December 31, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Baruchi and Michal Odeser on the Pidyon Haben(redemption of the first born son). We wish them a lot of happiness and success in building their young family.

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

3. Special thanks to Shirah Ben Pinchas Itamar's culture organizer who has been doing an amazing job in setting up cultural activities for our community. This week there was a special event held for the Itamar ladies where they gathered in large numbers to partake in one of a series of Torah lectures during the winter months which will cover different topics of interest.

4. Special thanks to Ruty Shushan who has been running a story hour and play center for the Itamar children for years. Any help in purchasing new toys and upgrading the play center will be graciously appreciated.

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week. This week he discusses the difference between G-D's revelation to Moses as opposed to the forefathers.

December 24, 2010

1. Mazal tov to Hagar Zar and family on the Bar Mitzvah of her son Shachar! Hagar lost her husband Gilad in a terrorist attack back in May 2001. Gilad, who was one of the founders of Itamar and served as head of the Shomron security, was ambushed and killed while driving his car near the community Kidumim on a bypass road which is today called the Gilad Road.The Gilad Farm was also established in his name. Gilad will not be able to attend his son's Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat in body of course in spirit he will surely be with his son. We want to wish the family of eight children only happiness and success with long and healthy lives.

2. Mazal Tov to Yehudah and Mivaseret Reykinati on the birth of a son. The son was named Shlomo Mordechai after his grandfather Shlomo Mordechai Miller who was the head of Itamar security and was killed in August 2004 when a terrorist infiltrated the community. We wish them only happiness and success!

3. Itamar welcomed Rabbi Chaim Richman from the Temple Institute who came to visit Itamar with a group of North American tourists mainly from the state of Texas, Wisconsin and Canada. Enclosed is a short clip of the group leader.

4. As the 2010 fiscal year is coming to a close the community of Itamar is preparing its 2011 budget and project planning. This year we hope to enhance our youth and cultural programs, strengthen our educational center, beautify our community, upgrade our infrastructure and complete our permanent synagogue. We want to thank again our dear friends that without their constant love and support we would not be able make this dream of building G-D's Land come true.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week on the weekly portion.

December 17, 2010

1. Itamar welcomes back Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith who were on a ten day speaking tour in America. They had the special privilege in participating in a night to honor Israel event sponsored by Pastor Gaspar and Michelle Anastasi. It was an amazing event showing the love the gentile world has for the land of Israel and G-D's people. It was attended by Jew and non-Jew alike and was a real eye opening experience. Enclosed is a picture of Rabbi Goldsmith speaking at a Chabad Hanukah event held by Rabbi Minkiwitz of Fort Myers Florida (who also attended the event to honor Israel) in the back of the picture is Gaspar and Michelle Anastasi.

2. Mazal Tov to the Cohen family on the engagement of their daughter Ayelet!

3. Mazal Tov to Eliezer and Naama Ben- Lazar on the birth of a daughter.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week.

5. Read Leah's Torah portion on the Parasha.

December 3, 2010

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

2. Itamar wishes a happy Chanukah to all its dear friends. Chanukah is proof that the Hellenistic culture can not prevail against the light of the Torah and Am Yisrael! Enclosed is picture of an ancient Greek-Roman bath house an example of this extinct culture.

3. Itamar expresses its condolences to the Ben Nun and Biliyah families of Elon More after 24 year old Reyut Ben-Nun was killed in a car accident by the Itamar junction this week. May G-D protect and watch over His people.

4. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week where he talks about understanding tragedy and self reflection.

November 26, 2010

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

2. This passed Sunday there was a demonstration against the talk of another freeze on building in Judea and Samaria. The crowed was addressed by the great Zionistic leader and activist Rabbi Eliezer Waldman (former Knesset member and present Rosh Yeshivah of Nir Kiriyat Arbah), the minister of infrastructure Uzi Landau, and other leaders of Yesha. Just looking at the young crowd that filled the streets of Jerusalem is enough to give fill one's heart with joy and inspiration. Their love for Israel that knows no limits is a testimony to a wonderful education that our youth is receiving.

3. Itamar was happy to host a group from NY, NJ, and Maryland that came on a tour with Eve Harrow and the One Israel Fund. They were very moved and inspired by the beautiful community of Itamar.

4. This week a burning tire was cast over the Itamar security fence in an attempt to set our hills aflame. Thank G-D the army and Itamar security personal were able to get to the scene before the fire was able to spread.

