May 9, 2008

Itamar held its Memorial Day ceremony this week. The memory of our dear friends that gave their lives for the land of Israel will always remain with us. Their tremendous spirit is a constant driving force behind the continuation of our building the land. Please see the memorial page.

We celebrated our community's 24th birthday this week on Independence Day. It was a beautiful celebration. We had an out door evening dinner for the entire community. Next year we hope that all of you can join us in our 25th birthday event!

The mayor Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith and his wife Leah will be on a speaking tour in the U.S.A in August. Those interested in hearing them speak in their community please contact them by e-mail moshe@friendsofitamar.org

May 2, 2008

1. Itamar held the final stage of the Bible Contest this week. Mazal Tov to the winners Eliyahu Mishulami, Rabbanit Rekenati, and Kinarti together with all the participants. Prizes will be given out next week on Itamar's birthday – Israel Independence day during the community's evening celebration.

2. This week we had the privilege of hosting a very special guest speaker on Itamar, Mordechai Pappirblatt. He was invited to our community on Holocaust day to tell us about his amazing survival story. Mordechai spent 900 days in the Auschwitz death camp. Among his many important messages is his living testimony that no obstacle can stand in the way of someone who has a true will to survive. My personal reaction after hearing him was that we must never complain again about anything and always be happy with our lot. No matter how difficult things can sometimes get, nothing can compare to the terrible nightmare of the Holocaust. Let us thank Hashem for the wonderful gift of life and not take one day for granted.

April 25, 2008

1. Safta Charlotte Krantz burns the last of the chametz on Itamar. Charlotte, the mother of Leah Goldsmith, has been a loyal friend of Itamar for the last 22 years.

2. Pesach was very special on Itamar. We enjoyed many visitors from all over Israel and from abroad. They came to participate in a special happening which included different activities like horse back riding, games for children, and a display of Itamar products and other activities as well.

3. Itamar welcomes our dear friends Robbie and Rivky Watman and family from the Anshey Chesed community of Hewlett New York. Anshei Chesed has been actively involved in Itamar projects.

4. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yaakov and Chani Fingold on the birth of a son.

5. G-D willing this coming Tuesday Itamar will be holding the second and final Stage of the Chidon Tanach (Bible contest). The prizes will be given out at our Independence Day celebration which is the birthday of our community. Anyone wishing to help sponsor the contest is welcome to do so!

April 11, 2008

1. Itamar is speechless over the tremendous Chesed of our dear friends Allan and Barbara Hirsch. In their merit for the last 8 years around 800 families in need from Judea and Shomron have been receiving food packages for the Pesach Holiday. The areas include the entire Gav Hahar region of Shechem and the Gush Etzion Chevron area. Alan works very hard raising the money from different communities from the NY and NJ region. We are grateful as well to all those wonderful people that sent their donations towards such a precious cause. Enjoy the picture of a happy Itamar resident receiving Shmurah Matzo for the holiday.

2. Itamar welcomes Henk Poot and Theo Horneman our very special friends from Holland who are putting together a unique picture book of beautiful landscapes of the different communities of Judea and Shomron. Henk and Theo are great supporters of Israel and have been helpful to many communities in Israel.

3. Itamar welcomes Yosef Ringal from Allentown Pennsylvania. Yosef is a student at Brandeis University and is doing his doctorate on Israel studies. He spent three days this week on Itamar to research the Sfardic methods of Torah study that are being used in the Talmud Torah of Itamar.

4. Itamar had a very special blessing over the last two weeks ten children have been born here! Vchayn Yirboo! Shabbat Shalom

April 4, 2008

Three girls were born on Itamar this week all from the same hilltop called Givat Arnon over looking the Jordan valley! Mazal Tov to The Tuaf, Segal, and Recheli families. Enjoy the picture of the green pasture surrounding the hilltop.

Two Itamar miracles occurred this week. The first happened with the principal of our Yeshiva high school. Rabbi Erez was waiting for a ride along highway 60 across the Shilo Junction together with a young teenager. Suddenly a terrorist with a long knife attacked the young teenager. The Rabbi who is a very gentle man reacted quickly and succeeded in saving the boy by shooting the assailant.

