December 26, 2008

1. Itamar is very grateful to Hashem for the rain that fell this week. Out of all places in Israel our area was blessed with the highest rainfall – 80ml in two days! This is no doubt connected to the fact that this week we continue to read about Yosef Hatzaddik. It is Yosef who received the special blessing of being able to bring down abundance to the land.

2. Itamar wants to thank Brian and Marguerite Dellaca for sending .winter hats from Australia for our children. They came in handy with the very cold weather that has hit us this week.

3. Mazal Tov to Yichezkal and Hedy Nuemma on the birth of their son. Yesterday they celebrated the Brit in their new Chabbad center and home that they are building on our hilltops.

4. Please read the new Torah thought of the week by Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith.

December 12, 2008

1. Itamar wants to thank Jessica Katz again for sending another shipment of clothes this week for Itamar and other communities in Israel as well. This special Chesed project has literally been saving families who can't afford to buy new clothes for their children. It is a tremendous help and we are so grateful to Jessica and all those other dear people from Passaic NJ and surrounding communities who are involved in this special project. May G-D bless them all with good health, happiness, and success in all their endeavors!

2. As we approach Chanukah which is always a special time of Tzeddakh Friends of Itamar has a special request to all of its friends – anyone who can find the way to help out we would greatly appreciate it.

3. Please read Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.

December 5, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to The Cohen family upon the engagement of their son Matanyah. We wish them tremendous happiness and success.

2. The Itamar youth held a play this week as part of their activities in the Itamar Bnei Akivah.

3. Please enjoy Leah's Torah thought for the week.
Many of Leah's Torah thoughts are based on the teachings of Harav Chaim Ezrah Hacohen Prachiyah known as the Hachalban. Every week on Tuesday evenings the Rav gives a class in Givatayim. Leah has been attending his classes for the last three years. Harav Chaim is a great cabbalist and is extremely modest. The greatest rabbis of Israel visit with him to receive his blessings. He is know for his tremendous spiritual powers and has literally brought about miracles. He dresses simply wears a cap and doesn't have a beard. Enclosed is a picture of him.

November 28, 2008

1. Itamar welcomes Eddie and Fern Wunsch from Kihilat Anshey Chesed in New York. Eddie and Fern are very special friends of Itamar who have been a motivating force and great inspiration in connecting their community with ours. Over the last few years Anshey Chesed has helped sponsor our summer camp. It was a great pleasure and honor to host them in our community this week!

2. Mazal Tov to the Shushan family upon the engagement of their son Elchanan to a daughter of the Horowitz family one of the founding families of Hebron.

3. Mazal Tov to Y.G on the completion of his training period in Egoz. We wish him much success in his army service defending the country.

4. Mazal Tov to the Choshen family upon the Brit Milah of their grandson Uri this week to. The Choshen family is one of the founding families of Itamar. Their daughter Tohar who got married over a year ago and moved to another community has returned to our community, Itamar, with her husband Itamar (great name!) the place of her birth We wish them a lot of success and happiness.

November 14, 2008

1. New Torah thought and request.

2. Mazal Tov to Ilana and Yaakov Krispen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Etiel.

3. Mazal tov to the Shushan family on the birth of another grandson.

4. Mazal tov to the Choshen family on the birth of their first grandson this week.

5. Mazal Tov to the Asulen family on the birth of a granddaughter this week who is the youngest addition to the Itamar community.

6. The Itamar elementary girl school Be'er Miriam held a special memorial service for our Matriarch Rachel which took place this week. They made a play in honor of the occasion. Please enjoy the slide show!

November 7, 2008

1. Mazal Tov To Orel Damari and Yosef Yotam Yamin on the completion of their officers training course. Both young residents of Itamar are working very hard in the Israeli army to protect our nation. Orel Damari will be getting married on Chanukah time.

2. Itamar is approaching its 25th birthday which will take place G-D willing on Independence Day. On Tu Bishvat we will be opening our celebration by holding a special event including tree planting. Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree can do so by sending a 50 dollar donation earmarked "tree". Those who are interested in joining us in the event please contact us.

