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Itamar news updates February 25, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to Ron and Iyar Segal on the birth of their first son after three girls! Ron is a mathematician and teaches at the Ariel University. His wife Iyar is an army officer working with new recruits. They live on the hilltops of Itamar in a neighborhood called Givat Arnon. Ron for many years has been working part time in trying to maintain the Itamar water pipe lines on our hilltops which has been an endless battle. The water lines are exposed and are constantly suffering from leaks and other problems like freezing over in the winter and boiling over in the summer. This problem can only be solved through the setting up the proper infrastructure. Recently, we had a special group of Itamar friends from WA State that have been taking personal interest in this project. Hopefully soon we will see some important progress in this area! To our dear friends involved in this – THANK YOU SO MUCH! Enclosed is a picture of Ron checking out the water lines.  2. A special thanks to Alan Hirsch who has single handedly for almost a decade been responsible for supplying the different Gemachim for tens of communities throughout Judea and Samaria with Pesach packages for families in need. Right now Alan is working very hard to do it again for the coming Pesach. Itamar is honored to work with him. 3. Mazal Tov to Mishpachat Gabai on the birth of a girl. 4. Itamar wishes all its wonderful friends a Happy Purim. Enjoy the pictures of the Purim fair taken this morning(Friday) the atmosphere of Purim is definitely here already! 
5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. February 18, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Natan and Nurit Chay on the engagement of their son Yitzchak this week! 2. Mazal Tov to the David and Ruti Shushan on the birth of a granddaughter this week. David and Ruti are one of the founder families of Itamar. 3. Itamar's Yeshiva high school, Chitzim had their annual class trip this week to the Negev. Enjoy the picture.  4. The Israeli board of Education initiated a special exercise in all the schools of Israel in case of an earthquake. The students were told to go under their desks and wait for instructions to proceed to a safer location outdoors. Enclosed are some pictures of the exercise that was held on Itamar. 
February 12, 2010
Interview featuring Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith The player will show in this paragraph 1. Mazal tov to the Vaknin family on the birth of a son this week. May Hashem bless them with many more Smachot. 2. Itamar enjoyed the visit of a group from Washington State and Oregon organized by Tani Zarelli from the Heart of Israel. Tani is the wife of Washington State senator Joseph Zarelli. They are very dear friends of Israel.  3. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
February 5, 2010 1. Mazal tov to Avital and Roi Mendelevitch on the birth of a daughter this week. May G-D bless them see much nachat and happiness form her. 2. Yashar Koach to the Itamar girls that planted trees in honor of Tu Bishvat in the Hallel Gardens.  3. Read Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's new Torah thought for the week.
January 29, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to the Choter family on the birth of a son! Gil Choter is the youth counselor of Itamar and a teacher at the Itamar Yeshivah high school. 2. Alon and Rachel Zimmerman parents of ten children and grandparents of 5 are the founders of organic farming on Itamar. They have hothouses where they grow strawberries, vegetables, and fruit trees. They recently renovated their water reservoir because of the tremendous need to preserve water in Israel. Alon collects the water off the roof of the hothouses and funnels it into his pool. The water can then be pumped back into the hothouses for watering his plants. Enclosed a picture of Alon and the reservoir.  3. Itamar wants to wish all its dear friends a Tu Bishvat Samech! Enclosed is the famous symbol of the holiday an almond tree in full blossom.  4. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
January 21, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to the Tene family on the birth of a son this week! 2. Mazal Tov to Tal and Minashe on the celebration of their son's Brit. 3. Itamar welcomed the visit of its dear friend Michael Fischberger and Rabbi Mayer Schiller who was accompanied by his son and three grandsons. Rabbi Schiller, a Hasid from New Square Monsey and a Talmud instructor at the Yeshiva University High School for Boys was Michael's childhood Rabbi. Michael is a very special friend of Itamar and has been involved in many important community projects. Rabbi Schiller came to tour our community with him to see first hand what Itamar is all about.  4. Enjoy the picture of the beautiful rainbow seen over Itamar this week.  5. Included is a picture of a playground that we are planning on restoring. We would like to thank the friends of Itamar who are participating in this important project.  6. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
January 15, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to Michpachat Dagan on the birth of a girl, to Tal and Minashe Kushner and to Zeev and Michal Miller on the birth of boys this week! "And the children of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them" Exodus 1:7 2. Itamar welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Pim van der Hoff and Andrew Tucker from Christian friends of Israel International who came to visit Itamar and express their deep solidarity with the people of Itamar. They were invited for lunch at the Itamar Yeshivah high school and were very interested in hearing about the school. Posted is a picture of Rabbi Yaakov Idles Rosh Hayishivah telling them about the terrible terror attack on the high school that took place 7 years ago where three of our students were massacred.  3. Itamar welcomed Alan Nussbaum who came to tour Itamar this week. Alan has been a friend of Itamar for almost ten years.  4. The Yeshivah high school had the honor of hosting a very special guest speaker, Micha Ben Ari, famous Israeli army hero who commanded over Israel's Elite paratrooper forces and was one of the founders of Israel's elite unit Sayeret Matkal in 1959. Micha was injured in battle many times but it never stopped him from returning to the battle field. Micha told an amazing story of his army adventures from 1954- 1976. His life story is told in his famous book "Not Every Bullet Kills". Enclosed is a picture of him addressing the high school boys.  5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
January 8, 2010 1. David Itzik, the owner of a small petting zoo farm on Itamar is being honored this week on our site for his tremendous service to our community. David over the last few years has set up a small farm in Itamar that provides not only nice place for families to visit with their children but a great tourist attraction for visitors. He has also taken upon himself the task of helping our high school boys by setting up a therapeutic farm where young teenagers learn how to take care of animals and ride horses which allow them to learn responsibly and help build up their self esteem and self security. David originally from the Moshav Ben Shemen is a child of a holocaust survivor and is married to Nili a former Kibbutznikit. Nili and David together with there five children have been living on Itamar around 10 years.  2. We are now in the planning stages of a new playground which was donated by a special family from Teaneck NJ. Enclosed is a picture of the park site. Hopefully, in a few months we will be able to show you the pictures of its dedication!  3. Friends of Itamar are also in the process of rehabilitating two old playgrounds thank you for your support. 4. Read Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah thought for the week.
January 1, 2010 1. Mazal Tov to the Finegold family on the birth of a daughter this morning! May Hashem bless them with a lot of Nachat from her and all their children. 2. Mazal Tov to the Edri Family upon the birth of a son. May they continue to enjoy many more happy events. 3. Nissan Edan, sheep shepherd of Itamar, goes out to the winter pasture to graze his sheep in the same places his forefathers did thousands of years ago! Nissan originally was a Moshavnik from the southern part of Israel who moved to Itamar many years ago to fulfill his dream of farming the land of Joseph and building the mountains of Shomron.  4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
December 25, 2009 1. Special thanks to Jessica katz for another fantastic clothing drive for the people of Itamar just in time to warm them up after the deep freeze!  2. Special thanks to Alan Hirsch for the Shabbat grape juice for the families in need! Alan is the Tzaddik that organizes Pesach packages for families every year. May G-D give him the strength to continue to do such special things until 120! 3. Mazal Tov to the Kinarti family and the Mishulami family upon the birth of their daughters! May they continue to multiply and fill up the land of Israel with beautiful souls. 4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
December 18, 2009 1. Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, mayor of Itamar, had the privilege of visiting the Tomb of Joseph this week 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 while permission was granted by the army to visit the grave site. Since Gershon was elected about a year ago 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 lighting of the Chanukah candles and of the army battalion commander that brought his son and family to visit the holy site as well. 
