Supportive Process Groups on Zoom
Sunday, December 17, 8:15-9:30 PM
What we have all experienced since October 7th has been unimaginable, unbearable, and nearly impossible to process. As busy parents trying to continue normalcy for our children (and sometimes for ourselves) it can be hard to find the time to check in on ourselves and reflect on how we are holding up given the state of our homeland and the rest of the world. We want to give you the opportunity to take a pause, lean into community, and reflect on just that—we need each other now more than ever.
Join psychotherapists Limor Gildenblatt, PhD, LCSW and Michele Weiss, LMFT, as they facilitate an online Zoom group on Sunday, December 17th, from 8 to 9:15 PM.
We would appreciate RSVPs if you can join us (please email: Limor.Gildenblatt@gmail.com & Mwinsession@gmail.com) and we will share the zoom link. These groups are for adults only and there is no cost for attendance. This space will lend an opportunity to mindfully process our experiences while providing support to one another. Hope to see you then!
Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Adopting Kibbutz Holit
Holit is a small kibbutz near the southern Gaza border, with about 200 residents as of October 6. The kibbutz was established in 1977 in the Sinai and re-established in its current location in 1982. Holit suffered mass devastation in the terrifying attack on October 7. 13 residents were murdered, and another was kidnapped. Beyond the mental trauma and loss of human life, many of the survivors lost their homes, possessions and livelihood. The community has been displaced, currently living in temporary dwellings in Ein Gedhi near the Dead Sea. They need help and they need to know we care. The direness and tragedy of the situation requires that we all participate in a big way, at a level that is greater than what any of us have done in the past.
Many of us are looking for ways to help the many victims from the events of October 7, and there are countless worthy causes and organizations that need our support. We would like to adopt this small kibbutz as a sister community of ASBI, offering immediate and longer-term financial and other support and making a more personal connection along the way.
**NOVEMBER UPDATE**
With the contribution of many community members and with Jeff Aeder's generosity and efforts to garner a matching donation, we were able to raise $500,000 for Holit. We are now working with the kibbutz on identifying and prioritizing immediate, medium, and long term needs, so that we can allocate the funds accordingly. Other ways that you can get involved:
1. Participate in our letter writing campaign
ASBI kids of all ages are inviting to write letters to the children of Kibbutz Holit. We have provided guidelines for letter writing, as well as a sample letter for younger children HERE. View the guidelines, then write your letter and drop off in the labeled box in the ASBI lobby. No postage needed.
2. Skills/resources you can offer to Kibbutz Holit
The kibbutz asked what skills/resources members of our community can offer (for example - anybody who would be willing/available to teach English via zoom, anybody willing to bring stuff to the kibbutz when they travel to Israel, anybody willing to volunteer to pick produce from the kibbutz fields...). Please fill out our form HERE to participate.
3. Donate clothing
Bring new and/or very lightly used clothes for adults and children, specifically for the winter months ahead, and drop off at ASBI—there is a collection box in the lobby.
If you would like to become more directly involved, including with formulating and executing additional initiatives to support the people of Holit, if you have questions or want to learn more about the kibbutz and its needs, please reach out to Yaron Kinar at ykinar_2000@yahoo.com.
Support Israeli artists with this curated Chanukah gift guide! We’ve included many hand picked artists we know and love! Gift your loved ones something beautiful for the holiday and contribute to Israel at the same time.
Click here to view a list of artists with a link to purchase their artwork.
Know another artist you'd like included on this list? Please contact Libby.Smoler@gmail.com with the information needed for the Google doc.ASBI Member Adam Smoler was interviewed by Chicago Fox news on his experience in Israel during the war. Watch here.
You can view a recording of the 10/12/23 gathering at Anshe Emet "We Stand Together" here.
We are collecting names of Israeli soldiers and of those who are wounded and those who have been taken hostage. If you have any names to add to the list you can add them to our ASBI Misheberach List for the Israel Crisis:
We are currently collecting the names and contact information of current or former ASBI members who are living in Israel.
If you live in Israel, please fill out this form (asbi.org/asbi-in-israel) with your information so that we can stay in touch. Please also share this form with ASBI alumni you keep in touch with who have made aliyah.