3. Special reminder: Itamar still needs a lot of help in building our Synagogue! Anyone who can help out will be doing a tremendous Mitzvah for our community. Itamar is growing all the time and is in great need for a permanent Shul. We are overcrowded and people don't have a place to sit.

4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought.

October 31, 2008

1. This week there was an attempted infiltration by four terrorists to enter our community. The terrorists opened fire on our patrol jeep. Thank G-D the quick response by the Itamar response team together with the army prevented a terrible attack from taking place. Unfortunately, the terrorists managed to escape to a near by village.

2. This week the mayor was taking a walk, as he does every day – along the patrol road that circles the yishuv with two other people on Itamar and were confronted by police and Israeli security forces who asked them – "What are you doing here?" They were walking on a path way above an area where Arabs were picking olives, as this is the olive picking season for Jews and Arabs as well. It is an extremely peaceful time when the weather is fine, the cool wind blows and there is finally even sporadic rain. For those that came to live out in nature because of its benefits, the question posed was quite shocking. The mayors response was –" What do you mean, what am I doing here?! This is my home. If I was in your home would I ask you what are you doing here?" Within seconds the mayor was surrounded by police cars and jeeps. The mayor spoke with one of the high officers who apologized for the behavior of the soldiers. He claimed that they did not recognize them from a distance. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks Itamar has been portrayed on the Israeli media and foreign press in a bad way. This atmosphere has affected the way the army and police are relating to Itamar as well as all of the yishuvim in Judea and Samaria.

3. A group of Christians from America visit with Itamar and express their solidarity.

4. Please read Leah's new Torah thought.

October 17, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to the Rakinati family on the Brit Milah of their eight day old son Aaron! Another important new addition to Itamar.

2. Itamar welcomes the family who came to spend a cholo moed day with us! Rabbi Herling HYD was murdered 7 years ago on Succot by terrorists who attacked a group of hikers near the alter of Joshua on Mt. Aval. Rabbi Herling was a very special friend of Itamar and was an instrumental source of spiritual inspiration for our community. Many of Itamar's residents were students of Rabbi Herling. Rabbi Herling's dream was to see the hills of Itamar filled with Jewish presence. G-d willing we will continue to fulfill his dream! Enjoy the picture of his family. A memorial service for Rabbi Herling will be held the day after Succoth in Kidumim at 10:30.

3. The Itamar families are enjoying the wonderful holiday of Succot!

4. Please read Rabbi Goldsmith's Torah thought for Succoth.

October 8, 2008

1. This past Shabbat Itamar celebrated a very special Brit! Eliyhu and Rinana Miller had their first son. Both Eliyahu and Rinana are children that lost their fathers in terror attacks. Eliahu's father Shlomo Miller(see link) was head of Itamar security and was killed when a terrorist entered our community. Rinnana's father Gilad(see link) was the head of security of the Shomron regional council and was ambushed on a road near by Itamar. Rinnana's grandfather, the famous - Moshe Zar who set up Chavat Gilad as a response to the murder of his son, told me that he feels that with every new grandchild or great grandchild born he feels is the true meaning of G-D avenging the death of the righteous. We wish this special family happiness, success and great blessings!

2. Mazal Tov to Tal and Menashe Kushner on the birth of their second daughter this week.

3. A very special site on Itamar is participating in the morning selichot in our Shul. Our young children get up every moring at 5:15 AM in order to join in with the adults saying Selichot. Enjoy the pictures of Itamar children saying Slichot Erev Yom Kippur.

