December 30, 2011

1. Special request to all Itamar supporters: Unfortunately, since the destruction of our new hilltop Givat Ariyeh, just a month or ago, our new camera system which was knocked out of commission by the Israeli army and police has not been reinstalled. The Israeli defense forces destroyed the infrastructure of the camera by ripping out the entire electric box and wiring. The estimated cost to fix this is around 45 thousand shekels. The army claims that if we leave the hilltop they will reinstall the camera. In the meantime, Itamar is left without a camera and in danger of infiltration. In addition, Itamar's security officer is in desperate need of a trained watch dog that can patrol the community with him. The estimated cost is about 30 thousand shekels.Anyone who can help us reinstall this camera and purchase this dog would be doing a tremendous service for our community. Shabbat Shalom and thank you! Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith

2. This week the Itamar youth marched from Itamar with torches to the army base below , lit candles and danced with our soldiers to show our solidarity with our brothers that are defending our homeland. Itamar stands with the IDF!

3. A beautiful community Chanukah party was held on Itamar this week. One of the main themes of the party was to introduce the new members of Itamar to the veterans and connect with one another. I was an amazing evening. There were different kind of games and activities. We recommend it for all communities.

4. Mazal tov to rav Uzi Damari for making it to the national Bible contest of Israel which took place in Benyany Haumah this week. Rabbi Demari is known for his vast knowledge in Tanach which is his love in life. You can't find him without a bible in his hand. Unfortunately, Rabbi Uzi did not win the contest but he came in 4th place on the written test among the thirteen candidates who reached the finals. Enclosed is picture of Rav Damari standing on a deck with a view of the border like between the tribe of Efrayim and Menasha as outlined in the book of Joshuah.

5. Itamar welcomed its dear friend Chesky Wertman who came to visit the community. Chesky is one of Itamar's oldest friends who stood behind us during some very troubling times.

6. Mazal tov to Amichay and YiscahAzulay on the birth of a son this week.

7. Mazal tov to Yisrael Chay and Milcah on the birth of a daughter this week.

8. Mazal tov to Shilo and Hadas on a birth of a son this week.

9. Itamar welcomed a group of college students throughout America that came to hear about the community from Mayor Goldsmith. It was a very successful evening and the students were very interested and moved by their visit.

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

11. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on the weekly portion which talks about taking responsibility.

December 23, 2011

1. Mazal tov to Shmuel and GalitRekanati on the birth of a daughter this week.

2. This week Itamar is having a community Chanukah hike to Givat Aryeh our new neighborhood that was recently destroyed by our government when they demolished a small synagogue and a house. The government's claim is that is its illegal to build outside our city boundaries. Nevertheless, our response is that we will not give into terrorism. This neighborhood was built as a reaction to the terrible massacre against the Fogals back in March. The land is government land. There is no doubt that it is providing security for our town and we must make sure this neighborhood stays where it is. The nightmare is that we had a new camera set up on the neighborhood to provide security for the entire area. The demolition squad felt that it was appropriate to destroy our camera infrastructure as well thus putting our camera system out of commission. The army is not ready to pay for the camera's reinstallation unless we retreat from the hill. This hike is meant to show solidarity with our dear pioneer residents that are sleeping in tents on the hill to protect our community and provide a Zionistic response to terrorism. All those who want to come and join us in this important hike are invited. It will take place this coming Tuesday at 10:30 in the morning on the seventh day of Chanukah. We will be leaving from the ballpark near the Yeshiva Givohah.

3. We would like to extend a special thank you to Jessica Katz from Yad Leah on the amazing clothing drive that was held on Itamar this week. Jessica has been for the last few years providing clothing for adults, teens and children to our community Words cannot say enough for this huge chesed- also connecting our brothers in the USA with us. YasharKoach!!

4. The Itamar Yeshivah High School Chitzim did a great mitzvah the first night of Chanukah they went to the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv and lit candles with the sick and gave them Chanukah Sufganyot (donuts). They made them very happy by dancing and singing it was an amazing experience. They also heard a short lecture about the holocaust from YosiPeled who today serves as a minister in the Israeli government.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on the weekly portion where he compares the different dreams that were mentioned in the last few portions and connects it to Joseph Chanukah.

December 16, 2011

1. Itamar welcomes back Moshe and Leah Goldsmith who were on a speaking tour in the United States.

2. Itamar wishes all its dear friends a happy Chanukah! May the festival of light bring light to all of us!!!

3. Mazal tov to the Ronsky and Melet families on the marriage of their children Eitan and Adi.

4. Mazal tov the Hagar and David Jaxson on the birth of a grandchild.

5. Mazal tov to the Dgani family on the birth of a granddaughter.

6. Mazal tov to the Finegold and Yifrach families on the birth of daughters.

7. Itamar is in the middle of three major building projects: A permanent synagogue, the building of a permanent Beit Medrash for the Yeshivah Givohah, and a new road connecting the Fogal neighborhood to the major road going through our community. We want to thank all those who are involved in these important projects and all other Itamar projects.

   

8. Enjoy the picture of the Itamar kindergarten children.

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

10. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week discussing the meaning behind the three times goats are mentioned in the book of Genesis and the connection to Yom Hakipurim and Joseph.

