Celebrate With Itamar

Summer Fun in Itamar

2011-08-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Itamar community enjoyed its annual summer family trip. This year many families participated and they had a blast! We want to thank our friends who helped sponsor the Itamar summer program.

Happy 50th Rami!

2011-08-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Mazal tov to Rami Odesser on his 50th birthday! Rami is quite and asset to the town of Itamar. He is a computer expert who solves all problems relating to the field. He also is an electrician who is always there to help those in need.

Rami has been volunteering for years in different areas of community service. We appreciate him greatly and wish his wife Shoshi and his wonderful family a lot of blessings and happiness

2011-08-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to the Zimerman family on the acquisition of a new cow!

They are now producing their own yogurt cheese and other milk products. It is highly recommended that you come and visit their farm.

Mazal tov to Shmuel Odeser on
completing his army service!

Itamar is blessed with a lot of young men that have recently completed their service in the Israeli army. They are all sons of Itamar families that served in fighting units in the IDF.

These young idealistic men want to follow in their family's footsteps by building their home here on Itamar as well. We admire every one of them and wish them all tremendous success in all their endeavors.

2011-07-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Itamar summer camp has been just an amazing success with a lot more fun to follow. Our teenage campers even made a cafי where adults came to enjoy the cakes they baked and tables were set up for panels of discussion for all the members of the community to brainstorm together ways to improve life on Itamar.

We want to thank again for all our wonderful friends that have helped us to make this a reality. Special thanks to Rabbi Lefkowitz and Eddie Wunsch from the Anshey Chesed Shul of the five towns who have for the last several years personally adopted this project.

An Itamar Engagement and Summer Camp

2011-07-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Mazal tov to the Ronsky and Melet families on the engagement of their children Eitan and Adi. Eitan and Adi were both living on Itamar since birth.

We wish them many more happy events. The Ronsky family is one of the founders of Itamar. Rabbi Avi andRonit are parents of 6 children. Their daughter,Adi, is their youngest and with her coming wedding will leave the Ronsky children all married! Rabbi Avi served as the chief Rabbi of the Israeli army for four years and is the head of the Itamar Yeshivah. Ronit his wife is an amazing artist. They both have been a tremendous asset to the Itamar community over the years. The Melet family is a very modest family who has been working in agriculture for many years. They own an olive press and a flour mill and are part of those that give Itamar its organic name!

The Itamar summer camp program is in full swing. This week our teen girls went to Bat Yam on the "Chesed Bus" that focuses on doing good deeds for the community at large and decided to meet with the elderly, serve them lunch and help them with chores.. They brought them gifts and connected with them through a joint arts and crafts workshop. It was extremely successful!

This Shabbat they are on a seminar focusing on the 3 weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and TishaBa'Av at kibbutz Merav in the Jordan Valley.

We Celebrate and Remember

2011-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to Meir and Rinat Caberah on the marriage of their son Roee to Talya this week. May Hashem continue to bless the family with many more happy events.

Mazal Tov to the Ronsky and Melet families on the engagement of their children this week!

Mazal Tov to the Edri family on moving into their new home!

This week we commemorated the memorials of the Shabo family and Yosef Twito (then the head of the Response Team here) who were massacred in a terror attack in 2002- HY"D

Fun at Summer Camp

2011-07-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Itamar summer camp program began this week and our campers enjoyed the lunar park that came to make our campers happy.

A lot more fun is ahead!

L´CHAIM!

2011-06-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Mazal tov to the Dagan, Cohen, Rein and Reisman families on the birth of daughters this week.

Yes, four new girls join the ranks of Itamar!

Itamar welcomes back its youth representatives that spent a week in France to help strengthen and instill the love of Israel amongst the youth. They were extremely successful and had a fantastic trip. Tamar Fogal was one of the participants.

Mazal tov to the Demari family on the marriage of their daughter Achinoam

Itamar is proud of her wonderful Children

2011-06-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to mishpachat Dagan on the birth of a daughter.