  2. 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. 3. Itamar enjoyed hosting Larry and Esta Gordon and their family this week on our community. Larry is the owner and editor of the five towns Jewish Times.  4. A group of women soldiers, who are about to complete their officer training course, toured Itamar this week and heard about what life is all about on our community.  5. Read Parashat Mikeitz 2008 by Rabbi Goldsmith on the Torah thought for the week
December 11, 2009 1. Mazal tov to the Odeser family on the marriage of their daughter Racheli to Chagai from Shadmot Micholah. We wish them tremendous success and happiness! May they be zocheh to build an everlasting house of faith in Israel  2. Mazal tov to the Guttman family on the birth of a daughter this week! Vichayn Yirboo! 3. A special thanks to Eddie Wunsch for sponsoring a Chanukah party for Yeshivat Chitzim.  4. Please read Leah's Torah thought for the week.
December 3, 2009 1. Read Rabbi Goldsmith's important Torah message for the week relating to current events. 
2. Special Appeal for Itamar Playground: Right now we are in the process of raising funds in order to build a playground for the Itamar children. Thank G-D, with the assistance of our dear friends, we are almost half way there. (eight more thousand dollars is needed) Any help in completing this important project will we greatly appreciated. Make out your donations to - Friends of Itamar and mail them to Friends of Itamar: Or send them via PayPal on our site. 3. Enjoy nature's beauty 
November 27, 2009 1. Itamar welcomes its dear friends from the five towns Eddied Wunsch of Anshey Chesed and Eli and Rena Dworetsky. Eli is the vice president of the Young Israel organization. They enjoyed the beautiful tour of Itamar.  2. The children of Itamar members of the Itamar branch of Bnei Akiva held its yearly play. This year the theme of the play was about a Jewish family that had to run for their lives in the nineteen sixties. The audience was astounded at the phenomenal acting skills of the children of Itamar. They were also enlightened to the facts that thousands and thousands of Jews were expelled from Arab counties during that time. 
3. Mazal Tov to the Shabo family on the Brit Mila of their two boys. We wish them only tremendous Nacaht and continued joyous celebrations. 4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. Shabbat Shalom!
November 20, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to the Dimari family on the birth of their second grandson! May they continue to see a lot of nachat from their children. 2. This Monday Boaz Shabo and his wife will be celebrating the brit Milah of his two sons that were born over a month ago. (see link to the October 16th news update) 3. The Itamar Bney Akivah branch had a fair this week where the whole community of Itamar was invited to participate in activities with there children. The activity was well organized a special thanks to our youth counselors Gili Choter and Tzipi Smuleli and to Shirah Ben Pichas in charge of Itamar's cultural activities.  4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. Shabbat Shalom!
November 13, 2009
2. Mazal Tov to the Bikarov family on the birth of a boy this week! We wish them continued Nachat and and more happy events. 3. Itamar enjoyed the visit of their good friend Pastor Gaspar Anastasi from the U.S.A who came with a group from his congregation in Florida. Gaspar has a personal connection with Itamar and is a great supporter of Israel. He is holding a night out for Israel in December.  4. Enjoy the picture of the beautiful sunset over the hills of Itamar.  5. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. Shabbat Shalom!
November 6, 2009 1. I big mazal tov to Charlotte Krantz, the mother of Leah Goldsmith who made Aliyah to Israel this week with Nefesh B' Nefesh. Charlotte is a living example that it is never to late to move to Israel. Interestingly, she moved to Israel right after Parashat Lech Lechah where Abraham at the age of 75 makes Aliyah. (Charlotte recently celebrated her 78th birthday she should live and be well) She will be living on Itamar for a while and then plans to move to Ariel, a near by city, to study Hebrew in an Ulpan. She says that eventually her goal is to return to Itamar the place she loves most in Israel! She has been a dear friend of Itamar almost since it was founded 25 years ago and has been a tremendous blessing to our community. We wish her a lot of success and tremendous happiness and good health in her new life in Israel!  2. An important meeting was held this week on Itamar discussing ways to continue our Synagogue project. Itamar 25 years old still does not have a permanent synagogue. Thank G-d, we began building the Synagogue a few years ago but because of lack of funding the building has been put on hold. At this point we laid the foundation and poured the floor. With the tremendous growth of our Itamar community we are praying every Shabbat in an overcrowded shul and are in desperate need to get this project completed. Anyone reading this is more than welcome to lend us a helping hand with ideas or financial assistance. 3. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. Shabbat Shalom!
October 29, 2009 1. Itamar is dancing with joy over the long awaited rain that finally arrived! Thank G-D a lot more is expected over the next few days. We continue to pray for a very rainy winter.  2. Parashat Lech Lecha is always very special here on Itamar. Since Itamar is literally in the very area where Abraham first entered the land of Israel when he made his way to the city of Shechem. Looking at the different pictures on our site can really put you in the mood for reading the Parash and feeling the land of Abraham! 3. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for the week. Shabbat Shalom!
October 23, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to the Cabrah family on the birth of a grandchild. May they continue to enjoy many more happy events! 2. Itamar started a very important project of expanding our kindergarten – with the tremendous blessing of Hashem we are in the midst of tremendous growth and our babies need more living space. Vichayn Yirboo! 
3. Itamar enjoyed the visit this week of a group of representatives from Holland including a member of the Dutch Parliament. They were very impressed with the community of Itamar. One of the members of the delegation was a school teacher and requested to set up an email correspondence between the Itamar Yeshiva high school, Chitzim, and the high school that he teachers in. Our school gladly accepted the idea and in the coming weeks will try and start the program.  5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
October 16, 2009 1. Itamar wishes a big Mazal Tov to Boaz Shabo on the birth of triplets (a girl and two boys) on Succot. Boaz was one of the founders of Itamar and suffered the terrible tragedy of loosing his wife and three of his 7 children at the hand of terrorists on Itamar. (See link) 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.  2. Itamar welcomes the visit of David Shonefeld from Staten Island who came to Israel just for two days to hold a memorial service for his father, Yosef, a survivor of Auschwitz. Since the passing away of his father, he and his brother have been coming to Israel every year to perform the memorial ceremony in different communities in Judaea and Samaria to show their solidarity with the people building the land. This year they chose Itamar. David commemorated his father by making a Seyum (completion) of the tractate of Nazir, which was attended by the tenth grade class of Yeshivat Chitzim.  3. Every year during the olive picking season there is a tense atmosphere around the community when the army and police allow nearby villagers to come and pick olives on trees below Itamar. Today the army caught one taking videos with his cell phone of the Itamar security fence and army watchtowers and stations. His intentions were quite obvious. The terrorist was arrested and taken away for investigation. This has been successfully done with our surveillance system. 4. The olive picking season creates a lot of happiness as well -when residents of Itamar and from the surrounding communities bring in their olives to be pressed for oil to the olive press of Barak Melet. Please enjoy the enclosed picture.  5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
October 9, 2009 1. This Succot Itamar had many visitors including Israelis and tourists from countries all over the world. Some came on organized tours from major organizations and others organized personal family trips. The Likud party activists organized a massive pilgrimage of around 10,000 visitors to the Shomron to express their solidarity with the communities of Yesha. Itamar had the privilege of hosting Likud activists Arik Ziv and Boaz Haetzni who brought with them twin sisters from America Lee and Lyn, lovers of Israel, who were the instrumental force behind this initiative.  2. Friends of Itamar welcomed with open arms the extended Blumenfeld family from Teaneck NJ that came to spend the day on Itamar and its surroundings.  3. Itamar had the honor of hosting Rabbi Elyakim Levanon the Rabbi of Elon Moreh who gave a very inspiring class on the holiday of Succot.  4. Itamar wants to personally thank the farmer group lead by Tommy Waller from Tennessee that came to Israel and volunteered on the near by communities helping to harvest the Late summer and autumn crops.  5. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah thought for the holiday.
October 5, 2009 1. 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. Please enjoy the enclosed slide show. 
2. Yeshivat Chitzim of Itamar made a beautiful display of the theme Succot in honor of the holiday.  3. Enclosed are some pictures of Itamar residents enjoying the holiday! 
4. Itamar extends an open invitation to all our dear friends to come and visit us here on the holiday. There are so many beautiful sites to see – come and join us! (As many are already doing this week) 5. Read Leah's new Torah message for the holiday.