The second miracle occurred on Tuesday night when a fire broke out in a house of one of Itamar's residents. The community responded very quickly and was able to put the fire out. Thank G-D the children and the parents who were sleeping at the time all got out of the house. The father and three children who were hospitalized with smoke inhalation came home yesterday; one child is still in the hospital with light burn injuries. The house was damaged and the family will be living for the time being in temporary housing. Thank G-D the insurance will cover the damage to the house. Unfortunately, it does not cover the damage to personal possessions like furniture, clothes, books, and electric appliances. The family lives very modestly and doesn't have the financial means to cover the damage. (Estimated damage around five thousand dollars) Anyone wishing to help out can send a donation to friends of Itamar and have the check earmarked fire damage.

Itamar sends a special thanks to Jessica Katz for three consecutive years of clothing distribution for our community and other communities as well. This week a big delivery of clothes came and was given out. The families were so appreciative. It also came at the perfect time for helping the family with the fire since most of their clothes were damaged.

Itamar welcomed this week a bus load of forty South Africans that came to experience our beautiful community and show us their solidarity.

Itamar resident Rachel Ginsberg designs and sells Hebrew T-shirts anyone interested can visit her site at www.hebrewtshirts.co.il. Her latest design - don't assimilate illuminate is displayed here with the beautiful Itamar background.

March 28, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to the new young couple Hadar & Mordechai Mintz who were married last night. Hadar was born on Kfar Darom in Gush Katif– one of the communities that were destroyed by the Israeli government in its disengagement plan two summers ago. Hadar's father Ephraim Ayubi, was murdered by terrorists while he was driving Harav Drukman in the Hebron hills.

Hadar did her national service on Itamar and not only fell in love with our community but fell in love with one of our Yeshiva boys! Mordechai who has been studying in the Itamar Yeshiva for the last few years is now doing his mandatory army service. The young couple will be living on Itamar. Harav Avi Ronski the chief Rabbi of the Israeli army and resident of Itamar presided over the wedding ceremony. Harav Drukman was honored with reading the Kitubah. Please enjoy the pictures of the wedding.

3. Mazal Tov to Nitanel and Bat Zion Ronski on the birth of a daughter this week. Nitanal is the son the Rabbi Ronski it was his first daughter after 4 boys. Enjoy the picture of Nitanel who was dressed up

4. Itamar welcomes Charlotte Krantz the mother of Leah Goldmith to our community! Charlotte has been following Itamar very closely for the last 23 years watching it grow into a thriving community. Charlotte came to be with her family and spend the Pesach holiday in the place she loves most.

March 21, 2008

1. Itamar wishes a happy Purim to all its wonderful friends!

2. Mazal Tov to the Goldbergers on the Brit Milah of their new born son.

3. Best wishes to Yishay Chemo and a blessing to stay safe. Yishay will be drafted this week into the Israeli army.

4. Enjoy the pictures of Itamar residents celebrating Purim.

5. Please read the Purim Torah thought of the week.

March 14, 2008

Itamar expresses its condolences to the families of the precious boys that were massacred in Yeshivat Mercaz Haarav last week. A brother of one of the boys learns in the Itamar high school.

The Itamar Chidon Tanach (bible contest) had its first stage exam this week. The test translated in English, is being displayed on our site in order for our Itamar friends to have the opportunity to check their Torah skills as well! Please enjoy.

Mazal Tov to Aryeh and Nechama Goldberger on the birth of their son the Brit will be taking place, G-d willing, on Wednesday.

The spring is here on Itamar – please enjoy the beautiful picture of the almond blossoms. The almond tree is always the first to blossom in Israel.

5. Please read the new Torah thought for the week by Leah Goldsmith.

February 22, 2008

1. The security situation has been difficult for the Itamar residents over the last two weeks. There were some rock throwing attacks on cars driving up the road leading to the community. Besides damage caused to cars, one incident caused a car accident and injury to someone coming to Itamar to pay his condolences to a young family that lost an eight month old baby in crib death. In addition, there were two shooting incidents in Chawarah the near by village leading to Itamar and the other communities of Gav Hahar. Itamar's young resident Akivah Head was on the bus that was shot on. Thank G-d nobody was hurt but damage was caused to the bus. On the Itamar hilltops a herd of sheep was stolen and there were some additional attempts of theft as well.

2. Mazal Tov to the Chemo family upon the bar Mitzvah of their son. The Itamar community wishes them many more happy events and much success!