5. Over the years Itamar has become one big nature reserve for wild animals which enjoy good feeding grounds, protection, and tranquility. This week the veterinarian of the Shomron Regional council came responded to a call of a wild fox running around the community. Enjoy the picture of the vet showing how to set of the fox trap.

6. Enjoy Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson on Joseph and the terrible teens.

7. Itamar wishes our dear friends a happy and healthy Hanukah! May the lights of Hanukah shine forth and light up our hearts with the love and zeal for Zion.

7. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week

November 19, 2010

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

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

3. Itamar welcomed this week Rabbi Chaim Richman from the temple institute who brought a group of American tourists from Minnesota, Wisconsin and other parts of the U.S.A to visit Itamar.

4. Itamar welcomed Rabbi Erez Moshe Doron who gave a class on Hanukah. The Rabbi focused on communication both inner and external and how the root of all illness stems from a lack of happiness and complacency with oneself and G-D.

5. Yeshivat Chitzim finished the extension of the new dining room Rabbi Ideles the head of the school and Itamar's mayor Rabbi Goldsmith placed a Mezuzoth on the new doors. May the Yeshivah continue to grow and prosper.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith new Torah lesson for the week. This week he focuses on Jacob as a politician.

7. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week

November 12, 2010

1. Mazal to the Odeser family on the birth of a grandson. We wish the new grandparents a lot of Nachat from their children and continued happy events.

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

3. Enjoy the clip of the Itamar's Bnei Akivah youth group celebration.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson on Jacob and rocks.

November 5, 2010

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

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

3. Mazal Tov to Shlomo Zuckerman on his first chicken bone.

4. This is a very special Shabbat for the youth group Bnei Akiva movement. It is called the Shabbat Irgun where all the different youth tribes get together for a big celebration which includes eating the Shabbat meals together, and making plays, and displays on the theme of the year. This year the theme is Aliyah from the inside. In other words how does one enhance his spiritual growth! We wish our wonderful youth tremendous success in their spiritual accent.

5. Itamar welcomed our dear friends Lisa and Daniel Walker and Anastasia from Washington State who came to spend a few days on Itamar.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week.

7. Read Leah's 2009 Torah portion on this week's portion.

October 29, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Goldsmith upon his reelection as mayor of Itamar. Mazal Tov to David Shushan, Matanyah Ben Shitrit, Shmuel Raykanati, and Nissin Aydan on their election as council members. With the many great challenges that face Israel today we bless them that Hashem give them the wisdom and strength to lead the community of Itamar to new horizons and great prosperity.

2. Itamar enjoyed the visit of its dear friend Alan Hirsch this week. Alan is the secret behind the Pesach Gmach project of helping hundreds of families throughout Judea and Samaria with food packages for the Pesach Holiday. Alan toured Itamar and the different communities in the area that he has been helping over the years. He has a custom of coming to Israel every year for the special Shabbat of Chayay Sarah. We bless him and pray that one day he will be able to move to Israel permanently.

3. This week the memorial service for our dear resident Matan Zagron was held at our military cemetery. Matan gave his life at the tender age of 22 when he jumped on a suicide bomber that saving the lives of many. In his memory and honor Rabbi Tavil from Yeshivat Nizarim Ariel gave a very moving Torah class to the community.

4. Enjoy the picture of the beautiful sunset on the mountains of Itamar!

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torahthought for the week where he discusses the trait of Chesed in Abraham and the Gevurah of Yitzchak.

October 22, 2010

1. It was our greatest pleasure to host our dear friends Mark and Vickie Biltz together with their congregation from Washington State. We had a great day together visiting Mt Grizim, the mountain of the blessing, and touring our town of Itamar. They planted trees and were addressed by members of the community. They are very special people and truly love the land of Israel.

2. Itamar hosted a small group of politicians and teachers from Holland. They are supporters of Israel and wanted to understand more about our spiritual connection to the land of Israel.

3. This Shabbat is the Shabbat "Irgun" for the Bnay Akivah youth movement. The Itamar youth are working hard getting ready for this special weekend.

4. Read Leah's new torah thought for the week.

5. Mazal Tov to Bruriyah and Nitay Levi on the birth of a daughter this week.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson that focuses on the two unique tasks of Abraham.

October 15, 2010

1. Itamar enjoyed the visit of its dear friend Henk Poot from Holland who came with a large group of tourists to tour Itamar. Henk has been very helpful to the Itamar Yeshivah high school Chitzim helping children with special needs.