September 25, 2009 1. Itamar enjoyed the visit of their dear friend Tom Waller together with his group of other American supporters of Israel. The group was so special and included people from different states like Tennessee, Ohio, OK, Kentucky, California, and more. We want to express our great appreciation for their coming to show their support with Itamar.  2. Itamar enjoyed the visit with Jon Bensinger and his son who came to tour Itamar this week.  3. Mazal Tov to Rami and Shoshy Odeser on the engagement of their daughter Racheli. Rami and Shoshy just married off their son two weeks ago! 4. The regional council under the leadership of Mayor Gershon Misika held a party this week to bless the different mayors of the 30 Shomron towns. Knesset member and vice prime minister Moshe (Boogie) Ya'alon from the Likud party came to address and bless the Shomron communities.  5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought on the Parasha.
September 18, 2009 1. Each family of Itamar was presented with a calendar gift decorated with pictures of the community in honor of the New Year. Community's Rabbi Natan Chay and mayor Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith addressed the community and blessed them with a happy and successful year.  2. Enjoy the picture of Itamar's Yeshivat Chitzim praying at the tomb of the great Rabbi Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the holy city of Tzfat. The Yeshivah went on a special Selichot trip which included an all night walk through the holy city visiting the graves sites of the Ari Hakadosh and other great Jewish saints berried in Tzvat. This was all in preparation for our blessed New Year!  3. Enjoy the picture of the Hatarat Nidarim (releasing vows) prayer in Itamar this morning.  4. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah message for the holiday.
September 11, 2009 1. Mazal tov to the Rami and Shoshi Oddeser on the wedding of their son Baruchi to Michal. Baruchi and Michal will be making their home on Itamar. As a matter of fact they will be the neighbors of the newlywed couple Alex and Michal(see picture) who got married last week. We wish them happiness and success in building their lives on Itamar. 
 2. Mazal Tov to the Koralic family on the birth of a daughter. We wish them many more Smachot! 3. As we approach Rosh Hashana we ask our supporters to once again lend a helpful hand in strengthening our town. Itamar has many important projects that are vital for our community's development. We need you to stand together with us in building the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
September 4, 2009
1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith on the wedding of their daughter Michal this week to Alex Zuckerman. Michal and Alex have set up their new home on Itamar. We wish them tremendous happiness and success in all their endeavors. 
2. Mazal Tov to the Gadot family on the birth of a boy! They should be blessed to see a lot on Nachat from their new son. 3. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Natan Chay and his wife Nurit on the birth of two grandchildren last week. Rabbi Natan the Rabbi of the community has three married children living on Itamar. Two of them celebrated the Britot(circumcisions) of their boys this week. 4. Itamar was happy to host a group from Holland this week. The leader of the group Meindert Leerling has brought a few groups, including political leaders, to Itamar over the last year. He is a strong supporter of Israel and a special friend of Itamar.  5. The Itamar children have returned to school this week! We wish all our children great success in their studies and happiness. 6. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
August 14, 2009 1. Itamar welcomes our dear friends Scott and Suzi Goldberg from the five towns who came to spend a few days on Itamar.  2. Rabbi Yehoshuah and Rachel Mishulami parents of Amasah HYD who was killed in the latest war in Lebanon dedicated a picnic area including pools filled from natural springs located under Mt. Grizim in memory of Amasah. Amasah was a war hero who gave his life to protect the people of Israel. Three of his brothers live on Itamar. Rabbi Yehoshuah and Rachel were thrown out of Gush Katif from their home on Nizarim. Today they live on a new community called Mivoot Yericho in the Jordan valley. 
3. Enjoy the picture of the beautiful vineyards freshly planted on Itamar.  4. Read new letter from Itamar's friends. 5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
July 31, 2009 1. One of our most important projects is to continue building our synagogue that unfortunately was put on hold because of lack of funding. Thank G-D we are very blessed on Itamar and our community has doubled in size over the last five years. We are in desperate need to complete our permanent synagogue. Yesterday, a very special event took place. Itamar's mayor Rabbi Goldsmith picked out a stone from the Itamar hills that will be used in making the holy ark for the new synagogue. The mayor wants to start the building of the Ark even before the walls of the Shul are completed. Tisha B'Av, the day both our temples were destroyed. was chosen to be the day of this special event. We will no longer allow our land to be destroyed- only built!  2. Mazal Tov to Nechama and Nechemya Tau upon the birth of a girl on Tisha B'Av. Nechemya is the son the Rabbi Tau, an important Rabbi in the Zionist world. Rabbi Tau was a devoted student of Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook and is great teacher of Amunah(Jewish faith). He has hundreds of students from the two famous Zionistic yeshivot, Mercaz Harav and Har Hamor. Nechama is the daughter of the famous couple Eli and Dina Horowitz who were both murdered in their home in Kiriyat Arba on March 7th 2003. 3. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Avraham and Devorah Reykanati on the engagement of their son Yisrael Chay and the birth of a granddaughter. The Reykanati family who are blessed with ten children, have four married children living on Itamar! Their daughter Shoshana, who gave birth this week is one of their four children who live on Itamar. Both Rabbi Avraham and Rebitzen Devorah are great teachers of Torah and were part of the first group to move to the Shomron region. Devora's uncle is the famous Rabbi Yisrael Lau the former Chief Rabbi of Israel. 4. Mazal Tov to the Deri family on the birth of a baby girl this week. 5. The Tisha B'Av fast ended on Itamar with a watermelon treat donated by the Edan family. It is their custom to treat the congregation to watermelon after the long fast of Tisha B'Av. They grow these melons, organically, in one of our many valleys here. There is nothing like the delicious fruit of Eretz Yisrael to restore your energy after a long fast. 
July 24, 2009 1. Itamar was especially blessed this week with the birth of two boys and a girl: Mazal Tov to the Head family on the birth of a granddaughter, to the Zimmerman family on the birth of a grandson and to the Shneerson family on the birth of a son. We wish them all blessings and happiness!  2. With the fast of Tisha B'av on the way let us all do what ever we can in order to rectify the sins that lead to the destruction of our temple. In this weeks Torah parasha we will read about the sin of the spies. As we all know the same day that the spies returned to Joshua with an evil report about the land of Israel was the same day our temples were destroyed. The way to rectify this terrible sin is to do whatever we can in order to rebuild the land of Israel. Itamar is working hard to hold on to our precious homeland please show us that you are with us in this important mission and help support our community. 3. Enjoy the Torah thought for the week by Leah Goldsmith.
July 17, 2009 1. Mazal tov to the Yamin family on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Yonah Amitay this Shabbat. Rabbi Yamin and his wife are the principals of the Boys Talmud Torah and the girl's day school on Itamar. We wish them a lot of Nachas and happiness from all their children. 2. The children of Itamar enjoyed as part of their camp program a special happening which included representatives of the police, fire, and other emergency teams. The children were given a show about special equipment used to rescue those in need.  3. Today Itamar enjoyed a family outing which included a tour at Yeshiv hill top called El-Matan and a hike through Nachal Kana. El Matan is a small Yeshv that got its name from an ancient village in the area from the second temple period. El Matan is situated on a beautiful hill top over looking Nachal Kanah. Nachal Kana is an ancient Nachal that serves as the border between two important tribes of Israel Ephrayim and Minashe. The stream that flows in the nachal is fed from springs that begin in Mt Grizim and is also fed from other springs along the way. The Nachal eventually makes its way to the Yarkon River.  4. The women of Itamar together with other women from surrounding communities enjoyed a day on Itamar which included a full program of Torah classes. The event was held in our new town center built by the Mifal Hapayis. 