3. Itamar is blessed with many ancient archeological sites. In the picture is an ancient wine press dating back to the second temple period. Itamar resident, Shmuel Barak, and engineer who works in the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rechovot has created a modern Itamar wine press. Please enjoy the pictures of his Itamar wine cellar and vineyard.

4. Yitro Asheri is looking to write another Sefer Torah. Anyone interested in purchasing a Torah for their community please contact us.

January 31, 2008

1. There is nothing more beautiful then observing Itamar and its surroundings covered with a white garment from above. Adults and children as well enjoyed playing outside in the snow as well as cozying it up indoors. Please enjoy the enclosed pictures.

click here for more snow photos

January 25, 2008

1. The people Itamar want to express our love and gratitude to Hashem for allowing us to merit in the most beautiful Torah celebration in the world! Those who participated in the event described it as a dream; others said that it was like the Simchat Bet Hashoava that is celebrated in the Bet Hamikdash! It was a tremendous spiritual up lift for all! We want to thank all those wonderful people that made this special Simcha event possible. The merit of being part of such a Mitzvah has no boundaries! The letters and portions that you purchased are an everlasting acquisition in the Torah. May this great deed stand at your side for you and your family for all generations. See enclosed slide show.

2. Mazal Tov to Barak and Sarah Melet upon the birth of their daughter after 7 boys!

3. Mazal Tov to Alon and Rachel Zimmerman upon the birth of their second grand daughter.

4. Please see Leah's new Torah thought and holiday tip.

January 18, 2008

1. Itamar is getting ready for the big event this coming Monday January 21st 2008, the celebration of the Hachnasat sefer Torah in memory of the five Itamar children that lost their lives in terror attacks. This is a very special project that is finally coming to a close after a year and a half!
I want to thank all our special dear friends that helped make this happen. Those who want to be part of this special Mitzvah still have the opportunity. The last twelve letters are still available for donation each letter is being sold for 250 dollars. Those interested please contact us right away!

2. The Torah scroll was checked by computer to make sure that there were no mistakes. In the picture Yitro is examining the computer results.

3. In the picture - Yitro is displaying the new Jacket that will cover the Torah. We still don't have a donor for it yet, for those interested - the price is 750 dollars.

4. Yitro sewing up the last parchments to the Torah.

5. Please read the new Torah thought for the week by Leah Goldsmith.

January 10, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to David and Rutie Shushan upon the marriage of their daughter Esther. We wish Esther and her new husband Yishayahu much happiness and success!

2. Mazal tov to Yoel and Chavah Avni on the birth of their twins this week (a girl and a boy!)

3. The Itamar community has been blessed with many young couples. Many of them are Itamar children who decided that there is no better place for them to set up their new home than Itamar. In the picture - Tal Kishner the daughter of Itamar residents, Orna and Eliezer Hishberg, with her new born baby girl.

4. Enjoy the Itamar winter fog!

5. Please enjoy the new Torah thought from Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.

January 3, 2008

1. The families of Itamar want thank Jessica Katz, head of the Yad Leah organization from NJ, for another amazing shipment of clothing to Itamar. There are no words to express the importance of this great Mitzvah! The warm clothing will come in handy for the cold winter months that lie ahead.

2. Mayor Moshe Goldsmith and Refael Meron, the secretary of Itamar, met this week with Gershon Masika, the newly elected head of the Shomron regional counsel. They discussed the vital needs of the community. Mr. Masika promised to do his best to help us further our goals.

3. Alan Nussbaum, representative of the Manhattan chapter of Friends of Itamar visited our community this week. Alan is a special friend and every time he visits Israel he makes visiting Itamar his priority.

4. Enjoy the beautiful winter sunset on Itamar!

5. Please join us in prayer for rain – it has been so far a very arid winter.

Please check out Leah's new Torah thought for parashat Vaera.

December 14, 2007

Please see the new Torah thought on the Parasha by Leah Goldsmith

The children of Itamar enjoyed special Hanukah activities with the help of Itamar's dear friend Eddie Wunsch

Dr. Avshalom Koor, famous linguist, visits with Itamar. We really enjoyed his insights on family names.

Itamar held elections this week. The community wishes success to Rabbi Mayor Goldsmith who was elected again for his second consecutive term and his council. An Itamar, young lady, voting for the first time!

December 7, 2007

Friends of Itamar want to wish all our dear friends a happy Chanukah.