Mazal Tov to the Demari family on the birth of a grandson this week – next week they will be celebrating not only a brit but also the wedding of their daughter Achinoam! We wish them many more happy events.

Itamar is proud to announce that two of its young residents were winners in this week's Bible contest of the Shomron. Mazal Tov to Yehidah Cohen that came in first place and to the grandchild of Rabbi Ronsky that came in third place.

Itamar wishes its youth counselor Pinchas Michaeli and youth representatives of Itamar Bney Akivah a successful trip to France. They will be spending a week on a Bney Akivah tour to strengthen the connection with the French Bnay Akiva.

It is no greater time than the Torah portion of the sin of the spies to go abroad and strengthen the connection of the Jews of Diaspora with the land of Israel.

Many things to Celebrate in our community!

2011-06-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

Itamar welcomes its new residents - Tzvi Yehudah and Tehillah Leiberman and their baby daughter that moved into our new neighborhood called Givat Arieh this week! Givat Aryeh is named after the members of the Fogal family and has been set up on the spot where the terrorists first entered the community on the night of the terrible massacre.

New Challenges! Special thanks to Matanyah Ben Shitrit, our security chief who will be leaving his position in the coming weeks. Matanyah has accepted a job in our high school as the head counselor.

Bar Mitzvah! Mazal tov to the Edan family on the Bar mitzvah of their son! May they continue to have nachat from their children.

Brit Milah! Mazal tov to the Gootman family on the brit milah of their son.

New Life For Itamar Families

2011-05-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to Shaul and Dina Chaun on the birth of a son this week. May G-d bless them with a lot of happiness.

Mazal tov to Yosi and Etta Leibowitz veteran residents of the Avraham Avinu on the birth of a grandson this week. The Leibowitz family just moved to Itamar only a few weeks ago after the Fogal family massacre. They lost their son Elazar in a terrorist attack near Hebron. The same shooting attack that killed Rabbi Yaakov and Hannah Dickstein and their son Shvel Zion back in 2002.

Lag Ba'Omer March On Itamar

2011-05-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Itamar held its 7th consecutive Lag Ba'Omer march in memory of our dear residents that were killed in terror attacks.

The march was founded by the Zagron family who lost their son Matan 8 years ago when he was killed when he stopped a suicide bomber from reaching a crowded bus stop.
The march began at a look out point called Mitzpeh Matan on the Itamar hill tops.

Tamar fogal participated in the march.

Celebrate Itamar's deep roots in the Land

2011-05-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the view of the famous mountain the Sartaba which stands out like a pyramid seen from Itamar.

The Sartaba was the second relay station where torches were lit starting with Mt. Olives in Jerusalem to signal the Jews in Babylonia that the new moon was declared in Jerusalem. It was built by the famous Alexander Yanai, about 150 years before the destruction of the second Temple, as a Chashmoaim fortress.

It is customary that on Lag Baomer youth groups come and light torches on this mountain peak.

"Hashem Hu Hamelech" – translated as G-D is King!

2011-05-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of a barn on one of the Itamar hill tops that is very unusual in that it says on it in Hebrew "Hashem Hu Hamelech" – translated as G-D is King!

As we read this Shabbat Parashat Bichukotai we must realize that true peace and tranquility will come to the land if we follow Hashem and proclaim that he is the true King.

Yom Haatzmaut - Israel's Independence Day Celebration in Itamar

2011-05-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

A fun night of skits and singing on Itamar's Birthday.

Happy Birthday Itamar!

Itamar had an amazing Yom Haatzmaut celebration which included an outdoor meal and entertainment with a spectacular display of fireworks.

Yom Haatzmaut is the birthday of our community which was founded back in 1984.

Different residents were honored by lighting torches. Charlotte Krantz, Leah Goldsmith's mother who made Aliya almost two years ago, lit a torch as the eldest representative of the four generations of her family living on Itamar.

Food, friends and time to relax and rejoice!

This Week On Itamar

2011-05-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2011
Itamar is back in full swing after the Pesach holiday! On Pesach thousands came to visit Itamar. We also held a very special happening sponsored by and Israeli radio station which included a play for the children and other activities. There were also tractor tours to our hilltop neighborhoods.