July 10, 2009 1. 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. At the celebration another amazing story was brought up, when Leah recounted to the guests how a few years back Achishena who was only 10 years old saved a girls life in a nearby community that was drowning in a pool. Achishena while swimming underwater noticed something floating on the bottom of the pool that she thought was a bag. When she got closer to it she saw that it was a young girl whose mouth was open and unconscious. Achishena, with all her strength (only ten years old) picked the girl up and started to scream "help someone drowned." The mother of the girl fainted on the spot and the life guard quickly called and ambulance and they gave her mouth to mouth resuscitation and thank G-D the girl was saved. Achishena who saved a life merited in Hashem saving hers! Enclosed are some pictures of the miracle. 
2. Itamar wants to express its gratitude the community of Anshay Chesed of Woodmere NY and a special thanks to our dear friends Eddie and Fern who have been helping the children of Itamar enjoy their summers over the last four years by providing tremendous assistance towards our summer camp program. There is no way that we would have been able to do this without them. We send that the warmest blessings from our community! Please enjoy the pictures of some of the activities that were held this week.  3. The Nichalim Succot Company, the NY branch, is buying Itamar olive oil to give out as presents to their clients in NY. Enjoy the picture of the delicious organic olive oil of Itamar being packaged.  4. Itamar enjoyed the visit of Tom Waller and Tim from the U.S.A. Tom brings in groups every year to Israel that work in agriculture on different communities in Judaea and Samaria. This fall they want to bring a volunteer group that will help out the farmers of Itamar. Enjoy the picture of them with Shimon Bardah a resident of Itamar that has a perfume factory on one of our hilltops.  5. Please read Leah's new torah thought for the week.
July 3, 2009 1. Itamar celebrated a Hachnasat Sefer Torah on Thursday. The Torah was dedicated to the memory of Rachel Shabo who was massacred together with her three children and the head of the response team Yosef Twito seven years ago on Itamar. Rachel was preparing the Shabbat bread (chalah) when a terrorist entered her home and opened fire on her and her young children. The torah scroll will be used in the synagogue of Har Gidon, on one of the Itamar hilltops.  2. Mazal Tov to Nihoray and Yishuah Choshen on the birth of a daughter this week. Both Nihoray and Yishuah were born on Itamar. So this makes their daughter a third generation Itamar resident! 3. The Itamar girl's school Beer Miriam finished the school year this week with a special presentation which focused on the topic of prayer.  4. This week the Itamar Mifal Hapayis building was finally completed and handed over to the community. The dedication ceremony was attended by the head of the regional council Gershon Masika and Shaul Sutnik the head of the Mifal Payis. 
5. The Itamar summer camp began this week enjoy the picture of our children having fun on water rides.  6. Please read Leah's new torah thought for the week. 7. Please read the mayor's letter how he and his wife made Aliyah and moved to Itamar.
June 26, 2009
1. Mazal Tov to Hagar Zar on the birth of another granddaughter this week. Hagar lost her husband Gilad in a terror attack 8 years ago. Their daughter Shirah is now living on Chavat Gilad, a new community in the Shomron that was built in memory of Gilad. Just two weeks ago Hagar's daughter Hadas was married and is living on Itamar with her new husband. We bless the family that they should continue to go from one Simcha to the next!
 5. Itamar welcomed Ariel Tonkin from upstate NY who spent a few days on Itamar. Ariel spent a half a year in Israel studying art at Haifa University as part of a program connected to Boston University in the U.S.A. As a young Zionist Ariel hopes that one day she will make her home in Israel.  6. Asaf Kidron, the special stone artist of Itamar is restoring an ancient wine cellar found on one of Itamar's hilltops - on the farm of his father-in-law Avri Ran. Itamar invites all of our dear friends to come and visit this special site. Asaf's dream is to turn this wine cellar into a museum. The plan he has is to use it in the same way as it was used thousands of years ago as a place to store wine. Not far from this site is an ancient wine press. 
7. Reminder: This is a very crucial time. The people of Itamar ask you to stand behind us financially. We have many important projects that need to be completed please find a way to reach into your hearts and pockets and show your support for Israel!
Shabbat Shalom!
June 19, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Natan and Nurit Chay upon the marriage of their daughter Hodaya. Hodayah together with here new husband Avraham Zepel will be living on Itamar! We thank Hashem for this great blessing of having many of our young second generation children want to continue their lives on the majestic soil of Itamar. G-D willing in the next two and a half months two more young second generation children will be getting married and will make their homes on Itamar.  2. Mazal Tov to the Gian family upon the birth of a daughter this week. We wish them a lot of happiness and success! 3. Itamar held a memorial service this week at our Yeshivah high school for boys Chitzim. 7 years ago a terrorist entered the Yeshiva campus with an automatic rifle and massacred three students, Avraham Siton, Nitanel Rihachi, and Gilad Shtiglitz. Two other boys were injured. Attached is a picture of Rav Natan Chay, Itamar's Rabbi addressing the boys at the memorial service.  4. Reminder: Itamar's summer camp is approaching anyone that can assist in help us fund this summer program would be doing a tremendous act of kindness for the children of Itamar. They deserve to have a fun summer like any other children. Donations can be sent via PayPal or mailed to the friends of Itamar address on our home page together with the PayPal option. Shabbat Shalom! 5. Please enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
June 12, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to the Head family on the birth of their second grandson this week. "As much as they afflicted them they multiplied and spread out." (Exodus 1:12) The future of our nation lies in the hands of our children that will make Israel grow and prosper. "Those who bless you will be blessed!" (Genesis 12:3)  2. Mazal Tov to Hagar Zar on the marriage of her daughter Hadas this week. Unfortunately, Gilad, the father wasn't able to attend physically since he was killed by terrorists 8 years ago the day after the holiday of Shavuot. Of course, we know that his spiritual essence was there. This was a very special wedding celebration since our forefathers Abraham, Issac Jacob, Sarah and Rivka also attended, as the wedding was held at the tomb of the Patriarchs! The groom is Shilo Ben Yitzchak born and raised in the holy city of Hebron. Hadas and Shilo will be setting up their new home on Itamar!  3. Itamar welcomed Scott Osborne from Ohio that came to tour our community and visit our high school day center program. Scott was so moved by his visit with us, he enjoyed so much to see the very path that Abraham, and Jacob and later all of Israel took when they entered the land of Israel.  4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought of the week! 5. Itamar's summer camp is approaching anyone that can assist in help us fund this summer program would be doing a tremendous act of kindness for the children of Itamar. They deserve to have a fun summer like any other children. Donations can be sent via PayPal or mailed to the friends of Itamar address on our home page together with the PayPal option. Shabbat Shalom!
June 5, 2009 1. Itamar welcomes back Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith from their speaking tour in the States. Enclosed is a picture of Rabbi Goldsmith speaking at the concert held in Central Park NY after the Israeli day Parade  and a picture of Leah Goldsmith with a group of students from the Shalhevet girl's high school in Lawrence NY.  The community of Itamar wishes Moshe and Leah a Mazal tov upon the engagement of their daughter Michal to Alex Zuckerman. We wish them a lot of Hatzlacha and many blessings in building their new home. 2. Itamar welcomes Washington State senator Joseph Zarelli and his wife Tani who came to spend the day on Itamar.  3. Please read the mayor's emergency declaration:
May 8, 2009 1. Itamar welcomed a group of visitors from the Netherlands including a representative of the parliament. For most of them it was their first visit to Israel and they were very moved by what they experienced.  2. This week Itamar will be holding the annual Lag Ba'omer parade in memory of our dear resident and first army officer of our young generation, Matan Zagron. Matan was killed while jumping on a suicide bomber who planned on blowing next to a group of civilians and soldiers. Matan's younger brother, Aviel, is continuing in his brother's spirit of idealism. He joined the army about a half a year ago and was accepted to an elite force of the Gevati Brigade. We wish him success and a long and happy life! 3. Enjoy Leah's Torah thought for the week.
May 1, 2009 1. Israel Memorial Day on Itamar was emotional and moving as we remembered out dear residents that were killed by terrorists. See link 2. Itamar's Yeshivah High School Chitzim was honored to host Yoska Nachmias who as a former Ezel freedom fighter. He gave a fantastic presentation about his life story.  3. Yom Haatzmaut was very special on Itamar as we celebrated out 25th birthday. We want to express our gratitude to Hashem for blessing us with such a unique community. To all our friends this achievement is yours as much as it is ours. 