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

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

4. Mazal Tov to Ariyeh and Nichamah Goldberger and Ariel and Efrat Raykinati for making the right choice of building a permanent home on Itamar. We wish them a lot of success in their important project. Thank G-D over the last year 23 new houses have been built in our community. With G-d's help many more will be on the way.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week.

October 10, 2010

1. Special thanks to Jessica Katz for another shipment of clothes this week to our community. Jessica has been an amazing help in providing assistance for the Itamar community as well as thirty other yishuvim in Israel. This is a huge undertaking. May Hashem bless her abundantly!.

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

3. Enjoy the picture of the stone ark built by Itamar's resident Asaf Kidron who is a stone artist. This stone Aron kodesh is the first one built by Asaf and is part of a beautiful little shul on Itamar's hill top Givot Olam. Asaf has also built the ark in Itamar's Yeshivah high school Chitzim and has recently built an alter for the Tempe Institute in Jerusalem.

4. Itamar enjoyed the visit of some American students who are studying Torah for the year in Jerusalem, Daniel Goldberg-Pere and friend, Davina.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week on the seven Noachide laws.

September 29, 2010

1. Itamar had an amazing Succot Holiday with tons of guests! They all had such a great time touring our hills and different neighborhoods.

2. Itamar had the privilege of hosting our dear friends Michael and Elana Fischberger and family. The Fischbergers have been very special friends of Itamar for many years, donating a sports court for our community.

3. Itamar welcomed the Zagah and Hoenig families from Teaneck NJ that came to spend the day touring the sites of Har Gerizim, Mitzpeh Yosef and the organic farms on Itamar.

4. Itamar welcomed a group of tourists from different parts of the U.S.A, South Africa and Switzerland who feel that they are part of the ten lost tribes.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson for the holiday.

September 22, 2010

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

2. Erev Yom Kippur a special gathering was held in the Goldsmith home commemorating the Yartzeit of Morris Krantz, the father of Leah Goldsmith who passed away on Yom Kippur 17 years ago. Morris was a holocaust survivor who was saved by righteous gentiles. Morris was a very great man and spent his life lecturing about his personal story and about the holocaust in general. He is the author of the book Hitler's Death March.

3. With the Succoth holiday at our doorstep Itamar is in a rush to get the last minute preparations in. The feeling of Simcha is in the air. It goes without saying that all our dear friends who are visiting Israel for the holiday are welcome to visit during Chol Ha'Moed.

4. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for the holiday.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on the four species.

September 8, 2010

1. Itamar welcomes back Rabbi and Leah Goldsmith who were away on a speaking tour for two weeks. A special thanks to all those wonderful friends that hosted them.

2. Itamar wishes a happy and healthy New Year to all its wonderful friends. This new Hebrew year is spelled Taf Shin Ayin Alef – an acronym for – Tihiyeh Shnat Aliyah Artzah let it be a year of going up to the land of Israel!

3. A dedication of a new Torah scroll for Itamar's Yeshivah high school was celebrated this week. The Torah scroll was donated by Harav Eshel from Kedumim in memory of his brother, sister and father may they rest in peace.

4. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the New Year.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah class on the holiday.

August 13, 2010

1. With the month of Elul beginning this week we want to wish all our dear friends a powerful month of spiritual growth and reflection.

2. The Itamar campers had a great week with a trip up north! Our older campers enjoyed a Scuba diving week in Eilat.

3. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's latest class on Pirkay Avot – Procrastination is our worst enemy.

4. See Leah's torah thought on Shoftim

5. The Friends of Itamar would like to emphasize the importance of sending donations SOLELY through the Friends of Itamar via pay pal or check to our American tax deductable address and not through other organizations that claim to be representing us!

August 6, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Tzvi and Sarah Pereg and Shimon and Sarah Bardah on the marriage of their children Naamah and Avi. Shimon and Sarah are one of the founding families of the Town of Itamar back in 1984. We wish them all continued happiness and success! Enjoy a short clip of the wedding celebration.

2. This Shabbat as part of our youth camp program, the Itamar youth is making a joint Shabbat with a group of paraplegic and disabled youth from a program called Achim(brothers). The organization Achim sits in the Israeli city of Akko. Thursday night, famous Israeli singer, Yonatan Raziel, made a special concert performance for the children on Itamar. The event that was supposed to start at 8:30 started at 11:30 o'clock at night since the busses came late. The town of Itamar woke up and joined the event to honor its special guests and Itamar youth. Enclosed for your enjoyment is a short clip of the event.