Babies!

A beautiful Itamar wildflower - Come Visit Us.

Mazal Tov to Yisrael Meir and Helah Man on the birth of a daughter Bat Zion. Mazal Tov to Nihorah and Shlomo Head.

Mazel Tov to Chaim and Yasmin on the birth of a son. May Hashem bless them all with a lot of Nachat and success.

Mazal Tov to Sharon and Hilah Peretz on the Bar Mitzvah of their son.

New Itamar Citizens!
Three new families moved to Itamar over the last month and seven more G-D willing are on the way soon.

Projects!
Our community is very busy with many important projects we have continued work on our synagogue which is our major focus now and invite all our friends to help out in this important endeavor.

Thursday night our Itamar Bnei Akivah had a special ceremony commemorating the opening up of the new branch structure which was recently repaired and refurnished. Governor Gershon Masikah, head of the regional counsel of Shomron, attended the event and was honored with putting in the Mezuzah on the doorpost. The branch was dedicated in memory of Yoav Fogal who was a member of the youth movement. Of course, this is still a temporary structure as we hope to one day be able to build a youth cultural center that will include a library, workshop, music, workout, and club room for our youth.

VIP Visitors

Transportation minister Israel Katz visited Itamar today to show his solidarity with us and promised to help our community. He also mentioned that if a Palestinian State is declared unilaterally then Israel must annex all the communities of Judea and Samaria.

If you would like to join us in a project please send us an email at projects@friendsofitamar.org

Published 4:02PM PDT

Thousands Gather on Purim to Bless Itamar

2011-03-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thousands gathered in Itamar for Purim Celebrations exactly one week aftter the attack on the Fogel Family, to show support and love for the family and the Itamar community.

Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Live!

Life Continues On Itamar

2011-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. As a response to the terrible Fogel massacre, a new neighborhood is being set up on the area where the terrorists entered the community.

2. The Itamar community will be going full speed ahead in pushing the community forward. Many community projects like completing our permanent synagogue, a children and youth culture center which will include library, play room, club room and music room. Our youth need a lot of help and guidance which we must provide for them in order to try and heal their terrible scars. This will require funds for different youth activities and counseling. A special memorial site will be set up by the community remembering the Fogal and other families and people killed on Itamar.

3. Mazal tov to the Silvers family on the brit of their son this week!

4. Itamar welcomed a new family that moved in this week! Rabbi Udi Fogel, in blessed memory, was the head of Itamar absorption and personally brought this family to Itamar. His life continues to bless Itamar.

5. Itamar had many visitors this week by government officials and army officers some of them included: the foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, Saul Mufaz head of security committee of the Kinneset, General of central command Avi Mizrachi and Zeev Belkin with the group of kinneset members of Shdulat Erez Yisrael. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, the Chief Rabbi of Zefat came to speak and give words of strength as well as many other prominent rabbis. People from all over Israel have been coming all week long to Itamar and bringing Purim gifts and hugs.

Joy amidst the Mourning - A Special Wedding at Joseph's Tomb

2011-03-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Miri Tzachi,
Shomron Regional Council

Itamar Residents Celebrate Wedding at Joseph's Tomb!
by Hillel Fendel Israel National News

The army periodically allows and enables Israelis to enter the holy site of Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem (Nablus) – but no previous visit was ever as moving as the wedding there last night.

Hundreds of residents of Itamar, still reeling from the Palestinian terror massacre of the Fogel family five days earlier, arrived for a special prayer service – highlighted by the wedding ceremony of a resident of an Itamar hilltop, Moshe Orlinsky, and his betrothed, Natalya Zucher.

The two had planned to get married in Itamar, but decided to hold the joyous ceremony at the holy site of Joseph’s Tomb instead – the first wedding known to have ever taken place there. The intensity of emotion left no eye dry. Click on the video below!