4. Yom Haatzmaut was celebrated at it usually is by taking beautiful hikes in our precious home land. Please enjoy the pictures of Kever Yosef and the ancient ruins the city of Shechem, These pictures were taken from a lookout point on the Mountain of Grizim. 
 5. See link to an article about Itamar in this weeks five Towns Jewish Times.
April 25, 2009 1. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friends Alan and Barbara Hirsch this week. They toured the area and got to see other communities that were included in their special pesach project.  2. Itamar remembered Holocaust day with a guest speaker whose parents were both survivors from Holland.  3. The mayor and his wife Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith are planning a trip to the States in May or June in the New York area anyone interested in having them speak should contact them by e-mail.  4. Itamar will celebrate its 25th birthday this week on Yom Haatzmaut.
April 19, 2009 1. The blessing over the sun was an unbelievable spiritual experience here on Itamar; please enjoy the enclosed picture.  2. Pesach was so special this year! We began our 25th birthday celebration with a beautiful event on Chol Hamoed where thousands came from all over Israel to visit our community. There were guided tours to our hilltops, rides for children, a petting zoo and a fair where the artists of Itamar sold their wares.  3. Mazal Tov the Alon and Rachel Zimmerman who celebrated the brit milah of their tenth child on Pesach. Alon and Rachel have three grandchildren! They are one of the founding families of our community and are the first to begin organic farming on Itamar.  4. Please enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the week.
April 2, 2009 1. A special thanks to Alan and Barbara Hirsch from Brooklyn NY for their tremendous Pesach project. In their merit over 1000 families throughout Yehuda and Shmoron were helped out for the coming Pesach holiday. Over 150 families in the Itamar Schechem region alone benefited from this remarkable undertaking. Each family received Matzot Shmurah, wine, grape juice, meat, chicken, potatoes, lollypops and a personal money gift in order to make their holiday special for them. There are no words to describe the happiness this Mitzvah brought to these families. Itamar blesses Alan, Barbara and their precious family that Hashem should give them all happiness, good health, strength, Parnasa Tova and success in all their endeavors! It goes without saying that we extend our blessings to all the wonderful people that participated in this project.  2. On the Monday of Chol Hamoed Pesach Itamar will begin the 25 anniversary celebrations of the establishment of our community which was founded in 1984. In honor of this event a special festival will be held on our Yeshuv on Monday April 13. The event includes a whole day happening from 10:00 through 5:00. At 6:00 in the evening in the regional center there will be a performance opening up the 30 year celebration of returning to the Shomron. We want to extend our personal invitation to all our dear friends of Itamar. 3. Itamar welcomed the visit of Henk Poot from Holland this week. Henk a personal friend of Itamar, has been helping out in the tutoring project for our high school students with learning disabilities. We bless Henk and his Family for this special mission. Henk is a great friend of Israel and is involved in many other missions throughout Israel.  4. Itamar enjoyed the visit of Ron and Laurie Goldsmith who visited with us this week. Ron and Laurie have been a tremendous help to the Friends of Itamar. We extend our special blessings to them as well and wish them all a happy and healthy holiday.  5. Mazal Tov to Hodayah Chay and Avraham Zepel who were engaged this week. Hodayah is the daughter of the Rabbi of Itamar Harav Natan Chay and Avraham is a former student of the Itamar high school, Chitzim.  6. Mazal Tov to Yehuda and Mivaseret Rekenatti on the birth of a daughter this week. Yehuda and Mivaseret both grew up on Itamar and continue on as second generation residents. Mivaseret's father, Shlomo Miller, was killed by terrorists on Itamar a few years ago. 7. Please read the new Torah thought for the week by Leah.
March 20, 2009 1. Itamar sends a special thank you and gratitude to our dear residents, Shmuel and Panina Saban who have been living on Itamar since its inception in 1984. Shmuel and Panina are a very special couple, both work in education teaching young children. Shmuel teaches in The Talmud Torah of Itamar and Panina works in the kindergarten. Besides the tremendous job they have been doing in educating our children they run the Gmach of Itamar. Their whole lives are devoted to helping others. Shmuel and Panina donated this week a Torah to the Itamar community in memory of their parents and relatives. On Thursday we celebrated the beautiful event of the Hachnasat Sefer Torah. (The ceremony of bringing in the Torah in the Ark)   
2. Mazal Tov to the Silvers family on the Brit Milah of their son this week. We wish them tremendous Nachat from the new addition to their family.
March 13, 2009 1. Itamar was honored to host a very special group from Minnesota this week. The group was personally escorted by Rabbi Chaim Richman from the Temple Institute in Jerusalem, who is a close friend of this Minnesota congregation. The group leaders, Joseph and Judy, were in Israel 30 times but this was their first visit to the Shomron.  2. Itamar had the privilege of hosting its very dear friends Larry and Helen Slavin from NJ this week. Larry and Helen have been extremely active in helping our community. We bless them and wish them happiness and success in all their endeavors.  3. Purim was a lot of fun on Itamar. Let the happiness of Purim follow us throughout the year! Enjoy the pictures of a festive Purim meal on Itamar and a child dressed up like an Indian riding a horse. 1. Mazal Tov to the Shushan family on the marriage of their son Elchanan this week. Elchanan married into the Hillel Horowitz family from Hebron. 2. Special thanks to Jessica Katz from Passaic NJ for sending another shipment of clothes to Itamar! 3. Itamar wants to express its gratefulness to Hashem for bringing down some powerful rain falls this week. We pray that the rains keep coming!  4. After the nice rain over the last few weeks the beautiful hills of Itamar are coming to life with flowers and greenery.  5. The Yeshiva high school of Itamar had a great hike this week in the mountains of Elat.  6. Itamar wishes all its dear friends a happy Purim! 7. Please enjoy Leah's Torah thought for the week – Shabbat Shalom
February 27, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to The Cohen family on the marriage of their son Matanyah this week. The Cohen family is one of the founding families of our community back in 1984.  2. Yeshivat Chitzim gave out special candy packages and presents to children for Purim at the children's hospital in the Tel Aviv Medical Center Ichilov. Yaashar Koach!  3. A beautiful Aron Kodesh was dedicated this week in the Bet Midrash of Chitzim. The stone work was done by Asaf Kidron of Itamar together with the children of the high school. This Ark is very special in that it is in memory of Harav Binyamin Herling HYD who was murdered on Mt. Aval on Succot 8 years ago. See Link  4. Although the terrible drought this year thank G-D in the last three weeks in a row we have been hit with some nice storms here. Some trees were damaged but the mountains have turned green! This weekend as well we are expecting some nice stormy weather. Let us pray that the Kinneret and our underground reservoirs get filled up to the top. 
February 13, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to Hagar Zar on the engagement of her daughter Hadas to Shilo Ben Yitzchak from Hevron. We wish them a lot of happiness and success. 2. This week the regional council joined the children of Itamar in planting trees in our community in honor of Tu Bishvat.   3. Mazal Tov to Chedva Novik who was married this week. Chedva is a special friend of Itamar and did her national service on our community.  4. Itamar is happy with the result of this week's elections. It proves that the camp of those that love the land of Israel with all their heart and souls is getting stronger all the time! 5. Please read the Torah thought of the week. This week written by Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.
February 6, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to Amos and Avigayil Cohen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Levi Yitzchak this Shabbat. 2. Itamar is holding a tree planting event on Monday TuB'shvat anyone who is interested in donating a tree is welcome to do so.  3. Enclosed are some beautiful pictures of the Judean Desert taken week; enjoy the beautiful scenes of Israel.   4. Please read Leah's new torah thought for Tub'shvat.