December 1, 2011

1. With extreme pain we are sad to say that the Israeli government destroyed our beautiful hilltop neighborhood Givat Aryeh that was set up as a response to the Fogal massacre.

We had just finished building a small synagogue and celebrating a beautiful Torah dedication just two weeks ago. There was also a newly built home where a young devoted couple was living and four other small structures where others were living and building the hilltop. This early morning at 3:30 AM the Israeli police came with bulldozers and literally plowed down our new hill top.

It is so hard to fathom that the government of Israel would be so inconsiderate and cruel in destroying the neighborhood that brought new hope to our community after the terrible murder of the fogal family. Itamarresidents felt very secure knowing that there was Jewish presence living below them guarding the community on our southern border. This neighborhood was purposely set up as a strategic location to ensure our security allowing us to control the entire valley below from one guard's position. Just a stones throw from this point reside the most dangerous of terrorist villages- Awarta. What is even more insane is that our holy Kohanim are buried there! The insane act of all was to destroy the entire electric infrastructure of our new camera system thus completely knocking it out of commission and leaving Itamar again in danger of infiltration from the very same village the murderers of the Fogal family came from. Of course
our spirit will not be broken and we will return and rebuild our ruins!
Watch the YouTube movie.

2. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friend Eddie Wuntch who came to spend the day on our community. Eddie together with his amazing community of Anshey Chesed have been assisting Itamar for the last 8 years in our summer program. Eddie toured our new hilltop Givat Aryeh right before its destruction. Enclosed is a picture of him on our hilltop.

3. Mazal tov to Yitro and Miraim Asheri on the marriage of their son Moshe this week!
Mazal Tov to the Batito family on the birth of a girl.
Mazal Tov to the Ronsky and Melet families on the marriage of their children, both 2nd generation Itamar residents – to each other!
Mazal Tov to the Idan family on the engagement of their son Yonatan to Miriam.
Mazal tov to the Shushan and Cohen families on the birth of grandchildren!

November 18, 2011

1. Special thanks to Jack Ross for the donation of a Sefer Torah to the new Itamar neighborhood Givat Aryeh. This unique Torah scroll which survived the holocaust will be put to important use on our new hilltop neighborhood. Enjoy the video of the event.

2. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friends from El Shadday who came to spend a day with us touring the community and the area. Enjoy the pictures.

3. Itamar welcomed a group from Canada that enjoyed their first visit to our community.

4. This week a memorial service was held for our dear resident MatanZagron that was killed 9 years ago when he gave his life to save the lives of many others while jumping on a suicide bomber in Ariel.

5. Three boys were born on Itamar this week. Mazal tov to the Chemo, Cohen, and Fleysher families. May they all merit in many more happy events. Interestingly, two of the boys born are also cousins since their parents are brother and sisters. Yitzchak and Sarah Chemo the grandparents have been living on Itamar for many years and their children have continued in their footstepsmazal tov to them on the birth of two more grandchildren.

6. Mazal Tov to the Asheri and Yamin families on the upcoming weddings of their children Moshe and Neta this week. Neta will be setting up her new home on Itamar.

7. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on the Torah portion Chayey Sarah.

November 11, 2011

Mazal tov to Shirah and Yaakov Ben Pinchas on the birth of a daughter this week.Shirah has been the Itamar cultural community organizer for the last five years. We wish her and her husband a lot of happiness and enjoyment from their new baby girl.

Mazal tov Rabbi Yehudah and Tzviyah Elbaz on the Bar Mitzvah of their so this week. May they continue to be blessed with many more happy events. Rabbi Yehidah is very active in teaching torah to the Itamar youth.

Mazal Tov to the Raykanati family on the birth of a grandson.

Mazal Tov to Ester Miller and her family on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Tehilah. Ester's husband Shlomo, the former security chief of Itamar, was killed by terrorists on Itamar a few years ago.

Enjoy the picture of the first flowers to bloom in the fall on Itamar - they are called sitvaniot.

Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on sensitivity and consideration.

November 4, 2011

1. Itamar hosted a few different groups this week from America, Europe some of which have visited Itamar on previous occasions. Itamar extends a special welcome to our dear friends Fredric and Jennifer Joswick who have been friends of Itamar for the last couple of years showing their love and support to the community before they ever got here in person.

2. Mazal tov to the Seri family upon the engagement of their daughter Yael to Meir. May Hashem bless them with a lot of happiness!

3. Mazal tov to the Rabbi Benzi and Mivasseret Rimon on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Aharon.

4. Mazal Tov to the Liebowitz family on the birth of a granddaughter.

5. Mazal tov to Merav Goldsmith who completed her degree in the esteemed school Yarim Schachaf of professional make up.

6. It is amazing how we just began praying for rain and Hashem sent us a beautiful blessing of rain! Let this be a very wet and rainy season for us in Israel and let the reservoirs fill up to the top!

7. Read Leah's Torah lesson for the week.

8. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah lesson on the inner voice of returning to the land.

9. Itamar will be celebrating a HachnsatSefer Torah on the 18th day of Cheshvan for our new neighborhood GivatAryeh named after the Fogal family.