The officiating rabbi was Itamar’s rabbi, Rabbi Natan Chai, and wedding blessings were recited by Breslov leader Rabbi Shalom Arush, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef (son of Shas leader Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef), Shomron Region Chief Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Yitzhar Rabbi David Dudkevitch, and the Kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov Deutsch.

The ketubah (marriage contract) was read aloud by IDF Shomron Brigade Rabbi Capt. David Feig.

The local IDF commander, Shomron Brigade Commander Col. Nimrod Aloni, wished the young couple “Jewish home full of joy, faith, and warmth.” Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika noted the residents’ emotional roller-coaster of late, and said: “The prophet says, ‘With your blood you shall live – unfortunately, we had to go through five ‘bloods’ [the five murdered Fogel family members – ed.], but in the merit of this exalted occasion, it will strengthen all of us – the people of Itamar, the residents of the entire Shomron, and all of Israel; we will gather the broken pieces together and we will become stronger.”
Yosef's Pursuit of Unity Supports the Jewish Nation
Rabbi Chai said, "We thank G-d for giving us the fortitude to carry on… and we thank IDF Commander Nimrod Aloni, who made great efforts to enable us to hold this chupah here … It was near this spot that Yosef said, ‘I seek my brothers,’ and this pursuit of unity and love for Israel is what unites us and gives us the strength; Yosef had a coat of many colors – symbolizing that there are many aspects to the Jewish People, and each tribe has its place, but they are all unified.”

Other blessings were offered by Yesha Council head Danny Dayan, Rabbi Dudkevitch, and IDF Commander Maki Siboni. Musician and actor Golan Azulai provided the music, at no charge.

Another Video of this Special Weddinag at the Tomb of Joseph Adar 2011

2011-03-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

A wedding of a new Itamar couple was held at Kever Yosef this week - the first wedding held there since the tomb was destroyed by Muslim terrorists in the year 2000. Am Israel Chai!

Israel's Future - Our Children

2011-03-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

February 25: Mazal tov to Nihoray and Yishuah Choshen on the birth of a son this week. May they be blessed with many more happy events in their lives.

March 4: Itamar extends a hardy Mazal Tov to mishpachat Ronski on the brit of their son and grandson

Every Thursday the young children of Itamar have an additional special play hour.

Enjoy the picture of them having fun.

They are the future of Israel!

This Week's Family Celebrations!

2011-02-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Mazal Tov to Mishpachat Zak on the birth of a son this week! This Shabbat the brit milah will take place.

Mazal tov to the Cohen family on the marriage of their daughter Ayelet this week!

Mazal tov to the Melet family on the Bar Mitzvah of their son!

This week on Itamar

2011-01-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

Mazal Tov to the Schneerson and Ben Pazi families on the Brit Milah of their sons this week.

A new Torah scroll was dedicated this week in the Itamar Hesder Yishivah.

Colonel Nimrod Aloni again visited Itamar. This time he was the guest speaker at the Itamar Yeshivah high school Chitzim Tu Bishvat party. The colonel spoke about some army experiences in 2002 during the terrible years of terror that hit Israel and enjoyed the beautiful ceremony and the songs at the school.

Babies, Babies, Babies

2011-01-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

Itamar has MANY new citizens!
We are pleased to announce their arrival and their inclusion into the covenant of their forefather's.

January 7th 2011:
Mazal Tov to the Cabrah family on the birth of another grandchild this week!

January 31st 2010:
Mazal Tov to Baruchi and Michal Odeser on the Pidyon Haben (redemption of the first born son).

We wish them a lot of happiness and success in building their young family.   Such sweet smiles from a proud papa!

December 31st 2010:
Mazal Tov to Yehudah and Mivaseret Reykinati on the birth of a son.
The son was named Shlomo Mordechai after his grandfather Shlomo Mordechai Miller who was the head of Itamar security and was killed in August 2004 when a terrorist infiltrated the community.

We wish them only happiness and success! G-d is gracious in bringing new life and celebrations even after tragedies.

December 17th 2010:
Mazal Tov to Eliezer and Naama Ben- Lazar on the birth of a daughter.