3. A memorial service for Shlomo Miller who was killed by a terrorist on Itamar a few years ago was held on Friday at Mt, Olives in Jerusalem. Shlomo was the head of security and gave his life to defend the town of Itamar. His wife and six of his seven children continue to live on Itamar.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's next lesson on Perkay Avot.

July 30, 2010

1. Itamar wants to thank Jessica Katz from Clifton NJ who has sent another shipment of clothes for not only Itamar but for 30 other communities in need as well. May Hashem continue to bless her and give her the strength to do such wonderful deeds of kindness.

2. A miracle happened on Itamar when two armed terrorists entered the community and were scared off when our security team spotted them. Unfortunately, they escaped back to the nearby village that they came from.

3. Terrorists lit fire to Itamar's fields on our hill tops and caused damage to about two thousand square meters of grapes that were almost ready to be picked. One of the field owners tried to salvage the grapes by turning them into grape juice.

4. Mazal Tov to Yonatan Rekinati who was recruited into the Golani brigade! May Hashem protect and defend him!

5. This week the Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Itamar in a show of solidarity for our community. He really enjoyed his visit and had lunch in our community hall.

6. Mazal Tov to Amos and Avigayil Cohen on the Brit Mila of their son! May they merit in continued Nachat and happy events.

7. One of the Shomron Regional Council's departments visited our community in order to get a close look on how our town is developing.

8. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith newest lesson on Perkay Avot about perusing peace and loving mankind.

July 23, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to the Goldberger family on the Brit Milah of their son. May they continue to enjoy much Nachat! Enclosed is a movie clip of the happy event.

2. Mazal Tov to Amos and Avigayil Cohen on the birth of a son this week!

3. The Itamar campers had a special activity this week in building a model of the Temple with lego. This activity was a very moving educational experience for the Itamar children coming a day after Tishah B'Av.

4. This week we would like to honor Angel Star of Washington State for her help and care for our young campers.

5. The Itamar girl campers enjoyed their drama workshop.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's newest lesson on Pirkay Avot where he touches upon what it is to be a true teacher.

July 16, 2010

It was a busy week of births on Itamar!
1. Mazal Tov to David and Nili Itzik on the birth of a daughter!

2. Mazal Tov to Chaim and Razili Shachar on the birth of a daughter!

3. Mazal Tov to Aryeh and Nechama Goldberg on the birth of a son!

4. Mazal Tov to the Ran family on the birth of a grandson, the Ran family are the owners of the famous Itamar Givot Olam dairy ranch their daughter Sarah who lives on Itamar (the ben Yitzchak family) had a son.

5. The grape vines of Itamar are ripening enjoy the picture of one of the seven species of the land of Israel! Prophecy is coming true!" Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; Jeremiah 31:4

6. Special thanks to the Itamar campers who spent four days cleaning of the community!

7. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's next Perkay Avot lesson pay attention that it is divided into two parts.

July 9, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Alex and Michal Zuckerman and Goldsmith families on the Pidyon Haben of Shlomo this week. Please enjoy the attached video of the event.

2. The Itamar summer camp program is in full swing thanks to our wonderful friends that have been standing behind us. Special thanks again to the community of Anshey Chesed and the Sortman family of MI. Those who are interested can still sponsor a child for 125 dollars.

3. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friend Allan Nussbaum who has been a good friend of Itamar for the last 10 years!

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on Pirkay Avot.

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

July 2, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to The Zar and Jackson family on the birth of a granddaughter this week. May they continue to enjoy many more happy events.

2. Itamar enjoyed the visit of our dear friend Tani Zarelli, wife of Washington State Senator Joseph Zarelli, who visited Itamar this week with some special people. They had a great Pizza making experience and also planted an olive tree. They also explored some caves in the area. Enjoy the clip.

3. Itamar welcomed the editor of the five towns Jewish Times – Larry Gordon and his wife Ester, who visited our community.

4. Special thanks to Eddie Wuntch and his Anshey Chesed Community who have made a special appeal again this year in order to help sponsor the Itamar children summer camp. We want to thank all those who have participated! This community has been amazing for the last six years. They have personally taken upon themselves our summer camp program. Anyone interested is welcome to join in as well. The price for sponsoring a child is 125 dollars.