October 28, 2011

1. Itamar's security team succeeded in preventing another possible terror attack on Itamar. An Arab, dressed up as a Jew, who came from the same village the Fogel murderers lived in, approached the Itamar security fence. The security team and army chased after the infiltrator and surrounded the house that he entered capturing two others apparently involved. They are now undergoing an investigation. Itamar thanks the One Israel Fund and Marc Prowisor for setting up a new camera that proved itself for the second time in the last two weeks. The video shows how the intruder dressed in white is approaching the Itamar security fence. It also shows the security patrol car stopping nearby.

2. Mazal Tov to Ofrah and Evyatar Eyluz on the birth of a son. Mazal tov to Mordechai and HadarMintz on the birth of a daughter. Mazal Tov to the Asulin and Leibowitz families on the birth of grandsons. We wish them all a lot joy and Nachat from their family.

3. Itamar wishes a happy birthday to its dear resident Rabbi Avi Ronski former chief Rabbi of the Israeli army. Rabbi Ronski celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday. His family made him a surprise birthday party and many special guests participated. Rabbi Ronski is a great man with many achievements. What most stands out in his character is his modesty. We wish him many more happy and healthy years of life.

4. Itamar welcomed Jerusalem Post journalist Scott Krane and Paraclete Foursquare media who visited Itamar this week.

5. Itamar is in full swing in its olive picking and production of olive oil.Barak Melet, the owner of the Itamar olive press is working day and night pressing all the olives that people are bringing from all over Israel. It is an amazing experience to pick your own olives and turn them into oil. Come and see for yourself by visiting the Itamar olive press!

6. See the beautiful nature reserve in Itamar's backyard where willows were collected for the Succot holiday.

7. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's lesson on the rainbow.

8. Read Leah's torah portion on Noach.

October 14, 2011

1. Itamar wishes all its dear friends a Happy Sukkot!

2. In the coming days many groups are planning on touring our community for the Sukkot holiday. Today a large group of Americans from many different states came to visit with us. They were an amazing group and expressed extreme solidarity and love for Itamar and other communities in Judea and Samaria. This group is spending time in Israel volunteering on different communities helping out farmers.

3. This time of year is olive picking season. Unfortunately, the army allowed residents of the nearby village Awarta to come and pick olives in groves located very close to Itamar homes. The olive pickers (some were reported to be related to the murderers of the Fogals) came from the same village that the terrorists who massacred the Fogal family resided in. Itamar requested from the army not to allow the olive pick to go on since it situation at this time is very delicate and people have not yet gotten over the terrible tragedy. Nevertheless, the army refused to listen and allowed this pick to go on, despite that fact that there were hardly any olives on the trees and the harvester's motives were purely political. Itamar residents marched to the area in protest. Rocks were thrown on some of our residents and some Arabs threated to do another massacre on Itamar. Tamar Fogal, the oldest surviving child of the Fogal massacre pleaded with the head of the army not to allow this pick to go on right under her home! We do hope in the future the army will show a lot more sensitivity to the people of Itamar.

4. Enjoy a short movie showing some of the Itamar families in their Sukkot.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's lessons on Sukkot.

October 7, 2011

Enclosed is a picture of a bus painted with the name friends of Itamar by a friends who are creative and really care about Itamar – Thank you!

Read Leah's Torah on Yom Kippur dedicated to her father who was born on Erev Yom kippur and passed away on Yom Kippur.

Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's lesson on Yom Kippur.

September 23, 2011

This week a march was held from Itamar to the junction below our town that connects the other Jewish communities in our area, the same day that the U.N began the discussions on a PA state. Our message is loud and clear that we will continue to march proudly in our land and no one will dispossess our people. The Bible is our deed to our homeland. Attached is a small video of the march.

Itamar welcome the visit of a family that came all the way from Oklahoma U.S.A and Afghanistan to visit us. While the lady of the house in OK her husband and son are in Afghanistan serving their country. They are both good friends of Itamar and visited our town for the first time.

Special thanks to Jessica Katz who has for many consecutive years has been looking out for our community by sending shipments of clothing to families in need on Itamar and many other communities in Judea and Samaria through her organization Yad Leah.

In the mountains of Itamar and its surroundings it is the grape picking season special thanks to the Itamar high school boys who have volunteered this week to help the farmers with the grape harvest. Enjoy the pictures.

Mazal tov to the Yamin family on the engagement of their daughter Neta.Mazal tov to the Asheri family on the engagement of their two sons this week Moshe and Shmuel! Mazal tov to the Gadot family on the Brit Milah of their son this week.

Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on the Birthday of the world.

September 16, 2011

1. Itamar welcomes back Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith who were on a speaking tour in the States for the last three weeks. Enjoy the pictures.

2. Mazal tov to the Gross and Basheri families on the birth of daughters! Mazal tov to the Gadot family on the birth of a son. Mazal tov to the kinarti family on the Bar mitzvah of their son Elazar.

3. Itamar blesses all its wonderful children, teenagers and of course teachers who have returned to school. We wish them all a successful year in all their studies.

4. As the holidays approach us it is always a time of visiting the Land – we recommend that you tour the Itamar community on the Succoth holiday. Email us now to reserve a tour!

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's newest torah lesson on the parasha.

August 19, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed Glenn Beck and his team who came to visit the community. Glenn has been a real friend and inspiration for Itamar. He spent a few hours on Monday touring the community with Mayor Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith and his wife Leah. Glenn can be applauded for his outspoken coverage of the Fogal massacre back in March came to see at first hand where this transpired.