December 2rd 2010:
Mazal Tov to the Odeser family on the birth of a second grandson within two weeks! Their son Baruchi and wife Michal live on Itamar and are a great example of what the Itamar second generation pioneers are doing. We wish them a lot of happiness and success as they build their family.

November 26th 2010:
Mazal Tov to Joseph and Kihatitah Peretz on the birth of a son.

We wish the young family to live up to their name Peretz meaning to spread out as the verse in Genesis 28:14 says "Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed

November 19th 2010:
Mazal Tov to the Hodayah and Abraham Zepel family on the birth of a daughter this week. It is their first child. We wish them a lot of happiness and nachat!   Hodayah is the daughter of Itamar's Rabbi - Rabbi Natan and Nurit Chay.

Mazal Tov to the Odeser family on the brit milah of their grandson. The young parents Chagai and Racheli are enjoying their new son Noam. May G-D bless them with happiness and success.

November 12th 2010:
Mazal Tov to the Odeser family on the birth of a grandson. We wish the new grandparents a lot of Nachat from their children and continued happy events.

Mazal tov to the Giladi family on the brit Milah of there new son Elyasaf.

Story Hour for The Children Of Itamar

2010-12-31T22:54:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Ruty Shushan who has been running a story hour and play center for the Itamar children for years.

Any help in purchasing new toys and upgrading the play center will be graciously appreciated.

To help go to "Ways to Bless Itamar"

Another Visit to Joseph's Tomb

2010-12-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

This week there was another entry to the Tomb of Joseph! Thank G-D slowly but surely Jewish presence is returning to the holy site. Recently, repairs on the grave site finally began only after years of the holy site sitting in ruins since its terrible desecration it suffered ten years ago.

Happy Chanukah

2010-12-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

Itamar wishes a happy Chanukah to all its dear friends.

Chanukah is proof that the Hellenistic culture can not prevail against the light of the Torah and Am Yisrael!

Enclosed is picture of an ancient Greek-Roman
bath house an example of this extinct culture.
G-d's covenant with Israel is ETERNAL!

Celebrating A New Yeshiva Dining Room

2010-11-19T23:26:00.000-08:00

Yeshivat Chitzim finished the extension of the new dining room!

Rabbi Ideles, the head of the school and Itamar's mayor Rabbi Goldsmith placed a Mezuzoth on the new doors.

May the Yeshivah continue to grow and prosper

Brit Milah Noam Oren Odeser 2010 Nov Com.avi

2010-11-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrate with the Odeser family and the Itamar community on the brit milah of their grandson.
Genesis 17:10-14

Itamar Youth Celebration com.avi

2010-11-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

This was a very special Shabbat for the youth group Bnei Akiva movement. It is called the Shabbat Irgun where all the different youth tribes get together for a big celebration which includes eating the Shabbat meals together, and making plays, and displays on the theme of the year.

This year the theme is Aliyah from the inside. In other words how does one enhance his spiritual growth!
We wish our wonderful youth tremendous success in their spiritual accent

Babies on Itamar

2010-11-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to Dudi and Efrat Giladi on the birth of their sixth son (in a row) we with them many more happy events and Nachat from all their children.

Mazal Tov to Amichay and Yiscah Azulai on the birth of a daughter! May Hashem continue to bless them with many more Simachot!

Mazal Tov to Shlomo Zuckerman on his first chicken bone. (Rabbi Moshe and Leah's Grandson)!!! What a little doll.

Civic News From Itamar

2010-10-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sunset On The Mountains Of Itamar

Mazal Tov to Rabbi Goldsmith upon his
re-election as mayor of Itamar.

Mazal Tov to David Shushan, Matanyah Ben Shitrit, Shmuel Raykanati, and Nissin Aydan on their election as council members.

With the many great challenges that face Israel today we bless them that Hashem give them the wisdom and strength to lead the community of Itamar to new horizons and great prosperity.

A Beautiful Stone Ark for a Hilltop Shul

2010-10-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Itamar's resident and stone artisan, Asaf Kidron, build this beautiful stone Torah ark for a little shul on Itamar's hilltop - Givot Olam.

