08/20/2025
The Adath-Ofakim Family Grows!
Last week Adath Shalom hosted a group of Israeli teens from Ofakim, one of the Metrowest Federation Partnership communities. The culmination of a three-year collaboration between our religious school and the Amirim school, with the generous help of our Federation and the Jewish Agency for Israel, the teens stayed with Adath Shalom host families while they attended Camp Deeny Riback and took part in a panoply of activities at Adath Shalom..
The first picture shows "our kids" from Ofakim at Ben Gurion Airport before their flight to New Jersey. The other two pictures are at the welcoming BBQ we threw for them at Adath Shalom- already within minutes, they were all mixed in, sitting and chatting with the Adath Shalom teens- and why not? They'd known each other already for two years- even though they were meeting for the first time.
They came to us as names signed on letters and Zoom images- fourteen rising ninth-graders from the Amirim school in Ofakim and their wonderful guidance counselor, English teacher and a social worker from the Jewish Agency.
But from the very first time we met them at our welcoming barbecue, they became something much more: our children. Joining our families and teens for an intense week packed with camp, trips, get togethers, Shabbat dinner and a bonfire, a trip to NYC, very quickly most of the barriers dropped away.
I could see it- the first night or two, the Ofakim children were just a bit frightened. Most of them away from family and away from home- 11,000 miles away!- for the first time, there were some tears and some fears. But I saw how their Adath Shalom adopted families and siblings embraced them, supported them, cared for them. And the Jewish Neshamas (souls) that are all forever connected did the rest.
This partnership has been one of my goals and dreams and to see it actually happen- and exceed all of my expectations despite the obstacles and problems- more than once we were handed firm “no’s” and each time we equally firmly ignored them and moved on- was so powerful.
There is so much to learn from this encounter- we’ve only just begun to unpack the meanings of the visit. But for right now, I hope that every member of Adath Shalom feels proud, moved and inspired by what you accomplished. How you offered love, support and even a bit of respite for a special group of Israeli young people who are still facing trauma and distress.
There is not a single one of them who was not impacted by that day two years ago when their town and community were violated by unspeakable violence, brutality and horror. Whether a family member, relative, neighbor or friend- the shockwaves still reverberate, the hostages, may they come home TODAY, and the war and threat of more violence hangs overhead.
But for a few days, these children were enveloped in the loving arms of their family here in Adath Shalom. And when, G-d willing next year in better times, our amazing teens make the trip to Ofakim and stand with their Israeli peers atop Masada, they will understand that the love, unity, life, laughter, hope and connection that are their Jewish birthright are inextinguishable and can illuminate the whole world.
Each week I proclaim on my voiceblasts (I know it’s schmaltzy, but it’s true!) “Only at Adath Shalom- your Jewish Home!” Now, we’ve shared that home. Not only with our guests from Israel but we have, in a sense, passed the baton of community building to our own teens.
We’ve shown our teens how important community is and that Adath Shalom is theirs to use to connect and to make a difference.. They are Adath Shalom’s future.
As we go forward into 5786, there is only one message: Kadima- let’s keep going!
Chazak, Chazak- Stay strong, stay strong- V’Nitchazek- and let us strengthen each other!
With blessings and gratitude-
Rabbi Rudin