2. Itamar welcomed the visit of Raya El-Salahi from England a famous newscaster, model, and actress who came to explore her roots in Israel.

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

4. Watch Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith new torah message for the week.

August 12, 2011

1. Mazal tov to Rami Odesser on his 50th birthday! Rami is quite and asset to the town of Itamar. He is a computer expert who solves all problems relating to the field. He also is an electrician who is always there to help those in need. Rami has been volunteering for years in different areas of community service. We appreciate him greatly and wish his wife Shoshi and his wonderful family a lot of blessings and happiness.

2. One of the important enterprises on Itamar is its organic farming please feast your eyes on the delicious cucumbers grown in Itamar hothouses.

3. With the three week mourning period over the temples behind us we want to wish all our dear friends a wonderful summer and let us see very soon the building of our third temple!

4. The Itamar campers want to wish our dear friends a Shabbat shalom.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on parashatVietchanan.

August 5, 2011

1. Mazal Tov to the Zimerman family on the acquisition a new cow! They are now producing their own yogurt cheese and other milk products. It is highly recommended that you come and visit their farm.

2. Mazal tov to ShmuelOdeser on completing his army service! Itamar is blessed with a lot of young men that have recently completed their service in the Israeli army. They are all sons of Itamar families that served in fighting units in the IDF. These young idealistic men want to follow in their family's footsteps by building their home here on Itamar as well. We admire every one of them and wish them all tremendous success in all their endeavors.

3. Special thanks to Friends of Itamar for donating a shade tent for the Avi Blumenfeld park. We did plant a lot of trees but it will take a few years before the trees are large enough to supply the proper shade.

4. Itamar wishes all its dear friends an easy fast and G-D willing we will all merit in the building to the third Temple soon in our days!

5. Read Leah's new Torah thought about her rare visit to the grave site of Itamar and Elazar in Awarta.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new lesson on ParashatDevarim which focuses on the financial crisis.

July 29, 2011

1. Itamar enjoyed the visit of Rabbanim from the Tzohar organization that came to tour the community. There were both Rabbanim from EretzYisrael and abroad. There were Rabbis from Chicago, New York, Texas and other states as well. Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith showed them around the town and shared with them his experience as mayor for the last 7 years.

2. Itamar welcomed its dear friends Alan Nussbaum and Penina Arbesfeld who came to visit the town. They were so kind as to buy treats for the soldiers protecting the area. Enjoy the pictures of them giving out food and refreshments.

3. The Itamar summer camp has been just an amazing success with a lot more fun to follow. Our teenage campers even made a cafי where adults came to enjoy the cakes they baked and tables were set up for panels of discussion for all the members of the community to brainstorm together ways to improve life on Itamar.We want to thank again for all our wonderful friends that have helped us to make this a reality. Special thanks to Rabbi Lefkowitz and Eddie Wunsch from the Anshey Chesed Shul of the five towns who have for the last several years personally adopted this project.

4. Enjoy Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week on the completion of the book of Bamidbar.

July 22, 2011

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

2. Itamar welcomed the visit of representatives from the OU. Rabbi Simchah Katz, Rabbi Melvin and Steven Berg, Rabbi Steven Weil and Rabbi Avi Berman. They came on the fast day of the 17th of Tammuz as a rectification of the destruction of the Temple by touring the hills of Itamar and experiencing the rebirth of the children of Israel who have returned to the land of Hashem and are reviving our precious homeland. May we all merit to build the Temple in our times.

3. The Itamar summer camp program is in full swing. This week our teen girls went to Bat Yam on the "Chesed Bus" that focuses on doing good deeds for the community at large and decided to meet with the elderly, serve them lunch and help them with chores.. They brought them gifts and connected with them through a joint arts and crafts workshop. It was extremely successful! This Shabbat they are on a seminar focusing on the 3 weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and TishaBa'Av at kibbutz Merav in the Jordan Valley.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah thought on this week's portion which focuses on doing something for the sake of heaven and not for someone's own personal gain. (You can see ParchatMatot also from previous years)

July 15, 2011

Itamar enjoyed the visit of the Meisel family from the five towns that came to visit Itamar this week. The Meisels are part of the special community of Anshay Chesed that have been help sponsoring the Itamar summer camp program for the last seven years. This week some of the activities included a Sports Day, kumzitz, and nature hikes. In the name of our community, we want to express our deep appreciation and thanks for this amazing mitzvah. May Hashem bless these special people!

Itamar welcomed Avi , Sheryl, and Moshe Willinger who came to visit our town this week from Edison NJ. Avi and Sheryl hope to make Aliyah to Israel and move to Itamar .

Itamar welcomed our dear friend Alan Nussbaum from NYC who came to spend the day on Itamar. Alan has been very active over the years in trying to rally support for our community .

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

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

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

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

Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's torah lesson on this week's portion.

July 1, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed the visit of Rabbi Avi Weiss from Riverdale and his family the Fischbergers from Efrat. Rabbi Weiss was very moved by his visit and left a meaningful message to our town. Watch Rabbi Avi Weiss's message to our community.