Asaf has also built the ark in Itamar's Yeshiva High School Chitzim. He has also used his gifting to build an altar for the Tempe Institute in Jerusalem

Exodus 35:1 - 36:2

Itamar Celebrates New and Growing Families

2010-10-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to the Ronski family upon the marriage of their son Oded. May they continue to celebrate many more Smachot!

Mazal Tov to Achinoam and Shlomi Cohen on the Brit Milah of their son. Another third generation Itamar resident joins our community!

Mazal Tov to the Teneh family on the birth of son . It is their first child and we wish them a lot of happiness and success as their young family grows.

New Homes in Itamar

2010-10-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to Ariyeh and Nichamah Goldberger and Ariel and Efrat Raykinati for making the right choice of building a permanent home on Itamar. We wish them a lot of success in their important project.

Thank G-D over the last year 23 new houses have been built in our community. With G-d's help many more will be on the way.

Once again, the children of Israel put down their roots in the Land promised to them.

The Citron - Yes! Opposites can live together - the spiritual meaning of the Etrog!

2010-10-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Lesson On The Four Species

2010-09-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

How to build a Lulav and the meanings of the Four Species.

Enjoying Succoth

2010-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Itamar residents enjoying the holiday!

Succoth Preparations in Itamar

2010-09-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sukkah Preparations

With the Succoth holiday at our doorstep Itamar is in a rush to get the last minute preparations in.

The feeling of Simcha is in the air. It goes without saying that all our dear friends who are visiting Israel for the holiday are welcome to visit during Chol Ha'Moed (the weekdays of the Festival)

Our time of Joy!

Yom Kippur 2010

2010-09-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Itamar Celebrated Erev Yom Kippur at a special ceremony on Mt. Grizim overlooking the tomb of Joseph commemorating ten years since its destruction.

When the Israeli army evacuated the holy site it was desecrated and burnt to the ground by hostile Muslim extremists. Rabbi Hillel Lieberman, a devoted student of the yeshiva at the tomb of Joseph, after hearing that the tomb was in flames ran in concern towards the holy site and on the way was attacked and murdered. A short time later, our great Rabbi and teacher Rav Binyamin Herling was murdered on the Succot holiday while hiking on Mt. Eval. We will never forget these great Tzaddikim who were so influential in building the land of Israel.

Yartzeit of Morris Krantz on Erev Yom Kippur

Erev Yom Kippur at the Goldsmith's

A special gathering was held in the Goldsmith home on Erev Yom Kippur commemorating the Yartzeit (Anniversay of the Death) of Morris Krantz, the father of Leah Goldsmith who passed away on Yom Kippur 17 years ago.

Morris was a holocaust survivor who was saved by righteous gentiles. Morris was a very great man and spent his life lecturing about his personal story and about the holocaust in general. He is the author of the book "Death March".

May You Be Sealed In The Book Of Life

2010-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dearest friends, Leah and I want to wish you all a Gmar Chatimah Tovah!

Let it be a great year for am Yisrael! A year of happiness and success.We want to thank all of you for standing behind Itamar. May Hashem bless you with all the special blessings on earth!

Shalom
Moshe and Leah Goldsmith Itamar Israel

Releasing Vows

2010-09-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Releasing Vows Prayer On Itamar

Hatarat Nedarim or absolution of vows, is practiced before Rosh Hashanah. This ritual enables one to come before God on Rosh Hashanah and into a New Year, with a clean slate - without any unfulfilled promises

Leah's Thoughts For The New Year

2010-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Rosh Hashana – The Time of Your Life

If Pesach's design is to set one's house in order and remember leaving Egypt, the ten Days of Repentance beginning with Rosh Hashana and culminating on Yom Kippur have us cleaning slates too while we leave the past. It's a time for making a lot of things, food (endless meals) making decorations for the Sukkah, but most of all- for making amends. It is the "Time of your life" as your redemption day comes closer and your thoughts are full of acknowledgement. This is the time we go in for a spiritual X-ray. We can actually step out of ourselves and see our intentions and aspirations as we come closer to the Day of Judgment, Yom Kippur.

