandments and to do tikkun olam and tzedakah.

We are reminded in Deuteronomy: “I have set before you this day life and death, blessing and curse.  And you shall choose life.”  Several years ago, I was in a beit din with one of my students who had  studied for conversion.  We asked her why she wanted to become Jewish.  Her answer was simple, yet profound.  She replied, “Judaism teaches us how to make the everyday ordinary, extraordinary.  I have never forgotten her seemingly simple answer.  

We are commanded to sanctify life and make life more meaningful through our traditions and commandments.  Every day and every life is a precious gift.  During these trying times, it is more important than ever before to proclaim and celebrate the beauty of our Jewish tradition and Israel even as we continue to fight the battle against antisemitism.

Yehoshua Boone, 32 years old, a lone soldier originally from Idaho, lived in Beersheva,

Click Here for more information

MAY HIS MEMORY BE FOR A BLESSING

Click on the image below to watch Shabbos Kestenbaum destroy the “Israel Controls America” lie in less than 5 minutes

THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL

Yaacov Agam, visited the Agam Museum in Rishon LeZion, after he was named as the next recipient of the Israel Prize for the Arts. 

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji makes shocking admission about Israel’s right to fight Hezbollah

Middle East experts offer options and opinions about U.S. intervention in Iran. While Tehran has threatened to respond to any military action with retaliation against the U.S. and Israel, the price to pay for retaliating against Israel or Israeli assets, or Jewish assets around the world would be very high.

Drawing on her own experience, Moriya Azulay established Lone Front to fill gaps faced by female combat troops lacking a family support system during and after their army service

Samoa has announced that they will open an embassy in Jerusalem in 2026

A Druze resident from southern Syria has appealed publicly for Israel to assert control over the border region, releasing a video in which he asked Israelis to intervene as security conditions worsen in Suwayda and Mount Bashan

ISRAELI INNOVATION

Israeli researchers are developing two complementary technologies that could warn people with inflammatory bowel disease of a flare-up before symptoms appear, potentially changing how Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are managed worldwide

New partnership aimed at advancing Israeli pharma giant's anti-IL-15 drug for autoimmune diseases announced; CEO Richard Francis to detail growth strategy and pipeline progress at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Jan. 13

Study shows that female sex hormones can impact the body’s inner clocks

Weizmann Institute researchers say that progesterone and the stress hormone cortisol drive circadian rhythms; when these are out of sync, the risk of sleep disorders, diabetes and cancer increase

OF INTEREST TO RABBIS

With university classes back in session, and the need to support students and their families, Swipe right on the image below for the steps to report any antisemitic incidents

Those of us who know that we can't separate Israel from Judaism and believe in the miracle of Israel must champion Zionism against the escalating number of Jewish non-Zionists and anti-Zionists in our midst.

Following an anti-Israel protest in Queens, Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, stated that antisemites feel increasingly emboldened following Mamdani taking office as proven by shouts of 'we support Hamas' in a residential area populated by many Jewish families now that Mamdani is in office.

While Mamdani claimed in a press conference two days ago that he is 'firmly committed' to rooting out antisemitism in NYC

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair ignited major controversy after appearing on ESPN during Monday Night Football coverage following a playoff win wearing eyeliner that read STOP THE GENOCIDE

Click on the image below to watch an Israeli doctor describe the complex process of treatment, care and reintegration of Israeli hostages with their families and back into life.

Click below to see freed hostage Agam Berger and war widow Rachel Goldberg perform a moving duet together

To join ZRC or to make a donation please Click Here