2. This week we had the privilege of hosting a group of American students who came on a tour with the RAJE Russian American Jewish Experience organization. They had a great time and were very impressed with our Russian neighborhood located on our hilltops.

3. The Itamar summer camp program began this week and our campers enjoyed the lunar park that came to make our campers happy. A lot more fun is ahead!

4. Special thanks to Jessica katz on her amazing chesed project of sending clothes to the communities of Yehudah and Shomon.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on the weekly portion on the importance of appreciation.

June 24, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed a group from Beit Shemesh that came to show their solidarity with our community.

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

3. Mazal tov to the Dagan, Cohen, Rein and Reisman families on the birth of daughters this week. Yes, four new girls join the ranks of Itamar!

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

June 17, 2011

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

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

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

4. Itamar wishes its youth counselor Pinchas Michaeli and youth representatives of Itamar Bney Akivah a successful trip to France. They will be spending a week on a Bney Akivah tour to strengthen the connection with the French Bnay Akiva. It is no greater time than the Torah portion of the sin of the spies to go abroad and strengthen the connection of the Jews of Diaspora with the land of Israel.

5. This week a full lunar eclipse was observed from Itamar enjoy the video.

6. Look at Leah's Torah lessons for Parashat Shelach 2010, 2009, 2008

7. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson on the sin of the spies making putting the land of Israel as a second choice rather than a first.

June 10, 2011

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

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

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

4. Mazal tov to the Gootman family on the brit milah of their son.

5. Itamar enjoyed the visit of Rabbi Ronen Noyibert together with members of his congregation from Ohel Ari of Raanana. They came to show their solidarity with Itamar and discussed ways to enhance the connection between the communities in the future.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith new torah lesson for the week dedicated in memory of Chana Bat Moshe Binyamin Halevi. Of blessed memory.

June 3, 2011

1. Itamar wants to thank the Adventure Challenge Education high school of Beit Shemesh that donated a beautiful wooden swinging bench to the Avi Blumenfeld Park on Itamar. The bench was built by the students of the high school and was dedicated in the memory of the Fogal family. The names of the kedoshim were engraved on the bench. The high school came together with the principal Ariel Fishman to install the bench and tour the community.

2. Dr. Mark Jaffe from Florida, Zia and Michael Rose from Beit Shemesh came to tour Itamar and make a donation in memory of Mark and Zia's mother - Chanah Bat Moshe Binyamin Halevi who passed away on Passover. Chana's father was a student of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook ZTL and received his rabbinical ordination from him as well. Chana in blessed memory was a great Zionist that loved Israel dearly. Her love for the land she passed over to her family and inspired her daughter Zia to make aliyah!

3. Itamar enjoyed the special visit of the Weinberg family who came to Itamar this week to commemorate their daughter Zahava's Bat mitzvah. Jeff and Sharona's three daughters Yonina, Zehava and Tamara are jump rope speed champions. Yonina and Zehava(Tamara did not come on this trip) did an amazing jump rope display for the 7th grade class of the Itamar girl day school Beer Miriam. Tamar Fogal, who learns in this class, participated in the event as well. Sharona, who could easily be a sports teacher, got the whole class involved in different jump rope activities. The girls all received their own jump rope and had an amazing time participating in the activities. After the jump rope fun the girls sat in a circle and told different Torah's about Yosef Harzadik and sung songs in honor of Jerusalem Day. The Weinbergers then toured the community and were so kind in giving out cake and cookies to the soldiers who are stationed on Itamar. We want to thank this amazing family for being so kind to our community in reaching out to us and being involved in supporting Itamar projects. May Hashem bless them abundantly.

4. Itamar also hosted this week three other buses of tour groups that came from America to visit our community. Our dear friends Dr. Jonny and Paula Gold surprised us when they showed up on one of the tour buses. Dr. Jonny and Paula have special been friends of Itamar for many years.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week dedicated in memory of Chana Bat Moshe Binyamin Halevi. Of blessed memory.

May 27, 2011

1. Itamar enjoyed the visit this week of Laurie Hirsch the daughter of Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz who came to visit our community. It was the Moskowitz foundation that helped initiate our Beit Knesset project a few years ago. G-D willing, we are moving full speed ahead and hope to be ready to begin building the next stage this summer! We are in the process of completing our detailed plans which will allow a smooth glide through our next stage. It goes without saying that this project is a huge undertaking and anyone who wants to take part in this Mitzvah is welcome.

2. Yesterday there was another attempt to steal cattle from one of our hilltop neighborhoods. With the quick response of our security we were able to catch up with the cattle, unfortunately the perpetrators got away.

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

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

5. Itamar held its 7th consecutive Lag Ba'Omer march in memory of our dear residents that were killed in terror attacks. The march was founded by the Zagron family who lost their son Matan 8 years ago when he was killed when he stopped a suicide bomber from reaching a crowded bus stop. The march began at a look out point called Mitzpeh Matan on the Itamar hill tops. Tamar fogal participated in the march.

6. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson on the meaning of the chosen people.

May 20, 2011

1. Here is a picture of a barn on one of the Itamar hill tops that is very unusual in that it says on it in Hebrew "Hashem Hu Hamelech" – translated as G-D is King! As we read this Shabbat Parashat Bichukotai we must realize that true peace and tranquility will come to the land if we follow Hashem and proclaim that he is the true King.

