ots@ohrtorahstone.org.il

“Sometimes Israel feels like a divided country,” says Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. “Everyone is concerned about the external threats to the country’s survival, but the divisions separating one Jew from another within the state are equally troubling, and often overlooked.”

Yachad Program Jewish Cultural Facilitators are committed to breaking down these barriers, bringing together Jews from different backgrounds in informal settings where they can comfortably share Jewish experiences.

Three years ago, facilitator Roni Lasser created an innovative and unique Chanukah project designed to unite pairs of families from different ends of the social, cultural, or religious spectrum by coupling them for candle-lighting in one of their homes. “I felt we could harness the light and warmth of Chanukah to connect people and ideas,” explains Lasser, who serves the community center of Kiryat Menachem, in Jerusalem. “Not only is everyone given the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the holiday, but ultimately a more cohesive community is being built.”

In fact, the program was so successful that it was replicated by other Yachad facilitators in the field, and the idea of pairing families for holiday celebrations took root. Most recently, Tu B’Shvat – the Jewish New Year for Trees – was marked by rejoining the paired families once again against the common backdrop of their Jewish heritage.

Called “Du B’Shvat,” a play on words which means “together in the Jewish month of Shvat,” the project was run by facilitators in community centers across the country. Beginning with quizzes, competitions and crafts for the families’ children to work on together, the activities culminated in festive Seder Tu B’Shvat dinners, punctuated by group learning and singing.

“Our facilitators are utilizing the spirit of the Jewish holidays to bring together families who might not otherwise interact with one another,” explains Rabbi Riskin. “Yachad is illustrating that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.  Even Israelis who seem at first glance to have nothing in common share a Jewish heritage.”

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