4. See Leah's emergency letter and pass it on to your Rabbis and leaders.

5. Read Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith's Torah message for Yom Kippur

September 26, 2008

Special once in 7 years Mitzvah opportunity- read carefully.
It is interesting, that although the Sabbatical year only applies to the land of Israel, there is a law in the Torah that is directly connected with the sabbatical year, which also applies to places outside of Israel. This law is called Shmitat Kisafim. This law is mentioned in the Torah in the Book of Divarim. (Deuteronomy 15:2) the law states "At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. This is the manner of the release: Every creditor shall relax his hand from the loan which he has lent to his neighbor; he shall not demand it of his neighbor, or of his brother; for a release to G-D has been proclaimed." This means that any money that was loaned to someone during the seven year cycle of Shmita that was not yet paid back by the end of the sabbatical year becomes a gift to the debtor. This is the reason why the great scholar Hillel the elder enacted the Prosbul. The prosbul was enacted in order to prevent harm the lenders. As the Sabbatical year approached to remit all debts the wealthy were afraid to loan money fearing that they would not be reimbursed. Hillel, therefore, instituted the Prosbul which in short gives the power over the loan to the court and in such an instance the law of loan remission does not apply. Every orthodox Jew today writes out a Prosbul right before the end of the Sabbatical year in order to be allowed to collect his loans without transgressing the Torah.

THOSE WHO WANT TO MERIT IN THE SPECIAL MITZVAH OF LOAN REMISSION GIVE A LOAN TO THE NEEDY AND MAKE A CONDITION THAT THIS LOAN WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE PROSBUL AND THUS AT THE END OF THE YEAR (THIS COMING MONDAY) IT BECOMES A GIFT TO NEEDY ONE SINGLED OUT IN THE LOAN. OUR SUGGESTION TO YOU DEAR FRIENDS OF ITAMAR IS THAT YOU SEND IN A LOAN TO THE FRIENDS OF ITAMAR EARMARK THE CHECK "SHMITTA REMISSION" MAIL THE CHECKS TO FRIENDS OF ITAMAR ATTN. LESTER GOLDSMITH 1483 EAST 34TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11234 AND THIS WAY YOU WILL BE DOING THE MITZVAH OF LOAN REMISSION BY BUILDING THE LAND OF ISRAEL. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE AROUND. AS LONG AS YOUR CHECK IS MADE OUT BEFORE MONDAY THIS OPPORTUNITY REMAINS VALID!

1. Mazal Tov to the Shtattman family from Yitzhar that had a Brit Milah for the new born boy this week. Two weeks ago there nine year old boy was stabbed in the back numerous times by a terrorist who burnt down their neighbors house.

2. Mazal Tov to the Chabrah family on the wedding of the daughter Orli and to the Avitan family on the wedding of their daughter Talya this week!

3. Itamar welcomed visitors this week from Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and North Carolina. They were a real special group who came to spend a few months and help out farmers in the area. Yasshar Koach to them and others like them who are so devoted to the land of Israel.

4. There have been several attacks by terrorists on soldiers stationed at the near by Chawara junction just minutes from Itamar. In two incidents acid was thrown into the face of soldiers.

5. Special thank you to Allan Hirsch from Brooklyn for sending honey, wine, and grape juice for families in need of help for the holiday and Shabbat.

6. Please read Leah's Torah thought for Shabbat and her Holiday tip.

September 19, 2008

On Sunday some terrorists set fire to the Itamar forest intending to burn down some of our houses that border the forest area. What is absolutely ridiculous is that the Israeli news reported that it was Itamar that set fire to the forest in order to burn down olive trees and prevent the Arabs from yielding their crop. The army verified the fact that Itamar did not set the fire. This of course did not stop the media from bad mouthing us as usual. (By the way this year alone tens of times the neighboring assailants have fire bombed our fields and caused fires in our community's surroundings.) This terrible prejudice against the people of our area is, unfortunately, too commonplace here. Olmert together with other government officials and the media are always so quick to put the blame the Jews of Shomron and Judea in every opportunity. I didn't hear a condemnation of the attempted murder of the boy and the burning down of someone's house that he just finished building. Instead they focused on the fact the house was built illegally and the retaliation by the people of Yitzhar. What is illegal about building on our precious homeland? Let the truth be heard!