Mazal Tov to the Goldsmith family upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Achishena.

The beautiful fall colors of Itamar!

This week the prime minister of Israel Ehud Olmert lit Chanukah candles in the army base just down the road from Itamar. (Two minutes away) We hope that his experience of spending some time in the holy area of Itamar was an inspiration to him.

November 29, 2007

1. Special request! G-d willing Itamar will be celebrating the Hachnasat Sefer Torah on January 21st. We need help in finishing this important project. We are planning a very big celebration including a Seudat Mitzvah for 350 people and a band. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please pass this message on to your family and friends!

2. This week I had the privilege of spending a morning in Gamla with Jack and Lynda very dear friends of Itamar. It was an unbelievable experience and I recommend it for all of you. The ancient synagogue and site are just fabulous. (Moshe Goldsmith)

3. Friends of Itamar come in different shapes, colors and sizes and we love them all.

4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought on the Parasha.

November 22, 2007

1. Itamar thanks Hashem for the first major rain of the year! Enjoy the beautiful rainbow over Itamar.

2. Itamar had a great time with Jack and Lynda SmithSchick, our special friends from OK City who spent the Shabbat with us. They will be returning to the States next week we wish them a safe trip back.

3. Mazal Tov to Yaakov and Shirah ben Pinchas on the Brit milah of their son Yoav Yitzchak.

4. Mazal Tov to the Shushan family upon the engagement of their daughter Esther.

5. Itamar was happy to host special friends, Eddie Wunsch together with some other friends from the Anshey Chesed Shul of Hewlet Long Island and other parts of NY. Anshey Chesed has been a major sponsor for the Itamar summer camp for the last two years.

6. Itamar is happy to host this Shabbat a group of Anglo-Saxons from all over Israel as part of Ruthy's Shabbat of Mattot Arim. Sixty guests from different cities all over Israel will be participating in this Shabbat weekend. Yaashar Koach to Ruthy for organizing it!

November 16, 2007

1) Itamar welcomes our dear friends Jack and Lynda SmithSchick from Oklahoma City. We are really enjoying their company.

2) Mazal Tov to the Bar Nitzan, Kinarti, and Ben Pinchas families on the birth of their sons.

3) Yaashar Koach to the Itamar youth on the wonderful performance on their plays Saturday night. Much love and effort went into working with the children. We are very proud of our older youth who did a fantastic time in activating the younger groups.

4) A picture of an ancient oak tree on Har Kabir(near Elon More and Itamar) native to the Shomron. Pay attention to the width of the trunk.

November 1, 2007

1.Mazal Tov to the Tene family on the marriage of their daughter, Achinoam, who married Netanel this past Monday. The new young couple will be living on one of our hilltops here on Itamar!

2.We welcomed a group of tourists that came to express their solidarity with Itamar from the communities of Vancouver, Canada and San Francisco, California. Leah Goldsmith addressed the group and was warmly received.

3.A memorial service was held on Thursday for Matan Zagron who sacrificed his life at a bus stop in Ariel a few years ago. A terrorist threatened to blow up explosives on a crowd of people, and Matan, a brave soldier and officer prevented this from happening by becoming a human shield. He gave up his life so that others can live. He was 21 years old.
Seen here, is a picture of Benny and Varda Zagron, the parents of Matan, together with his military brigade commander.

4.Mazal Tov to Ava Zimmerman on her 95th birthday, making her the oldest resident in Itamar. We wish her many more years of happiness and good health.

Read the new Torah thought for the week written by Leah Goldsmith.

October 26, 2007

1. Mazal tov to Tal and Menasha Kushner on the birth of their baby daughter who was named Eliyah Chen Miriam. A special Mazal Tov to the grandparents Eliezer and Ornah Hershberg who also live on Itamar and had a baby themselves recently.

2. Mazal Tov to Rachel and Menachem Gordon on the birth of a baby boy this week on the Yartzeit of Rachel Emeynu. Rachel had a difficult birth and is still in intensive care, our prayers are with her.

3. Mazal Tov to Elchanan Shushan and Yosef Goldsmith who completed another crucial phase in their combat training in the Golani Bragade. They received their brown beret. Both of them are members of elite forces!

4. Itamar kindergarten children trying on their new hats they received from special friends of Itamar living in Australia, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dellaca who hand made them.