2. On the front page of our website the picture of the week is a boy sitting and contemplating. This is what they mean when they say " picture says a thousand words"

3. Enjoy the view of the famous mountain the Sartaba which stands out like a pyramid seen from Itamar. The Sartaba was the second relay station where torches were lit starting with Mt. Olives in Jerusalem to signal the Jews in Babylonia that the new moon was declared in Jerusalem. It was built by the famous Alexander Yanai, about 150 years before the destruction of the second Temple, as a Chashmoaim fortress. It is customary that on Lag Baomer youth groups come and light torches on this mountain peak.

4. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's lesson on the weekly portion that focuses mainly on President Obama's speech in the State Department on Friday May 19th 2011.

5. We want to wish our dear friends a happy Lag Baomer.

6. Please read Leah's torah thought for the week.

7. Many organizations are claiming that they are collecting money for Itamar projects. We want to remind our readers and friends that the Friends of Itamar is the channel that the community of Itamar requests that all donations be sent through.

May 13, 2011

1. Itamar remembered its dear ones on Memorial Day with a special evening event which included a video of Rabbi Udi and Ruthy Fogal. The Fogals who were filmed not to long before they were murdered were telling about how much they love Itamar and how important it is to live here.

2. Itamar had an amazing Yom Haatzmaut celebration which included an outdoor meal and entertainment with a spectacular display of fireworks. Yom Haatzmaut is the birthday of our community which was founded back in 1984.

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

3. Itamar welcomed the visit of Rabbi Israel and Esther Becker from the Chofez Chaim synagogue of Tucson Arizona who came to visit Itamar with some members of their dear congregation.

4. Mazal tov to the Avri and Sharona Ran on the birth of a grandchild this week.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah lessons on the weekly portion and on Perkay Avot.

May 6, 2011

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

2. Mazal Tov to Yisrael Meir and Helah Man on the birth of a daughter Bat Zion. Mazal Tov to Nihorah and Shlomo Head and Chaim and Yasmin on the birth of a sons. May Hashem bless them all with a lot of Nachat and success.

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

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

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

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

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

8. This is a beautiful season to visit Itamar please enjoy some of the wild flowers that grow here.

9. Read Mayor Goldsmith's Thank you letter addressed to our dear friends who have been standing behind Itamar:

10. Enjoy Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lessons for the week.

April 15, 2011

1. Itamar welcomes back Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith from their special mission to the States. They literally spoke to thousands of people including many schools.

2. Read Rabbi Goldsmith's letter summarizing the last 30 days on Itamar:

3. Special thanks to Scott and Suzi Goldberg, Jeff Schwartz, Robbie and Jeremy Watman, the extended Goldsmith family and Elliot Auerbacher who went out of their way to make the Goldsmith's trip successful. There are no words to express our deep appreciation.

4. Special thanks to Lois Blumenfeld from Teaneck NJ who has been very active in trying to help our community. Last year Lois and her family donated a children's playground in the Fogal Neighborhood.

5. Special thanks to all our wonderful friends out there that have been sending our community financial assistance so badly needed at this time. We have so many important projects at this time and very soon you will see major changes in our town. Without your helping hand we can not make this happen.

6. This week the 30 day memorial service for the Fogal massacre was held on Itamar and the foundation stone for Mishkan Ehud, a permanent Beit Medrash, was placed. This event was attended by the Fogal and Ben Yishay families, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Knesset members and many other dear friends. We hope that next year at this time we will be celebrating together the inauguration of our permanent synagogue and this new Beit Medrash.

7. Tamar Fogal was very moved to receive so many letters of support from the different schools in the NY and NJ region. Enclosed is a picture of her holding up a poster made by a day school. For all those interested in helping the orphans please email us and we will tell you how to go about it.

8. Special thanks to Alan Hirsch for his amazing Pesach drive helping families in need for the holiday. Each family received chicken, meat, wine, grape juice, Shimurah matzah, and a personal check to help them enjoy their holiday. Alan has been doing this for many years and we want to bless him and his family for this amazing Chesed. May G-D grant them good health, happiness, and success in all their endeavors.

9. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new message for the Pesach Holiday.

10. Read Leah's new torah thought.

Itamar news updates Fogal Massacre Adar 2011

1. Itamar mourns over the terrible massacre of our dear residents Rabbi Udi, Ruty, Yoav, Elad and Hadas Fogal. May Hashem give strength to the orphans: Tamar, Roi and Yisahy, the grandparents and extended Fogal and Ben -Yisahy families and to the community of Itamar to overcome this terrible nightmare.

2. A special request from the families is not to raise any money for the orphans until after the Shivah(mourning period) and only after consulting with them. Many organizations want to do good but they must wait until the family tells us what they want and how to go about doing it.

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

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

5. Read letters by Itamar residents talking about there feelings after the massacre and Leah's letter.

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

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

8. Itamar welcomes the new family that moved in this week! Rabbi Udi Fogel in blessed memory was the head of Itamar absorption and personally brought this family to Itamar.

9. A wedding of a new Itamar couple was held at Kever Yosef this week - the first wedding held there since the tomb was destroyed by Muslim terrorists in the year 2000. (see U tube movie)

10. After the Purim reading on Saturday night a special celebration will take place on Itamar to strengthen the community and cheer it up. Please join us together with the thousands of people that will join us.