5. See Rabbi Goldsmith's new Perkay Avot lesson.

June 24, 2010

1. This week Itamar held a memorial service for Rachel Shabo, her three children and Yosef Twito who were massacred by a terrorist 8 years ago. A special ceremony was held dedicating the Itamar petting zoo in Yosef's name. David Itzik, the owner of the ranch was a very close friend of Yosef and planned together with Yosef to set up a special farm where children can come and enjoy themselves. David Itzik was able to fulfill this dream and yesterday delivered an emotional address to the community relating stories about Yosef. David spoke about Yosef's modesty and how he was an example of a good husband and father.

When Yosef heard the shots he was the first one to reach the scene and charged the terrorist trying to save the lives of the family. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's eyewitness account of this attack.

2. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Uzi Damari who competed this week the entire writings of the Holy Zohar. A special meal celebrating this event was held at his home.

3. See Rabbi Goldsmith's new class on Pirkay Avot.

4. You can read in the Itamar Torah thoughts Torah relating to this week's Parasha.

June 18, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to the Mishulami family on the birth of a girl this week! May Hashem bless them with happiness and peace.

2. Itamar welcomed our dear friends Tani Zarelli, Garret Hergert, and Debora Martinez who spent last Shabbat on Itamar. Sunday we toured Mt. Gerizim, the mountain of the blessing (see Deuteronomy 11:29 and 27:12). We also had the honor of visiting Cohen Yefet, one of the leaders of the Samaritans who showed us their unusual and beautiful museum.

3. We want to wish our Chitzim high school boys a great summer vacation after finishing school this week!

4. See Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on Perkay avot which focuses on finding a Rabbi and acquiring a friend.

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

June 11, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith on the birth of a grandson! Their daughter Michal and her husband Alex live on Itamar. G-D willing the brit ceremony will take place this Shabbat. We wish the young couple and new addition tremendous happiness and success in all their endeavors and let them merit in bringing a lot of new souls into the world. Special Mazal tov to Charlotte Krantz, Leah's Mom, on this birth which makes merited her with a first great grandchild. As a matter of fact all four generations live on Itamar. Enclosed is a picture of four generations! Of course Mazal tov to Lester and Jeanette Goldsmith on their seventh great grandchild.

2. Last night a herd of goats were stolen from the Itamar hill tops. Sadly, the surrounding hostile villagers have stolen a few times flocks from our hills. Itamar is in high alert. Unfortunately, we have been witness to too many incidents where after stealing from our community terrorist have entered as well.

3. Itamar welcomes a new camel to the petting farm. What a great addition.

4. A memorial service was held for the high school boys of Yeshivat Chitzim who were massacred on the Itamar campus 8 years ago.

5. Yesterday, a memorial service was held for Eliyahu Asheri HYD who was kiddnaped and murdered (only 18 years old) the same week that Gilad Shalit was kidnapped.

6. Reminder Itamar is working hard trying to raise funds for our summer camp program which will start in a few weeks. Anyone interested in helping will be doing a great Mitzvah!

7. Enjoy the picture of the Mediterranean Sea as part of our collection of pictures of Eretz yisrael. It gives you the feeling of entering the holy land from the west. Very spiritual!

8. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on Pirkay Avot. This week's perkay Avot lesson is in honor of the baby who actually participates in the class.

June 4, 2010

1. Itamar welcomes Rabbi Avi Ronski back to civilian life. Rabbi Ronski served as the chief Rabbi of the Israeli army for the last four years. This week he completed his term and will be returning to his position as the head of the Itamar Yeshivah. Rabbi Ronski is an amazing individual and is a living example of love and kindness. Most of his four years he spent on the ground with his soldiers and not in an office! He was instrumental in strengthening the soldiers during operation Cast Lead and many other situations as well. He is known for having made a great revolution in the Israeli army in bringing many Israeli soldiers aware of their Jewish heritage. We wish him many years of success in all his future endeavors.

2. Itamar wants to thank Lois Blumenfeld for dedicating a playground in memory of her late husband Avi of blessed memory. In addition we want to thank our dear friends of Washington State, Tacoma and its surroundings especially - Lisa Walker, for assisting in this project and for working on another project which will allow us to restore some older playgrounds for the Itamar children. This project is in full swing and hopefully soon we will have raised enough funds to begin it.

3. Itamar welcomed Dr. Hansen together with his team from Washington State.

4. Itamar welcomed the visit of Jennifer Seyler and her mom Jeanette from Washington and California. Enclose is a small message form Jennifer.

5. Watch Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's response the Flotilla incident.

6. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

May 28, 2010

1. This week Itamar held elections for the Itamar council. We want to thank the previous council for the tremendous job they did in running the community for the last 2 and a half years and wish the new council a lot of success in leading the community forward!