5. The people of Itamar want to wish a speedy recovery to the soldier that was seriously injured this week by terrorist gunfire near Ariel. The soldier was shot while waiting at a bus stop. He was on his way to Itamar where he is presently stationed.

Please read our weekly new Torah thought

October 19, 2007

1. Picture of early fall of the mountains of Grizim and Aval which rise above the city of Shechem the opening of this weeks portion Lech Licha– the first place where Abraham comes to when he enters the land of Israel.

2. Itamar children coming back from school on Erev Shabbat.

3. Picture of our almost completed youth center a special thank you to the Israel lottery organization (Mifal Hapayis)!

4. The olive season begins! Barak Melet at his olive press.

5. Lemon season on Itamar as well.

6. Please read our new Torah thought – this time written by Leah Goldsmith. Leah based this article on the thoughts of Hillel Leiberman – who was the first victim of the Intafada. 7 years ago he was murdered while trying to make his way to the Tomb of Joseph.

October 12, 2007

1) This past Shabbat Berayshit our community celebrated the completion of the first stage of our Bet Knesset at a communal sit down Siudat Shileesheet dinner which was held on the floor of the building. We would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz for their generous help in this very important mission. Our goal is to be able to pray our New Year services of next year in the shul. In order for us to achieve this we need to raise around 850 thousand more dollars.

2) The Itamar youth were very helpful in setting up for this event we want to thank them as well!

3) Ofer Head at a workshop with students from our high school Yeshivat Chitzim teaches them how to work with stained glass. Ofer has been given workshops for the last few years as he is specializing in the field. He has made some impressive pieces of art.

4) Aaron and Ayalah Giaan former residents of Kfar Darom in Gush Katif, made a special Siudat Hodayah(thanksgiving meal) at their new home on Itamar. Their Daughter Chanah who was born after the expulsion with a serious heart defect finally this week after open heart surgery and a lot of prayers is now functioning normally.

October 2, 2007

1. This coming Shabbat, Shabbat Berashit, we are planning to a have a joint Seudah Shilishit(third meal) with the entire community on the building site of our important project - the building of our permanent synagogue. This event was chosen in order to unite and focus our congregation on this major operation.

2. This week we really enjoyed the beautiful holiday of Succoth.

3. Two bus loads of holiday visitors from the city of Rechovot came to visit with us and tour our community. We had a great time together. One of the sites we visited was the Avri and Sharonah farm on the Itamar hilltops.

September 20, 2007

1. The people of Itamar wish all our friends a Chatimah Tovah and Chag Sameach!

2. Mazal Tov to Moshe and Naamah Cohen on the celebration of the Brit Milah of their son this week.

3. Zev Chever, Zambish the head of Amanah visited with Itamar this week to discuss important issues relating to building.

4. The Friends of Itamar site added a new addition called holiday tips; it pays to check it out!

September 7, 2007

1. Itamar would like to wish a happy and healthy New Year to all our wonderful friends.

2. Itamar is getting ready for the Shimitah(sabatical) year. It very special to watch everybody doing their last minute gardening preparations before the New Year sets in. The gardens of Itamar never looked as nicely kept before.

3. Itamar hosted a small group from Holland that came to see our town. We really enjoyed their company!

4. Three residents of Itamar that were supposed to be home for Shabbat and Rosh Hashana were called back to the army because of the tension in the North. Hopefully, by Rosh Hashana things will calm down and the army will let them come home.

5. Mazal Tov to the Edri family upon the birth of their son.

6. Itamar's children began school this week. Mazal Tov to the happy Parents!

August 30, 2007

1. This week's Parasha Ki TAvo takes place in the backyard of Itamar. The famous blessing and the curse were given on the mountains of Grizim and Avel right across from us!

2. This week I had the Zechut of visiting the city of David in Jerusalem. We were shown some of the newest archeological discoveries. One of them has not yet been open to the public. It is an ancient street leading from the Shiloach spring to the Temple Mount dating back to the second temple period. What is amazing is the fact that it is so preserved and looks like it was built recently! Interestingly, along the street there are parts that have been smashed open.(pay attention why looking at the picture) Archeologists explain according the famous historian, Josephus Flavius, that this was done by the Romans who received information that the Jews were hiding out in catacombs under the street. The Romans broke open the street in order to get to them. The remnants of pottery, food, and coins that said on them freedom to Israel that were found underneath testify to this claim. We can console ourselves that today, 2000 years later, Israel has returned to Jerusalem! (Moshe Goldsmith)

3. Mazal Tov to Hila and Mordechai Sadeh, and Rachel and Liyor Nachshon upon the birth of their sons.

4. Mazal Tov to the Teneh family on the engagement of their daughter Achinoam.

5. The Itamar Yeshivah high school, Chitzim, has begun studies after a long summer vacation. We want to wish the students a successful year of learning!