11. See Rabbi Goldsmith's reflections on the Fogal Massacre.

March 13, 2011 - SPECIAL

Mayor's Wife: Itamar Will Survive - and Grow
Adar Bet 7, 5771, 13 March 11 06:58    by David Lev

(Israelnationalnews.com) For Leah Goldsmith, a long-time resident of Itamar, the horrible tragedy of last Friday carries with it one bittersweet consolation: In a reaction to the murders of five members of the Fogel family, she has no doubt that Itamar will grow and prosper.

“We have now had 20 victims of terror attacks here in Itamar, a much higher number relative to our population than nearly anywhere else,” Goldsmith tells Arutz 7. “In 2002, three boys from the Yeshivar Hitzim high school in Itamar were killed by a terrorist, and we thought that was the end of the school. What parent would want to send their children to study here? But soon after, the school expanded – quadrupled – its student body. And we've had similar stories after all the terror attacks on our town.” With the murders of the five members of the family - Rabbi Udi Fogel, 36, mother Ruth, 35, and children Yoav, 11, Elad, 4 and three month old Hadas - she is sure that the town will continue to grow.

Her words evoke the verse in Exodus 1, which states that the more Pharaoh caused the Jews in Egypt to suffer, the more they increased and became stronger.

Goldsmith, whose husband is Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, one of the founders of Yeshivat Hitzim, and mayor of the town as well, knows Itamar as well as anyone. Both made aliyah from the U.S., and have been living in Itamar for about 15 years.

The town's website explains its significance as part of the hills known as Gav Hahar, the strategic "hump of the mountain". In this area, families are spread upon ancient mountains, called Harey Kedem. There are 4 communities, Itamar, Bracha - situated on the mountain of the Blessing, Yitzhar, and Elon Moreh. Each one has a panorama unique to its position on the mountainsides:

Goldsmith wrote about the town on the website: "It is hill country, tremendously big, picturesque and mysterious, varied with long and wide valleys who resemble a mosaic coat of many colors ranging from pea to deep jade greens and chestnut browns in the winter and spring months. In the summertime the colors are dry, like the colors of Rebbeca's jug, in which she served Eliezer and the camels in Babylon.

There are springs and wells in the hills. The bounty stemming from the blessing given to Joesph…."The blessings of the father are potent above the blessings of my progenitors to the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills"(Vayechi 49). The tribunal portions of Ephraim and Menashe, the sons of Joseph run across these highlands. In every direction that one looks, the views are emanated with authentic biblical greatness and Jewish nobility. This is the chief feature of the landscape, of your life in it, and you are struck by the feeling of having lived here in the past."

Itamar is full of people like the Fogels, says Leah Goldsmith – idealistic people who gave up everything for a life of Torah. Indeed, Yitzhak Shadmi, chairman of the town of Neve Tzuf and a close friend of the family, said that the murdered Udi Fogel was a brilliant studenta and “could have been a scientist, but chose to be an Torah educator.”

Goldsmith affirms that Udi, and the whole family, were indeed special people. “He was a very bright, articulate person. They originally lived in Gush Katif, and when they were thrown out of their homes in the 'disengagement' they moved to Ariel, and from there to Itamar.”

The Fogels, like many others, were attracted by the deep spirituality that Itamar evokes. “We can look out of our windows and see Mt. Grizim and Mt. Eval, the Biblical mountains of blessing and curse,” Goldsmith says. “And it's very appropriate; I, and so many others who come here, feel blessed.”

Many of those who live in Itamar are engaged in learning or education, and the town is home to not only Yeshivat Hitzim, but also to a Yeshiva Gavoha (adult level yeshiva), presided over by Rabbi Avichai Ronsky, who was until recently the Chief Rabbi of the IDF. Despite the ongoing terror attacks on the town, the Yeshiva now has over 170 full time students; Rabbi Fogel was a teacher in the yeshiva, and his wife, Ruth, was a teacher in nearby Ma'ale Levonah.

The town also has several businesses, and is known for its organic farming, whose products are marketed all over Israel. Many of the residents earn their livelihood by raising olives, goats and sheep, with a number of larger farms, such as Joseph's Blessing Eco-farm (http://www.shechem.org/alon/ecofarm/index.html), which produces a range of products, such as cheese and olive oil.

One thing Itamar is not, says Goldsmith, is “peripheral,” an inaccurate picture painted by the media. “We are exactly one hour away from Jerusalem and the Gush Dan area in the coastal plain. On the map we are at a geographical centerpoint of the Land of Israel. That is anything but peripheral.”

One reason that Itamar is a target for terrorists, is that it stands in the way of their reaching the Tel Aviv area in the center of the country. “This land is not separate from the coastal plain; it's all one small country. As thickheaded as our leaders can be, I think they have to realize this on some level.”

www.IsraelNationalNews.com    © Copyright IsraelNationalNews.com

March 4, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed Tani Zarelli and Devorah Joy who came to visit Itamar and its surroundings.

2. Itamar extends a hardy Mazal Tov to mishpachat Ronski on the brit of their son and grandson.

3. Every Thursday the young children of Itamar have an additional special play hour enjoy the picture of them having fun.