January 30, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to the Tena family on the birth of a granddaughter this week. Their daughter lives on the Itamar Hilltops. We wish them tremendous Hatzlacha and a lot of happiness. 2. Mazal Tov to The Mintz family on the birth of a daughter this week. The young mother, Hadar, was evacuated from Gush Katif and moved to Yeshuv Itamar a couple of years ago. Hadar's father was murdered in Gush Katif - let his name be carried on! Amen. 3. Mazal Tov to the Chemo family on the birth of a grandson. Yitzchak is also blessed with having two married children on Itamar.  4. Itamar was happy to host a group of supporters from Seattle Washington this week. 5. Please read Leah's new Torah portion for the week.
January 16, 2009 1. Itamar welcomes Jeff Schwartz and Steve Friedman special friends of Itamar who came to spend a few days with us this week.  2. Enjoy the picture of the beautiful winter sunset on Itamar.  3. All those that are interested in touring Itamar during the Pesach holiday should contact us by email. 4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat. 5. Please read letter from Mother of soldier number 2.
January 9, 2009 1. Mazal Tov to the Damari family on the wedding of their son Orel this week! We wish them tremendous happiness and success. Orel is an officer in the Israeli army. Rav Avi Ronski the chief Rabbi of the Israeli army who is one of the founders of Itamar, officiated the wedding ceremony. Immediately, after the wedding Harav Ronski had to return to the battle field and give strength to the soldiers in Gaza. Rav Ronski was described by many on the radio this week as one of the heroes of this war. He has been running from the battle field to the hospital to grieving families without rest. He has been coined Elijah the prophet.  2. Unfortunately, we have to express our condolences as well. Rav Uzi Demari's mother passed away a day after the wedding. 3. Itamar prays for the welfare of all its sons together with the rest of our precious soldiers who are in Gaza right now defending the country. Please read the enclosed letter of an Itamar mother describing her feelings about her son at this difficult time.
December 26, 2008 1. Itamar is very grateful to Hashem for the rain that fell this week. Out of all places in Israel our area was blessed with the highest rainfall – 80ml in two days! This is no doubt connected to the fact that this week we continue to read about Yosef Hatzaddik. It is Yosef who received the special blessing of being able to bring down abundance to the land. 2. Itamar wants to thank Brian and Marguerite Dellaca for sending .winter hats from Australia for our children. They came in handy with the very cold weather that has hit us this week.  3. Mazal Tov to Yichezkal and Hedy Nuemma on the birth of their son. Yesterday they celebrated the Brit in their new Chabbad center and home that they are building on our hilltops. 4. Please read the new Torah thought of the week by Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.
December 12, 2008 1. Itamar wants to thank Jessica Katz again for sending another shipment of clothes this week for Itamar and other communities in Israel as well. This special Chesed project has literally been saving families who can't afford to buy new clothes for their children. It is a tremendous help and we are so grateful to Jessica and all those other dear people from Passaic NJ and surrounding communities who are involved in this special project. May G-D bless them all with good health, happiness, and success in all their endeavors!  2. As we approach Chanukah which is always a special time of Tzeddakh Friends of Itamar has a special request to all of its friends – anyone who can find the way to help out we would greatly appreciate it. 3. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.
December 5, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to The Cohen family upon the engagement of their son Matanyah. We wish them tremendous happiness and success. 2. The Itamar youth held a play this week as part of their activities in the Itamar Bnei Akivah. 
3. Please enjoy Leah's Torah thought for the week. 
November 28, 2008 1. Itamar welcomes Eddie and Fern Wunsch from Kihilat Anshey Chesed in New York. Eddie and Fern are very special friends of Itamar who have been a motivating force and great inspiration in connecting their community with ours. Over the last few years Anshey Chesed has helped sponsor our summer camp. It was a great pleasure and honor to host them in our community this week!  2. Mazal Tov to the Shushan family upon the engagement of their son Elchanan to a daughter of the Horowitz family one of the founding families of Hebron. 3. Mazal Tov to Y.G on the completion of his training period in Egoz. We wish him much success in his army service defending the country.  4. Mazal Tov to the Choshen family upon the Brit Milah of their grandson Uri this week to. The Choshen family is one of the founding families of Itamar. Their daughter Tohar who got married over a year ago and moved to another community has returned to our community, Itamar, with her husband Itamar (great name!) the place of her birth We wish them a lot of success and happiness.
November 14, 2008 1. New Torah thought and request. 2. Mazal Tov to Ilana and Yaakov Krispen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Etiel.  3. Mazal tov to the Shushan family on the birth of another grandson. 4. Mazal tov to the Choshen family on the birth of their first grandson this week. 5. Mazal Tov to the Asulen family on the birth of a granddaughter this week who is the youngest addition to the Itamar community. 6. The Itamar elementary girl school Be'er Miriam held a special memorial service for our Matriarch Rachel which took place this week. They made a play in honor of the occasion. Please enjoy the slide show! November 7, 2008 1. Mazal Tov To Orel Damari and Yosef Yotam Yamin on the completion of their officers training course. Both young residents of Itamar are working very hard in the Israeli army to protect our nation. Orel Damari will be getting married on Chanukah time. 2. Itamar is approaching its 25th birthday which will take place G-D willing on Independence Day. On Tu Bishvat we will be opening our celebration by holding a special event including tree planting. Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree can do so by sending a 50 dollar donation earmarked "tree". Those who are interested in joining us in the event please contact us.  3. Special reminder: Itamar still needs a lot of help in building our Synagogue! Anyone who can help out will be doing a tremendous Mitzvah for our community. Itamar is growing all the time and is in great need for a permanent Shul. We are overcrowded and people don't have a place to sit. 4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought. October 31, 2008 1. This week there was an attempted infiltration by four terrorists to enter our community. The terrorists opened fire on our patrol jeep. Thank G-D the quick response by the Itamar response team together with the army prevented a terrible attack from taking place. Unfortunately, the terrorists managed to escape to a near by village. 2. This week the mayor was taking a walk, as he does every day – along the patrol road that circles the yishuv with two other people on Itamar and were confronted by police and Israeli security forces who asked them – "What are you doing here?" They were walking on a path way above an area where Arabs were picking olives, as this is the olive picking season for Jews and Arabs as well. It is an extremely peaceful time when the weather is fine, the cool wind blows and there is finally even sporadic rain. For those that came to live out in nature because of its benefits, the question posed was quite shocking. The mayors response was –" What do you mean, what am I doing here?! This is my home. If I was in your home would I ask you what are you doing here?" Within seconds the mayor was surrounded by police cars and jeeps. The mayor spoke with one of the high officers who apologized for the behavior of the soldiers. He claimed that they did not recognize them from a distance. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks Itamar has been portrayed on the Israeli media and foreign press in a bad way. This atmosphere has affected the way the army and police are relating to Itamar as well as all of the yishuvim in Judea and Samaria. 3. A group of Christians from America visit with Itamar and express their solidarity.  4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought. October 17, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to the Rakinati family on the Brit Milah of their eight day old son Aaron! Another important new addition to Itamar.  2. Itamar welcomes the family who came to spend a cholo moed day with us! Rabbi Herling HYD was murdered 7 years ago on Succot by terrorists who attacked a group of hikers near the alter of Joshua on Mt. Aval. Rabbi Herling was a very special friend of Itamar and was an instrumental source of spiritual inspiration for our community. Many of Itamar's residents were students of Rabbi Herling. Rabbi Herling's dream was to see the hills of Itamar filled with Jewish presence. G-d willing we will continue to fulfill his dream! Enjoy the picture of his family. A memorial service for Rabbi Herling will be held the day after Succoth in Kidumim at 10:30.  3. The Itamar families are enjoying the wonderful holiday of Succot!  4. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah thought for Succoth. October 8, 2008 1. This past Shabbat Itamar celebrated a very special Brit! Eliyhu and Rinana Miller had their first son. Both Eliyahu and Rinana are children that lost their fathers in terror attacks. Eliahu's father Shlomo Miller(see link) was head of Itamar security and was killed when a terrorist entered our community. Rinnana's father Gilad(see link) was the head of security of the Shomron regional council and was ambushed on a road near by Itamar. Rinnana's grandfather, the famous - Moshe Zar who set up Chavat Gilad as a response to the murder of his son, told me that he feels that with every new grandchild or great grandchild born he feels is the true meaning of G-D avenging the death of the righteous. We wish this special family happiness, success and great blessings! 2. Mazal Tov to Tal and Menashe Kushner on the birth of their second daughter this week. 3. A very special site on Itamar is participating in the morning selichot in our Shul. Our young children get up every moring at 5:15 AM in order to join in with the adults saying Selichot. Enjoy the pictures of Itamar children saying Slichot Erev Yom Kippur.  4. See Leah's emergency letter and pass it on to your Rabbis and leaders. 5. Read Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's Torah message for Yom Kippur September 26, 2008