The people of Itamar and the other communities in Shomron and Yehudah are wonderful. Their whole lives are devoted in building the land of Israel and holding on to it for all of Am Yisrael. The soldiers that live on Itamar and the surrounding areas serve in the most elite units in the Israeli army. No matter how much our youth are abused by the media and left wing – their spirit is always high and they choose to serve in the army in the most elite units endangering themselves! They have one goal in mind and that is to help Am Yisrael survive. They deserve a Yashar Koach. I will give you one small example of an Itamar resident , who serves in a very elite unit, did not stop his training although he broke his finger and was told to rest up for a couple of weeks. Where is justice? Of course, the answer is with special friends like you all are, that love Israel with all your hearts and souls, I have no doubt that we will see very great things happening in Israel soon!    Moshe Goldsmith

1. Mazal Tov to the Head Choshen and Richman families upon the marriage of their children!

2. The Itamar Yeshivah high school started a very special program this new school year. The high school boys have a few hours a week lessons on raising farm animals like – horses, sheep, donkey, chickens etc. The classes are given by the David Itzik; one of Itamar's dear residents who built a petting farm and is always expanding. One great project that David wants to do with the boys is creating a bird watch center on his farm. Itamar is situated along the migration route of the numerous birds migrating back and forth from Africa to Europe. The idea is to set up a pond that will attract these birds and this way our students will be able to observe and study the birds from up close.

7) Please see Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

September 5, 2008

1) Itamar welcomes Rabbi Moshe and Leah Goldsmith back home after their three week speaking tour in the States on behalf of the Yishuv and its much needed projects. We want to thank our special friends from Fort Meyers, OKC, and New York for their warm hospitality.

2) A special thanks to Jessica Katz from NJ for a huge clothing shipment that was sent to the people of Itamar. It really came in handy for the new school year and approaching holidays.

3) Schools opened this week on Itamar – we bless all our students with a happy and successful year of study.

4) Mazal Tov to the Demari family upon the engagement of their son Orel.
5) Mazal Tov to the Seri family upon the birth of twins.
6) Mazal Tov to the Head, Choshen, and Teneh families that are marrying off their children this week! Nehoray Choshen and Yshua Teneh both born on Itamar will be marrying each other and will live on Itamar. Over 30 new families have joined Itamar over the last year and a half.
7) Please see Leah's new Torah thought for the week.

August 1, 2008

1. A special thanks to Jessica Katz of Passaic NJ and all the people involved in her clothing Chesed drive. This week we received boxes of clothes for the Itamar families that are blessed with a lot of children! It went very well and people were just thrilled.

2. Thursday night Erev Rosh Chodesh Av the Yar Tzeit of Aaron Hacohen, there was a rear entry to the village of Awarta near by Itamar to the holy grave sites of Itamar and Elazar the sons of Aaron the High Priest. Our community is named after the grave site of Itamar which is just minutes away from our Yishuv. People came from all over Israel to participate in this event. It is a very special privilege to have such a holy place so close by. Enjoy the enclosed pictures.

3. Our teen boys had a very special week in Elat where they went scuba diving as part of the summer program on Itamar.

4. The Itamar campers are having a fantastic summer!

July 25, 2008

1. Itamar expresses condolences to Benny Zagron upon the death of his brother this week. May we only hear good news.

2. This week the Itamar campers were returning from their welding course on the Gilad road and were attacked by a mob of Arabs that were rioting. The Itamar youth director who was driving his van and had his windows smashed. Thank G-d he managed to back up and get the teenagers out of danger. One camper was hit with a boulder in his arm. Thank G-d he is only bruised. The army was there and was hesitant about responding. Unfortunately, they did not stop the Jewish cars from getting attacked. Many other cars were hit as well, in one instance the Arab mob tried to pull the driver out of his car. Finally, one brave man shot in the air with his pistol and was later arrested by the Israeli police. Is this not absurdity? Enclosed is a picture of the car.

3. On a happier note Itamar sold two more houses this week! The community is looking beautiful. Please enjoy the picture of the Itamar forest which is really taking off. We planted over 30 thousand trees about 15 years ago and now we are seeing the results of our labor.

July 18, 2008

1. A memorial service was held this week for the four members of the Shabo family and Yosef Twito that were killed by a terrorist 6 years ago see link.

2. Mazal Tov to the Avitan family upon the birth of a grandson (last week their other daughter got engaged)

3. The Itamar housing committee held a special meeting with the community this week about the importance of purchasing houses. The results were fabulous as six families decided to make the commitment!