It's a time you are usually more mindful of others, more tactful and well meaning. You want to start the New Year on the right foot. It's a time to climb the Mount of Blessing, to do the right thing. But it really doesn't matter where you are when it comes to teshuva because you really are in the realm of thought more than any other time of the year. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said "wherever your mind is- that's where you are!" (meaning you are – NOT what you eat but what you THINK!) This is the first sphere of Keter – and we count ten till we reach Malchut. Obviously a person has to put his thoughts to practical use but like the new year- it is the first step on the ladder that you have to take. Thoughts are running up and down the ladder all the time, like the angels on Jacob's ladder- but it all depends on the attitude you take when faced with creative challenges. We will no doubt have to come to grips, call someone's bluff, and lay it on the line in the forefront of this coming time and place.

Hashem takes great pleasure in our good thoughts!

It is also a time for forgiveness, first from G-d, then from the people in our lives. It is the time that Hashem gives us the spiritual strength to see the truth as we enter the Days of Judgment. Then the entire soul of the one House of Israel and the entire world is rectified. This is the time we return to Hashem. This is not a time for tearfulness but a time to shout Halleluya as you yell yourself hoarse "making a joyful noise unto the Lord."

It's like doing a high five with G-d.

After all of this emotional and thoughtful stuff is over we enter G-d's arms into the snug and cozy Sukkah. There He gives us a special hug.

I would like to bless all of our friends with best wishes for the New Year- for health, happiness and thoughts of many good things to come!

Chag Sameyach, Shana Tova U'metuka- Shabbat Shalom

Leah Goldsmith

Rabbi Moshe's Thoughts on the New Year

2010-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Itamar wishes a happy and healthy New Year to all its wonderful friends!

This new Hebrew year is spelled Taf Shin Ayin Alef – an acronym for – Tihiyeh Shnat Aliyah Artzah.
Let it be a year of going up to the land of Israel!

L'Shana Tova!

Dedication Of A New Torah Scroll

2010-09-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

A dedication of a new Torah scroll for Itamar's Yeshivah high school was celebrated this week.

The Torah scroll was donated by Harav Eshel from Kedumim in memory of his brother, sister and father may they rest in peace.

Itamar Is Becoming Known in America

2010-08-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

This past week Moshe & Leah Goldsmith have traveled with me sharing about their deep faith, love for Israel and the community they live in. People in Texas, and New Mexico have been touched greatly by our message and have learned so much about Itamar.

In New Mexico, we learned about the Jewish community during the Spanish Inquisition. One man who has found that he is a Sephardic Jew, showed me a Catholic church that still to this day has the Star of David on the arches. What is amazing, is they probably don't know what these symbols are today, but as you read the history of this church, you read of embattlements, change of hands and some destruction but what has lasted since 1793 is this arch that you see in the photo with the two Magen David's! Amazing!

People through out this area are finding Jewish symbols and discovering their heritage! I stand in awe of Hashem. Now of course Moshe & Leah could not enter this church because of their faith, but we did take this picture to show them.

I am so humbled to watch Moshe and Leah who are orthodox Jews share their faith, and keep to the commands they are given. They are truly taking Torah to the Nations. Thank you Moshe & Leah.

Fruitfulness and Fullfilled Prophecy

2010-08-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

The grape vines of Itamar are ripening enjoy the picture of one of the seven species of the land of Israel! Prophecy is coming true!"

Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; Jeremiah 31:4

Wedding of Avi and Naamah Barda August 2010

2010-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov to Rabbi Tzvi and Sarah Pereg and Shimon and Sarah Bardah on the marriage of their children Naamah and Avi that took place in the town of Mitzpeh Jericho right outside Jericho on August 6 2010.

Shimon and Sarah are one of the founding families of the Town of Itamar back in
1984. We wish them all continued happiness and success! Enjoy a short clip of the wedding celebration.