2. This week Israel prepared itself for the possibility of both conventional and non-conventional missile attacks on its cities and held drills in every city including Itamar. There is a plan of relocating thousands of people to the Shomron (Samaria) in case the coastal plain was hit. This emphasizes the importance of our heartland as not just biblically precious, but strategically as well!

3. Please enjoy the date palms taken by the Dead Sea – it gives you a nice feeling of the land of Israel. The land flowing with milk and honey refers to the honey of date palms.

4. Itamar is preparing itself for the summer camp program for our youth - anyone interested in helping sponsoring the camp is very welcomed!

5. Watch Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's new class on Perkay Avot.

May 21, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to the Miller family on the Brit Milah of their son Ido this week.

2. A memorial service for Edo's grandfather, Gilad Zar, HYD of blessed memory, was held yesterday May 20th. Gilad was one of the founders of the Town of Itamar and worked as the head of security of the Shomron Regional Council. He was ambushed while driving to Itamar and murdered a day after the holiday of Shevuot. Enclosed is a picture of Moshe Zar, Gilad's father holding his great-grandchild Edo and a short movie clip of the Brit.

4. Watch the new lesson on Perkay Avot with Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.

May 14, 2010

1. Mazal tov to Eliyahu and Rannanah Miller on the birth of their second son this week. The young couple were both were born and raised on Itamar. Unfortunately, they lost their fathers in terror attacks. Gilad Zar, the father of Rannanah, was the head of security of the regional counsel and Shlomo Miller Eliyahu's father, was the head of Itamar security. Next week the same week of the Brit Milah a memorial service will be held for Gilad Zar who was killed a day after the holiday of Shevuot. We wish this family a long life of happiness and good health.

2. Mazal Tov to the Zimmerman family on the birth of another granddaughter this week. May they continue to have much Nachat from their children.

3. Itamar was happy to host a group from Oklahoma City. Click here to view a small clip of one of our friends from the group who was extremely emotional about being on the very hills that Abraham walked the land!

4. Watch Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's fourth lesson on Pirkay Avot.

May 7, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to our Itamar Rabbi - Rabbi Natan and Nurit Chay on the marriage of their son Yitzchak this week! We wish the new couple a lot happiness and success in all their endeavors.

2. Mazal tov to Shirah and Yaakov Ben Pichas on the brit milah of their new son Asaf Shamai. Enclosed is a You Tube clip of the event. Shirah is the head of cultural activities on Itamar and does an amazing job! We are going to miss her dearly as she takes a leave of absence for a few months to rest up after birth.

3. Itamar enjoyed the visit of a very special group from Fitchburg Massachusetts that came to visit our community.

4. We welcomed Yisrael Katz, the minister of Transportation who came with Gershon Masika the head of the regional council to visit this week.

5. Yishivat Chitzim hosted Moshe Feglin of Manhigut Yehudit, who spoke to the young teenagers about the pressing matters Israel must contend with now and his solutions..

6. Enjoy watching the third lesson on Perkay Avot given by Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.

April 30, 2010

1. This week we had the special privilege of hosting the chief Rabbi of Tzfat, Harav Shmuel Eliyahu Shilitah. Harav Shmuel spoke in the Beit Medrash of our Yeshivah high school Chitzim. He gave an amazing lecture and spoke about how the world is slowly but surely rectifying itself and is seeking to connect itself to the Jewish nation for spiritual guidance. He told an amazing story of a meeting that he had with an influential Christian priest who told him that he realizes that he has been fed lies all his life regarding the nation of Israel. He continued to say he sees that all the words of the prophets are coming true regarding Israel and one has to be blind not to see it. As we read in Ezekiel 37:21 "Say to them, 'Thus says the L-rd G-D, "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land;" The priest said just as the words of Ezekiel have come true so will the words of Zechariah 8:2 "Thus says the L-RD of hosts, 'In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that G-d is with you." The Rabbi spoke to the young high school boys and mentioned the need for every one of them to become a great Torah scholar and prepare himself to reach out to the nations of the world who will need their guidance.

2. Itamar had the pleasure of hosting Doctor Michael Abulaphiah who is a child and teenager physiatrist and a teacher of Jewish psychology. He has a unique method of therapy based on Torah principles and the esoteric traditions of Judaism. He has recently written an amazing book called Haganan and Hapri (literally translated as the gardener and the fruit) which he calls a guide to a happy life based on 70 principles of Jewish psychology.