4. Please enjoy some pictures of our free range organic chickens that went out an early March stroll in the sun.

4. Enjoy Leah's new torah thought on Parashat Pikuday.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson.

February 25, 2011

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

2. Enjoy the picture of the Itamar almonds in blossom.

3. Read Leah's new torah thought on the parasha.

4. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson.

February 18, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed a group of European students that are on a special volunteer program for the year in Israel. They were very happy to hear a first hand account of life on Itamar and were extremely moved by Leah's story about the mission of the modern pioneers of Itamar.

2.Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week where he talks about the reason behind the prohibition of counting the nation directly.

February 11, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed the visit of Lester and Jeanette Goldsmith. Lester is the president of the Friends of Itamar. We want to thank them for being a tremendous force in helping the Itamar community over the years. May G-D bless them with good health, happiness, and Nachat from their family.

2. Special thanks to Jack and Linda Smithschick for sponsoring the Itamar's mother's day happening at the Ariel spa.

3. Itamar welcomed Victoria Hearst of Colorado who came on a visit with Sondra Barras from the CFOIC organization to tour Itamar.

4. Itamar welcomed a group of farmers from different parts of America and Canada who came with their leader Tommy Waller to visit the community. Tommy brings groups to Israel a few times a year to help out farmers in different communities in Judea and Samaria. This group is working in the near by community of Har Bracha pruning the grape vines.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's latest Torah lesson on the meaning behind the priestly garments.

February 4, 2011

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

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

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

4. Itamar was happy to host a group from Kvutzat Yavna that came to tour our hill tops.

5. Yitzee Schwartz a Yeshivah University student majoring in history and doing a study of the Samaritans in the near by community on Har Gerizim was hosted by his family the Goldsmiths and had an opportunity to also experience the Jewish rebirth on the mountains of Itamar.

He also had an opportunity to help Mordechai Sadeh, an Itamar farmer, plant flowering bushes like lavender and rosemary for Sadeh's new project in raising honey bees. Itamar is located on a huge land mass which allows for the planting of thousands of trees and bushes which is vital in getting a good yield of honey.

6. Read Leah's new torah thought for the week about the home being a holy tabernacle.

7. See Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson on the secret of Giving and receiving.

January 28, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friends Scott and Suzie Goldberg and family who came to visit our community. Scott and Suzie have been special friends of Itamar for many years. Scott and Suzie loved the ancient ruins of the Itamar hills that go back to the second temple period.

   

2. Gershon Masikah the head of the Shomron regional counsel visited our community this week in order to discuss community development issues with the Itamar counsel.

3. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new torah lesson for the week focusing on the prohibition of eating milk and meat mentioned in this week's portion. This week's Torah lesson is dedicated to a dear friend of Itamar that wanted to know why the verse "You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk." Refers to all the many laws involving milk and meat.

January 21, 2011

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

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

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

4. Itamar welcomed its dear friend Tani Zarelli and her group from Washington State and Texas that came to visit Itamar and plant trees. Most of the group have been on Itamar already and are very close friends of our community. They did a great job in planting trees in the new Avi Blumenfeld playground to honor the holiday of Tu' Bi'shvat.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week. At the end of the Torah lesson there are some moving testimonies of the tree planting experience.

6. See Leah's Torah on Tu Bishvat.

January 14, 2011

1. This week two baby boys were born on Itamar on the same day and they weren't twins! Mazal Tov to the Schneerson family and the Ben Pazi family on the birth of their new sons.

2. Last night terrorists infiltrated one of our hilltop neighborhoods and opened fire on soldiers doing guard duty. Thank G-D nobody was hurt. Unfortunately, the terrorists got away. Recently there has been an escalation of attempts to steal from and harm our hilltop neighborhoods. Just last week a herd of sheep and some cows were stolen from this same hilltop. With the quick reaction of our response team the herd almost in its entirety was returned to its owners.

3. Itamar welcomed the visit of Colonel Nimrod Aloni who is the head of the Shomron regiment. Colonel Aloni came to discuss security matters with the Itamar council and its security committee.

4. This coming Thursday is the holiday of T'u B'ishvat anyone that wants to be part of a tree planting ceremony can participate by buying a tree or attending in person. For those interested please contact us.

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

6.Watch Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's new lesson on the weekly portion. Rabbi Goldsmith focuses on Divine Retribution and measure for measure.

January 7, 2011

1. Itamar welcomed the visit of our dear friend Henk Poot from Holland. Henk came with three other friends that wanted to get a first hand report of what is happening on Itamar. They visited our high school and had lunch it the school dining room. Henk has been very helpful to the Itamar high school Chitzim in assisting its special program that provides assistance to students with learning disabilities.

2. Special thanks to our dear friends from Washington State who helped us set up a new children's playground for the Itamar children. The old playground was badly worn down and had to be redone. (For the children's safety we must build a fence around the park so anyone interested in helping with the fence will be greatly appreciated.)

3. Mazal Tov to the Cabrah family on the birth of another grandchild this week!

4. Read Leah's new Torah thought for the week on the meaning behind Matzah.

5. Watch Rabbi Goldsmith's new Torah lesson for the week on the topic of free will and repentance.

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