August 23, 2007

1. Memorial service held on Thursday morning for Meir Lixenberg HYD attended by Harav Livanon, Rabbi of Elon Moreh, seen in the picture.

2. Friends of Itamar from several communities of NJ visit with Itamar and wrote letters in the Sefer Torah that Yitro is writing in memory of his son Eliyahu and the children of Itamar. G-d willing we plan to celebrate the Hachnasat sefer Torah on the 14 of Shivat, Eliyahu's birthday.

3. Rabbi Lupin presents hand made woven scarves that the women of his community made for the children of Itamar.

4. Itamar joins the shomron region council's great event of the summer– a concert in the amphitheater at the ancient city of Shomron – Sebastia with Yehoram Gaon. The event was preceded by a professional tour of the site and theater presentations of the different time periods.

August 16th 2007

1. Harav Tzvi Tau at the memorial service of Shlomo Miller, Itamar's former security chief who was murdered by terrorists on the hills of Itamar three years ago. The memorial service was held last Friday on Mount Olives in Jerusalem just a few days before the wedding of Shlomo's son Eliyahu. (see pictures of wedding below)

2. Harav Yaakov Ariel, chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan gives a Torah class in memory of Shlomo Miller on Sunday night in Itamar. Rabbi Ariel spoke about the laws pertaining to the Shimita (sabbatical year).

3. Israel's Knesset member, Uri Ariel, meets with Itamar's Mayor Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith and Secretary Riphael Meron. (Ariel on the left, Meron center, and Goldsmith to the right)

4. Mazal Tov to Esther Miller and Hagar Zar on the marriage of their children Eliyahu and Rinana. Esther and Hagar both lost their husbands in terror attacks. (Esther standing on the Left next and to the right of her Hagar)

5. Unfortunately, Eliyahu's father Shlomo and Rinana's father Gilad didn't merit in walking their children on Thursday night to bridal canopy. Instead the two grandfathers Moshe Zar on right and Ariyeh Miller on left that both lost their sons had to do it instead.

6. The groom Eliyahu being thrown up in the air at his wedding celebration.

August 9th 2007

1) Mazal Tov to Avraham and Ofrah Cohen upon the marriage of their daughter Bat Zion. The wedding took place Wednesday night in Seday Bar, a hilltop farm in the Judean Hills right below Herodian.

2) Mazal Tov to the Ofer and Yael Head upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son Akivah.

3) A special thanks to our friends in NJ who sent another shipment of clothes to Itamar.

4) A special thanks to the Israeli army who apprehended a terrorist that tried to plant a road side bomb along the route from Itamar to Elon More.

5) Friday morning at ten a memorial service with be held on Mt. Olives for our dear friend Shlomo Miller, former head of Itamar's security, who was killed by terrorist gun fire three years ago on Itamar. Shlomo left behind a wife and seven children. On a happier note Shlomo and Esther's son Eliyahu will be getting married next week to Rinana Zar. Rinana like her future husband Eliyahu, lost her father Gilad, the former security chief of the regional council, in a terrorist attack 5 years ago.

July 27th 2007

1. This week we poured the floor of our new synagogue! G-d willing we will able to pray in the building by next Rosh Hashana (New Year).

2. The Itamar youth planted 70 trees as part of the summer camp program – getting ready for the sabbatical year.

3. The families of Itamar had a fantastic two day trip up north which included rafting along the Dan River and hiking. We also had a communal barbeque and camped out over night in tents. It was a great bonding experience. A special thanks for our friends that helped provide for this trip.

July 27th 2007

1. Leah addresses a group of 70 people from Fort Meyers Florida that made a special trip to Itamar to express their solidarity with our community.

2. Achishena Goldsmith, and her friend Naama Miller with their fimo jewelry that they prepared and happily sold to the group of Itamar visiters.