3. David Itzik, owner of the Itamar petting zoo farm which serves as an animal therapy center for teenagers and a great place to relax on Itamar, hosted a non religious Israeli group from a Michina Kdam ZivaitI (a special program which prepares young high school graduates for their army service) located in Tel Aviv-Yafo. David Itzik who grew up in a non religious home and made his way back to Torah observance, has a unique approach in reaching out to fellow Jews. He was asked to host this group and gave a lecture on postmodernism.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah class for the week on YouTube.

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

April 23, 2010

1. Mazal Tov to Yeshuv Itamar on its 27th birthday! Itamar was established on Independence Day of 1984. We had a beautiful birthday party celebrated by the entire community outdoors on one of the Itamar ball parks. Of course, Mazal Tov to the state of Israel on its 62nd birthday.

2. Mazal Tov to the Bardah and Pereg families on the engagement of their Children Avi and Naamah. The Bardah family is one of the founder families of Itamar.

3. Mazal Tov to Tamar and Yishay Malcah on the birth of a daughter this week. Tamar and Yishay have in addition just purchased one of the new Itamar homes! We wish them happiness and success with all their endeavors.

4. Mazal Tov to Hilah and Elad Bar Shalom on the birth of a daughter on Memorial Day. It is amazing how Divine Providence works - Hilah who lost a brother in the terrible Helicopter accident of Feb 1997 where two CH-53 helicopters collided and resulted in the death of 73 soldiers who were serving in the security belt of South Lebanon on Memorial Day was blessed with bringing down a new soul in this world.

5. Memorial Day was extremely emotional on Itamar as we remembered all our beloved residents that lost their lives for the land of Israel. As customary on Itamar, two memorial ceremonies were held- one in the evening and one in the morning at the Itamar cemetery. Enclosed is a small video clip of the memorials:

7. Please read the new Torah thought for the week by Rabbi Goldsmith. (written on last week's portion)

8. Rabbi Goldsmith will now be giving short Torah classes via YouTube – click on the photo to view the first class on Pirkay Avot.

April 9, 2010

1. Pesach was very special on Itamar and Itamar was blessed with many visitors from all over Israel that came to walk and drive through the beautiful hills of Shomron. As we approach the holiday of Shavuout we want to wish all our dear friends a good Omer counting and bless you all not to miss any days counting the 49 days until Shavuout. Each day is another step closer to our spiritual assent to Matan Torah!

2. Unfortunately, over the last few months there has been a rise in Jihad Terror attempts to infiltrate our community. There was a bomb planted on one of our gates, our hilltops have had many sleepless nights with a number of attempts to steal different herds of sheep and this week we received word from the army that a terrorist left the city of Shechem on a direct mission to kill Jews in Itamar. In addition there have been many incidents of rock throwing in the area. In one incident a member of a near by community was seriously injured when a rock hit his head. We want to thank the One Israel Fund for financing a new camera on one of our remote neighborhoods. This camera covers an area that is not covered by our major camera system. It could not have come at a better time. As we approach Holocaust day we are reminded once again of the danger of those that build an ideology centered on hatred.

3. Please read Lea's new Torah thought for the week.

April 2, 2010

1. Itamar would like to wish its dear friends a continued Happy and Healthy Chag Pesach!

2. On Wednesday Chol Hamoed pesach Itamar celebrated a very special event with completion of one of our new neighborhoods. The event included a variety of activities for adults and children such as arts and crafts projects a petting zoo of exotic animals, a clown, a band of hand drummers, a play for children, and different Itamar products for sale. Addressing the hundreds of people that attended this event were Gershon Masika, the head of the Shomron regional council and Ze-ev Chever(Zambish) the head of Amana, and Rabbi Goldsmith Mayor of Itamar. Amana is an important pioneering organization founded in 1978 with the goals of developing new communities in the heartland and to continue to be actively involved in their development and maintenance. Their building company initiated this building project on Itamar.

3. Spring time is the perfect time to hike around the hills of Itamar. Please enjoy the enclosed pictures of the fauna and picturesque landscape of our community. A unique picture of very rear flower which only grows in our area is included here for your enjoyment – Iris Hashomron

4. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah thought for the holiday Shabbat.