Chanukah at Joseph's Tomb

2009-12-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009

Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, mayor of Itamar, had the privilege of visiting the Tomb of Joseph together with the head of the Shomron regional council, Gershon Masikah. Since the desecration and burning down of the tomb, Jewish access to the holy site has been virtually put on halt. Once in a while permission is granted by the army to visit the grave site.

Lighting Chanukah Candles at Joseph's Tomb

Since Gershon was elected about a year ago, he has been working very hard to allow Am Yisrael to have free access to the holy place. Baruch Hashem he has succeeded in working out with the army more frequent visits. We hope this will lead to the opening up of the doors completely.

David Haivri, from the Shomron liaison office asked Rabbi Goldsmith to escort two newsmen into the holy site to report on the special experience of visiting with Joseph during Chanukah. Please enjoy the pictures of the Chanukah candles lighting of and of the army battalion commander that brought his son and family to visit the holy site as well!

Battalion Commander and his son!

A Chanukah Miracle

2009-12-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

A Chanukah miracle occurred on Itamar when 200 goats of the Avri farm were stolen by three nearby villagers. The Itamar response team acted quickly and were able to catch up with the stolen flock and return it to its owner, Avri Ran. Unfortunately, the criminals got away but thank G-D no one was hurt.

Triplets Born To Boaz Shabo - Terrorist Victim Now Rejoices!

2009-10-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009

Itamar wishes a big Mazal Tov to Boaz Shabo on the birth of triplets (a girl and two boys) on Succoth!

Boaz was one of the founders of Itamar and suffered the terrible tragedy of losing his wife and three of his 7 children at the hand of terrorists on Itamar. (See Link to his story)

The miracle is that G-D blessed him with three new precious souls! Boaz already gave a name to his daughter Yahil Simchah (Simcha named after Boaz's mother who recently passed away and Yahil referring to light.

After the terrible darkness Boaz has now been blessed with light. The two boys don't have names yet since their circumcision has been put off until they get a little bigger. In the name of the community of Itamar we wish Boaz and his family only happiness and success with a lot of nachat from his children.

Please enjoy the picture of Boaz wearing on his arm the three bracelets of his new born babies.

Joseph'Tomb

2009-10-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2009

A few days ago the people of Itamar had the privilege of saying Selichot at the Tomb of Joseph which unfortunately still remains desecrated after the Arab riots that burnt it to the ground nine years ago. Four busses were allowed to enter the holy site in the early hours of the morning under heavy army protection.

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Rabbi Moshe Praying At Joseph's Tomb

Israeli Soldiers Worshipping and Guarding

A Miracle In Itamar

2009-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Bullet Hole

July 10, 2009

The Goldsmith family held a special thanks giving meal on Wednesday night after experiencing a miracle that occurred in their home that same morning. Here is the amazing story! Their daughter Achishena was sleeping in her bed in the late morning hours while the Israeli army was training in the shooting range about a kilometer and a half away right below Itamar. The unusual thing was that the army was practicing with heavy machine guns as opposed to the normal routine of using light weapons like m-16 rifles etc.

A stray bullet from a FN MAG 58 7.62 mm (a Belgium weapon used by the Israeli army) penetrated the exterior wall of Achishena's bedroom on a direct course towards her. The miracle was that the bullet hit the chest of drawers near the wall upon entry and was deflected slightly higher and skipped over her head and went into the book case on the other side of the room. Achishena remained sleeping throughout the whole incident and later woke up without noticing what had happened.

At around one o'clock, when her older sister Merav came to the room, she started to yell "who made a hole my wall". Leah came and called Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith who was in the Itamar office at the time to come home quickly. She yelled "someone opened fire on the house!" The Rabbi came running home together with the head of Itamar security and discovered the amazing miracle that had occurred.

The army and police were called in and took pictures of the event. Later on the head of the Shomron Brigade came personally together with other army personal to apologize for the terrible accident. That evening, Rabbi Mayor Moshe and Leah Goldsmith decided to make a special meal to
thank Hashem for the miracle that happened to their daughter.