Special once in 7 years Mitzvah opportunity- read carefully. THOSE WHO WANT TO MERIT IN THE SPECIAL MITZVAH OF LOAN REMISSION GIVE A LOAN TO THE NEEDY AND MAKE A CONDITION THAT THIS LOAN WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE PROSBUL AND THUS AT THE END OF THE YEAR (THIS COMING MONDAY) IT BECOMES A GIFT TO NEEDY ONE SINGLED OUT IN THE LOAN. OUR SUGGESTION TO YOU DEAR FRIENDS OF ITAMAR IS THAT YOU SEND IN A LOAN TO THE FRIENDS OF ITAMAR EARMARK THE CHECK "SHMITTA REMISSION" MAIL THE CHECKS TO FRIENDS OF ITAMAR ATTN. LESTER GOLDSMITH 1483 EAST 34TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11234 AND THIS WAY YOU WILL BE DOING THE MITZVAH OF LOAN REMISSION BY BUILDING THE LAND OF ISRAEL. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE AROUND. AS LONG AS YOUR CHECK IS MADE OUT BEFORE MONDAY THIS OPPORTUNITY REMAINS VALID! 1. Mazal Tov to the Shtattman family from Yitzhar that had a Brit Milah for the new born boy this week. Two weeks ago there nine year old boy was stabbed in the back numerous times by a terrorist who burnt down their neighbors house. 2. Mazal Tov to the Chabrah family on the wedding of the daughter Orli and to the Avitan family on the wedding of their daughter Talya this week! 3. Itamar welcomed visitors this week from Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and North Carolina. They were a real special group who came to spend a few months and help out farmers in the area. Yasshar Koach to them and others like them who are so devoted to the land of Israel.  4. There have been several attacks by terrorists on soldiers stationed at the near by Chawara junction just minutes from Itamar. In two incidents acid was thrown into the face of soldiers. 5. Special thank you to Allan Hirsch from Brooklyn for sending honey, wine, and grape juice for families in need of help for the holiday and Shabbat. 6. Please read Leah's Torah thought for Shabbat and her Holiday tip.
September 19, 2008
On Sunday some terrorists set fire to the Itamar forest intending to burn down some of our houses that border the forest area. What is absolutely ridiculous is that the Israeli news reported that it was Itamar that set fire to the forest in order to burn down olive trees and prevent the Arabs from yielding their crop. The army verified the fact that Itamar did not set the fire. This of course did not stop the media from bad mouthing us as usual. (By the way this year alone tens of times the neighboring assailants have fire bombed our fields and caused fires in our community's surroundings.) This terrible prejudice against the people of our area is, unfortunately, too commonplace here. Olmert together with other government officials and the media are always so quick to put the blame the Jews of Shomron and Judea in every opportunity. I didn't hear a condemnation of the attempted murder of the boy and the burning down of someone's house that he just finished building. Instead they focused on the fact the house was built illegally and the retaliation by the people of Yitzhar. What is illegal about building on our precious homeland? Let the truth be heard! The people of Itamar and the other communities in Shomron and Yehudah are wonderful. Their whole lives are devoted in building the land of Israel and holding on to it for all of Am Yisrael. The soldiers that live on Itamar and the surrounding areas serve in the most elite units in the Israeli army. No matter how much our youth are abused by the media and left wing – their spirit is always high and they choose to serve in the army in the most elite units endangering themselves! They have one goal in mind and that is to help Am Yisrael survive. They deserve a Yashar Koach. I will give you one small example of an Itamar resident , who serves in a very elite unit, did not stop his training although he broke his finger and was told to rest up for a couple of weeks. Where is justice? Of course, the answer is with special friends like you all are, that love Israel with all your hearts and souls, I have no doubt that we will see very great things happening in Israel soon! Moshe Goldsmith 1. Mazal Tov to the Head Choshen and Richman families upon the marriage of their children!  2. The Itamar Yeshivah high school started a very special program this new school year. The high school boys have a few hours a week lessons on raising farm animals like – horses, sheep, donkey, chickens etc. The classes are given by the David Itzik; one of Itamar's dear residents who built a petting farm and is always expanding. One great project that David wants to do with the boys is creating a bird watch center on his farm. Itamar is situated along the migration route of the numerous birds migrating back and forth from Africa to Europe. The idea is to set up a pond that will attract these birds and this way our students will be able to observe and study the birds from up close. 
7) Please see Leah's new Torah thought for the week. September 5, 2008 1) Itamar welcomes Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith back home after their three week speaking tour in the States on behalf of the Yishuv and its much needed projects. We want to thank our special friends from Fort Meyers, OKC, and New York for their warm hospitality. 
2) A special thanks to Jessica Katz from NJ for a huge clothing shipment that was sent to the people of Itamar. It really came in handy for the new school year and approaching holidays.  3) Schools opened this week on Itamar – we bless all our students with a happy and successful year of study. 
4) Mazal Tov to the Demari family upon the engagement of their son Orel.
August 1, 2008 1. A special thanks to Jessica Katz of Passaic NJ and all the people involved in her clothing Chesed drive. This week we received boxes of clothes for the Itamar families that are blessed with a lot of children! It went very well and people were just thrilled.  2. Thursday night Erev Rosh Chodesh Av the Yar Tzeit of Aaron Hacohen, there was a rear entry to the village of Awarta near by Itamar to the holy grave sites of Itamar and Elazar the sons of Aaron the High Priest. Our community is named after the grave site of Itamar which is just minutes away from our Yishuv. People came from all over Israel to participate in this event. It is a very special privilege to have such a holy place so close by. Enjoy the enclosed pictures. 
 3. Our teen boys had a very special week in Elat where they went scuba diving as part of the summer program on Itamar.  4. The Itamar campers are having a fantastic summer! 
July 25, 2008 1. Itamar expresses condolences to Benny Zagron upon the death of his brother this week. May we only hear good news. 2. This week the Itamar campers were returning from their welding course on the Gilad road and were attacked by a mob of Arabs that were rioting. The Itamar youth director who was driving his van and had his windows smashed. Thank G-d he managed to back up and get the teenagers out of danger. One camper was hit with a boulder in his arm. Thank G-d he is only bruised. The army was there and was hesitant about responding. Unfortunately, they did not stop the Jewish cars from getting attacked. Many other cars were hit as well, in one instance the Arab mob tried to pull the driver out of his car. Finally, one brave man shot in the air with his pistol and was later arrested by the Israeli police. Is this not absurdity? Enclosed is a picture of the car.  3. On a happier note Itamar sold two more houses this week! The community is looking beautiful. Please enjoy the picture of the Itamar forest which is really taking off. We planted over 30 thousand trees about 15 years ago and now we are seeing the results of our labor. 
July 18, 2008 1. A memorial service was held this week for the four members of the Shabo family and Yosef Twito that were killed by a terrorist 6 years ago see link.  2. Mazal Tov to the Avitan family upon the birth of a grandson (last week their other daughter got engaged) 3. The Itamar housing committee held a special meeting with the community this week about the importance of purchasing houses. The results were fabulous as six families decided to make the commitment!  4. As part of the Itamar campers' summer program the teenagers are renovating an old store room and transforming into their new clubhouse.  5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.