March 26, 2010

1. Itamar is honoring this week Alan and Barbara Hirsch and their special congregation of B'nai Israel together with all those wonderful people who helped out in the annual Passover drive helping families in need for the holiday. This is an amazing Mitzvah project that was started by Alan Hirsch almost a decade ago! Families that have a hard time getting by are given a food package including Shmurah Matzoth, wine and grape juice, meat, chicken and a personal check. Not only families of Itamar benefited from this special campaign but many other communities throughout the Shomron and Yehudah were helped out. Itamar blesses Alan his family and all his partners in this project with happiness good health and success may Hashem give them the strength to continue to do such wonderful things for the rest of their lives!

2. Mazal Tov to the town of Itamar for receiving the "Klitah award" - an award for the absorption of new families from the Shomron regional Council. Itamar has been blessed with tremendous growth over the past years and five new families will be moving in over the summer! Enclosed is a picture of Itamar's secretary Chaim Weiss and council member Matanya Ben Shitrit who is in charge of absorption with the framed award notification.

3. The Itamar staff was addressed by Mayor Goldsmith and received a gift for the Pesach holiday in appreciation for their devoted service to the community. Enclosed also is a picture of part of the Itamar staff.

4. This coming Wednesday on Chol Hamoed Pesach Itamar is dedicating its new neighborhood of 14 houses. With the blessing of Hashem upon us all the houses have been sold already!

5. Itamar wishes all of its dear friends a happy and healthy Pesach!

6. Read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah thought and Leah's Pesach message:

March 19, 2010

1. Itamar welcomes back the Mayor Rabbi Moshe and his wife Leah Goldsmith that were on a speaking tour in Washington State for the last two weeks. This week Itamar is honoring Eric Leibman from Portland Oregon who has been instrumental in helping Rabbi Moshe and Leah connect with the west coast area. Eric's devotion to Itamar over the years has been a blessing to our community.

2. The Washington trip was an eye opening experience for Rabbi Moshe and Leah. A special thanks to Lisa and Deana Walker from Gig Harbor who hosted Rabbi and Leah Goldsmith at their homes! Lisa and Deana are very modest and amazing people. Their love for Israel and Itamar knows no bounds. Lisa took upon herself to lead an important Itamar project of rehabilitating old playgrounds that are severely run down. A special event was held at Deana's home where friends came to hear about our community. We want to bless them and their families with health, happiness, and success in all their endeavors.

3. Special thanks to Tani and Senator Joseph Zarelli who hosted Moshe and Leah so warmly in their home. They are both amazing righteous people who have a true love for G-D and the people of Israel. Tani took the Goldsmiths to visit the State capitol where Rabbi Goldsmith was asked by Senator Joseph Zarelli to address his fellow senators about their Itamar town. In addition they attended the State of the city address of Battle Ground Washington where Rabbi and Leah Goldsmith had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Battle Ground as well as other mayors in the area. Tani Zarelli runs an organization called the Heart of Israel where she brings over groups to Israel with the intention of showing them places in the Heartland that most mainstream Christians don't get an opportunity to see like Itamar, Sderot, Hebron, and many other special sites. Tani has recently ran a trade mission where she brought over American businessman and has been successful in setting up business relationships that look very promising. Tani is a true friend of Israel and we bless her and her family with a lot of happiness and success.

Three businessmen that attended Tani's last trip visited Itamar and were extremely concerned when they heard about our water difficulties. Before returning to America they met with Mayor Goldsmith in Tel Aviv and discussed in detail the water project and expressed a great desire to help. Rabbi Moshe, Leah and Tani met with these saintly men Matt Seppala, Dan Jones and Garret Hergert in Tani's home in Washington to plan strategy about furthering this important goal. Matt Seppala held a special event at his barn in order to raise support for the project. These guys are amazing people and true friends of Israel.

4. A special thanks to Mark and Viki Biltz and their warm congregation of ES Ministries that are standing behind the people of Israel and showing Itamar their support. Their true love for Zion is amazing. Mark has visited Itamar in the past and is a dear friend of the community. At this difficult time when there is so much world hatred against Israel and the Jewish people we are consoled with the fact that there are special people like Mark that sincerely show their love for the land of Israel.

5. This week four children were born on Itamar! Mazal Tov to the Shetrit and Cohen families on the birth of a daughters, and Mazal Tov to The Weiss and Maor families on the birth of sons. May the community of Itamar continue to merit in growing and prospering.

6. Special thanks to Jessica Katz on another special clothes drive for families in need. Jessica has been for many years helping different communities in Shomron and Judea by collecting used clothes in America and having them shipped to Israeli communities. We bless her and her family with happiness and success.

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

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.

How can I help?

 

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

 

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

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