3. A big shipment of clothes came to Itamar from Passaic NJ to help out families in need.

4. Itamar campers prepared clocks made out of stained glass with local artist Ofar Head.

5. Yaashar Koach to Itamar residents that participated in the march to Chomesh in Northern Samaria. Unfortunately, they were bussed out by force.

6. The community of Itamar is looking forward to our annual summer trip to the Galilee where we will be camping out under the stars and hiking the beautiful hills of Northern Israel.

7. Yeshivat Chitzim, the Itamar high school, is painting their dormitories with special pictures of holy sites in Israel.

8. Leah and Rachel holding up an Itamar forever tee-shirt. Rachel Ginsberg designs and sells tee-shirts.

July 20th 2007

1. This passed Sunday, Erev Rosh Chodesh Av, The Itamar ladies went on a special outing to a spa near Haifa. They had a great time and they want to thank the special friends of Itamar that helped them make the outing become a reality.

2. The Itamar campers took a tour today, Thursday July 19th, along the famous tunnels of the western wall in Jerusalem. After the tour they walked around the streets of Jerusalem raising money for the Sefer Torah project.

3. Ephraim Miller was granted the Itamar agriculture award for the month for growing the most delicious melons on the precious soil of Itamar. His brother Yonatan is going to plant a vineyard next week which will be named after their father who was murdered by terrorist two summers ago.

4. A herd of deer was seen between the slopes that lead from the Jordan valley to the mountains of Itamar.

July 13th 2007 / 27 Tamuz 5767

1) Unfortunately, Itamar had a terrible tragedy this week. One of our dear students of our Yeshiva high school, Evyatar Mahon that just graduated a few weeks ago was killed in a car accident. Evyatar was a resident of the community Maale Livonah and was buried in Shilo last night. Just a few months ago, Evyatar, was miraculously saved from an attempted kidnapping by Arab terrorists. Monday night Evyatar hitched a ride home and received a terrible head injury when driver that fell asleep behind the wheel and collided with an oncoming vehicle. He and passed away yesterday, Thursday July 12, at around four o'clock. Evyatar, was a very special boy who always had a smile on his face. Evyatar's family, community, teachers, and classmates are all heartbroken. Our Rabbis teach us that when a terrible tragedy takes place, it is a sign from G-d that we must try and elevate ourselves and repent. Let us all take upon ourselves to do good deeds and improve ourselves.

2) Itamar celebrated two circumcisions this week one on Tuedsay and another one, Today Friday July 13. We wish a mazal Tov to the Silvers and Azulai families. Our streak of three consecutive circumcisions on Shabbat was broken.

3) As the Sabbatical year approaches Itamar's youth help the community get ready by planting trees, flowers, and participating in other gardening work. This is part of our special summer camp program.

July 5th 2007 / Yud Tet Tamuz 5767

1)This week our campers had the privilege going out on an all day water park excursion to Kibbutz Chofetz Chaim - we want to thank all our wonderful supporters for making this event possible!

3) Mazal Tov to the Azulay family upon the birth of their son this week.

4)Itamar's response team had a two day reserve duty training exercise in the Jordan valley. Special thanks to Super Saba - Alon Zimmerman (on the left below) who is a grandfather of two and can still out run all of the other team members!

11 Tamuz 5767 /June 27th 2007

Yeshay and Neta at their wedding this week

2) Mazal Tov to the Shmuliyan and Mishulami families upon the birth of their sons.

3) Itamar celebrated two weddings this week one on Monday night and one on Tuesday night. The newlywed Degani couple will be living on our hilltops and the newlywed Chemo family will be living in Jerusalem. We wish these young couples great happiness and success.

4) Mazal Tov to Shacharit Avitan upon her engagement!

5) Itamar held memorial services this Wednesday for the Rachel, Neriya, Tzvika, Avishay Shabo and Yosef Twito who were massacred on Itamar five years ago.

6) Mazal Tov to Yosef Goldsmith who finished his basic army training and is starting this week his advanced training - we wish him success as he progresses in his elite unit in Tzahal.

How can I help?

 

We know that these are big projects, so any kind of assistance would be a tremendous help.

 

 All donations are tax deductible  - donations should be made out to:
Friends of Itamar
and sent to:

Friends of Itamar Attn. Lester Goldsmith 1483 East 34th Street Brooklyn NY 11234