July 11, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to the Head family upon the engagement of their daughter Nihorah. 2. Mazal Tov to the Avitan family upon the engagement of their daughter Talya. It was pretty amazing that both girls got engaged on the same day! 3. Mazal Tov to Esther Miller on the Brit Milah of grandson who was named Shlomo Zur after – named after Esther's husband who was ambushed and killed by a terrorist on Itamar three years ago. 4. The Itamar children are enjoying a wonderful summer thanks to our wonderful friends who made this possible. We still need to complete the project so any help is strongly welcomed.  5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.
July 4, 2008 1. Itamar expresses condolences to the families that lost their dear ones in the terrible terrorist attack this week in Jerusalem. One of the victims was a mother of a girl that is a very close friend of Rabbi Goldsmith's 17 year old daughter Merav. They learn together in high school in Bet El. Merav has been broken ever since she came back from the funeral. What is so painful here is that the daughter was living alone with her mother – she now has to find a new home. It is unbelievable what these young teenagers have to go through. The brave soldier that jumped on the tractor and killed the terrorist studied on Itamar for a few months. 2. The Itamar Yeshiva student who was injured two weeks ago in a terror attack is still recuperating from his wounds. Please pray for Avraham Meir Ben Malkah Chaya. 3. This week a memorial service (Yartzeit) was held for of Eliyahu Asheri HYD the son of Miriam and Yitro Asheri. Eliyahu was kidnapped and murdered two years ago. Rabbi Drukman, Eliyahu's adopted grandfather, came to Itamar and gave a class about Tefillah in his memory. Eliyahu was know for his powerful Tefillah! Attached is a picture of Rabbi Drukman with the father Yitro.  4. Mazal Tov to Matanyah and Chagit Ben Shitrit upon the Brit Milah of their son. Matanya serves on the Itamar counsel and is in charge of security.  5. A group with representatives from 11 different countries visited Itamar this week. Some of these counties included Uganda and Kenya.  6. The Itamar children's camp started this week. Those who have helped sponsor it thank you and Yashar Koach. The children are so happy as you can see in the picture. We still have to finish the project so spread the word to those who may be interested in helping out! 
June 27, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to Avri and Sharona Ran upon the marriage of their son Pinchas to Zuriyah. They will be living on the famous Ran farm known as Givot Olam on the hilltops of Itamar. Enjoy the pictures of the wedding. 
 2. Itamar hosted a group of young students from Norway that came to tour our community. The Norwegian trip organizer felt that it is very important for these young students to learn the truth about what is happening in Israel. He expressed how unfortunate it is that most of the Norwegians are misinformed.  3. We want to wish the Itamar children who finished school this week a happy summer vacation.  4. The Itamar summer camp program begins this coming Sunday. A special thanks to all those who have contributed and we welcome all those who would like to participate in this project.
June 20, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to Hagar Zar on the marriage of her daughter Shira to Yaakov Cohen from Bat Yam. Baruch Hashem this is Hagar's third child out of 8 that she is marrying off. Unfortunately, her former husband Gilad was killed in a terrorist attack 6 years ago please see link. Hagar has since remarried and continues to live on Itamar. Enjoy the pictures of the wedding. 
 
2. Dearest friends I have a special request for those interested. Every year Itamar runs a special summer camp program for the children and youth. Unfortunately, the families of Itamar don't have the means to pay the full cost of the program. If we don't get help from out friends we will not be able to provide the summer program for the children. It goes without saying that these children, among them orphans, deserve to have a happy summer like other children their age. Anyone, who could help out by sponsoring a child (250 dollars) or to partly sponsor one (125 dollars) will be doing a tremendous Mitzvah! For those who can't help at this time or have recently helped us Please circulate this e-mail to as many friends as possible. Those who want to find out more about our community send them this link – www.friendsofitamar.org. [total project cost around 15 thousand dollars]
Make out your tax deductible donations to Friends of Itamar and mail them to - 3. Please read Leah Goldsmith's new Torah thought for the week.
June 13, 2008 1. This week a memorial service for Itamar's dear resident Gilad Zar HYD was held in Karney Shomron. Please see this link. 2. Itamar resident Benny Zagron who has been raising raspberries for the last few years on Itamar opened up his field to the public as required on the Sabbatical year. Today a bus load of Russian immigrants from Ber Sheva came to pick themselves some delicious fruit! Benny welcomes anyone friend of Itamar as well who is interested in coming to pick the special fruit with Kiduashat Shiveyit. 
3. Itamar wishes a Mazal Tov to Rena and Rabbi Chaim Richman upon the engagement of their daughter Helah. Rena is the brother of Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith the community's mayor. Helah will, G-d willing, be marrying Yisrael Meir Maan in Early September. Yisrael Meir learned in the Itamar Yeshiva high school Chitzim  4. Mazal Tov to Ariel and Efrat Rekanati who had a baby girl on the Shivuot holiday. 5. Mazal Tov to the Caspi family on the birth of a son this week. 6. Mazal Tov to the Kinarti family on the Bar mitzvah of their son Yitzhkak. 7. Itamar had a very special guest this week Binyamin Kluger, a former French priest, who searched for many years until he found his way to Judaism. He gave an unforgettable lecture to the Itamar women!
June 6, 2008 Mazal tov to our precious city Jerusalem on its 40th new birthday - we had the privilege of visiting the holy city this week. Enclosed is a picture that was taken a day after Jerusalem day.  Mazal tov to the Mydani family upon the birth of their daughter Rinanah – it is their eighth child. We wish them much joy and happiness. Mazal Tov to our special friends Fischberger Family from Efrat on the birth of their new baby girl Avigayil Eden – it is also their eighth child. May they see a lot of Nachat from their children! Mazal Tov to the Levi family upon the birth of a son. Please enjoy the new Torah thought by Rabbi Goldsmith and the Holiday Tip and recipe by Leah Goldsmith. Itamar want to wish all our dear friends a chag Sameyach!
May 23, 2008 1. Mazal Tov to Meir and Rinat Cabra upon the engagement of their daughter Orli this week. Itamar wishes them much happiness and success! May they build a Bayit Ne'eman B'iyisrael. 2. Itamar celebrated Lag Baomer last night. Enjoy the pictures and the new Torah thought by Leah Goldsmith about Lag Baomer based on the teachings of the "Chalban" Harav Chaim Hacohen).  3. Today Itamar held its annual Lag Baomer parade in memory of Matan Zagron(please read about him on the memorial page) 
May 16, 2008 1. Itamar had the pleasure of hosting Rabbi David Stern together with a group of singles now living in Jerusalem that moved to Israel recently. They came to spend Shabbat in our area and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Shomron. These young men and women hope to get married soon and move to Yehudah and Shomron. 2. Mazal Tov to the Hemo family on the brit milah of their first grandson. Haliluya and Asaf the happy parents named their precious boy – Yibaney Zion – and Zion will be rebuilt! The chief rabbi of the Israeli army, Harav Avi Ronski, was honored as the sandak. Please enjoy the enclosed pictures.   3. Enjoy the picture of a beautiful spring sunset seen on Itamar this week.  4. Please read the new Torah thought written by Leah Goldsmith.
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.    2. Mazal Tov to Chaim and Rozilia Shachar on the birth of their son. 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.
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! 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.  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!
 2) A record breaking phenomenon is taking place on Itamar this Shabbat. Believe it or not, it is the third Brit Milah (circumcision) in a row to happen on Shabbat. We want to wish a Mazal Tov to Shimon and Maran Head. 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 1) One of Itamar's residents was fired on by an Arab terrorist while working in his field on our hilltops. Thank G-d he wasn't hurt. The army found the rifle used but the terrorist got away. 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.
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1. This past Sunday on the 21st of Mar Cheshvon a memorial service was held in the Itamar military cemetery for Lieutenant Matan Zagron HYD. Matan was killed when he jumped on a suicide bomber, in Ariel, that was running toward a crowed bus stop. (
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