Rabbi Conover Updated Blog

On this Yom Ha’Atzmaut 5784, one of the most difficult since the founding of the State of Israel, we dedicate this week— through Shabbat— to Heroes and Hope. 

Two weeks ago, a group of folks from Temple Sholom walked the streets of the Florantin neighborhood in Tel Aviv on a tour of Post-October 7th Graffiti.  One of my favorite images was this: 

Do you know who this is? 

RACHEL FROM OFAKIM 

You might be more accustomed to seeing her like looking like this: 

On October 7th, 5 Hamas terrorists invaded Rachel Edri’s home and threatened to kill Rachel and her husband.  She tried to keep them at bay with jokes and cookies.  Afterward, she told reporters, “I made them date cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Moroccan machine cookies.” 

Several hours later, Israeli police killed the terrorists and rescued the couple. 

Unfortunately, other residents of Ofakim were not so lucky.  This city, once a home for Bedouins and later an industrial town filled with Jewish immigrants— from Morrocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Russia— lost 52 residents, many entire families massacred by Hamas.  

Udi Cohen, Director of Camp Ramah in Israel— a camp whose mission is to bring together Israeli citizens of diverse backgrounds for life-transforming summer camp experiences— decided to open a week-long camp for the children of Ofakim. 

When a Temple Sholom family heard about the camp, they got in touch with Udi.  In honor of their daughter Sloane’s passion for dance, they donated a dance instructor’s services for the week of camp.  It was an incredible success!  The children’s dancing is a reminder of resilience and hope. 

This Shabbat, Temple Sholom will celebrate as Sloane is called to Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.  We will all be dancing with her! 

Am Yisrael Chai! 

Yom Ha’Atzamaut Sameach