4. As part of the Itamar campers' summer program the teenagers are renovating an old store room and transforming into their new clubhouse.

5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.

July 11, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to the Head family upon the engagement of their daughter Nihorah.

2. Mazal Tov to the Avitan family upon the engagement of their daughter Talya. It was pretty amazing that both girls got engaged on the same day!

3. Mazal Tov to Esther Miller on the Brit Milah of grandson who was named Shlomo Zur after – named after Esther's husband who was ambushed and killed by a terrorist on Itamar three years ago.

4. The Itamar children are enjoying a wonderful summer thanks to our wonderful friends who made this possible. We still need to complete the project so any help is strongly welcomed.

5. Enjoy Leah's new Torah thought for Shabbat.

July 4, 2008

1. Itamar expresses condolences to the families that lost their dear ones in the terrible terrorist attack this week in Jerusalem. One of the victims was a mother of a girl that is a very close friend of Rabbi Goldsmith's 17 year old daughter Merav. They learn together in high school in Bet El. Merav has been broken ever since she came back from the funeral. What is so painful here is that the daughter was living alone with her mother – she now has to find a new home. It is unbelievable what these young teenagers have to go through. The brave soldier that jumped on the tractor and killed the terrorist studied on Itamar for a few months.

2. The Itamar Yeshiva student who was injured two weeks ago in a terror attack is still recuperating from his wounds. Please pray for Avraham Meir Ben Malkah Chaya.

3. This week a memorial service (Yartzeit) was held for of Eliyahu Asheri HYD the son of Miriam and Yitro Asheri. Eliyahu was kidnapped and murdered two years ago. Rabbi Drukman, Eliyahu's adopted grandfather, came to Itamar and gave a class about Tefillah in his memory. Eliyahu was know for his powerful Tefillah! Attached is a picture of Rabbi Drukman with the father Yitro.

4. Mazal Tov to Matanyah and Chagit Ben Shitrit upon the Brit Milah of their son. Matanya serves on the Itamar counsel and is in charge of security.

5. A group with representatives from 11 different countries visited Itamar this week. Some of these counties included Uganda and Kenya.

6. The Itamar children's camp started this week. Those who have helped sponsor it thank you and Yashar Koach. The children are so happy as you can see in the picture. We still have to finish the project so spread the word to those who may be interested in helping out!

June 27, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to Avri and Sharona Ran upon the marriage of their son Pinchas to Zuriyah. They will be living on the famous Ran farm known as Givot Olam on the hilltops of Itamar. Enjoy the pictures of the wedding.

2. Itamar hosted a group of young students from Norway that came to tour our community. The Norwegian trip organizer felt that it is very important for these young students to learn the truth about what is happening in Israel. He expressed how unfortunate it is that most of the Norwegians are misinformed.

3. We want to wish the Itamar children who finished school this week a happy summer vacation.

4. The Itamar summer camp program begins this coming Sunday. A special thanks to all those who have contributed and we welcome all those who would like to participate in this project.

June 20, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to Hagar Zar on the marriage of her daughter Shira to Yaakov Cohen from Bat Yam. Baruch Hashem this is Hagar's third child out of 8 that she is marrying off. Unfortunately, her former husband Gilad was killed in a terrorist attack 6 years ago please see link. Hagar has since remarried and continues to live on Itamar. Enjoy the pictures of the wedding.

2. Dearest friends I have a special request for those interested. Every year Itamar runs a special summer camp program for the children and youth. Unfortunately, the families of Itamar don't have the means to pay the full cost of the program. If we don't get help from out friends we will not be able to provide the summer program for the children. It goes without saying that these children, among them orphans, deserve to have a happy summer like other children their age. Anyone, who could help out by sponsoring a child (250 dollars) or to partly sponsor one (125 dollars) will be doing a tremendous Mitzvah! For those who can't help at this time or have recently helped us Please circulate this e-mail to as many friends as possible. Those who want to find out more about our community send them this link – www.friendsofitamar.org. [total project cost around 15 thousand dollars]  

Make out your tax deductible donations to Friends of Itamar and mail them to -
Friends of Itamar
Attn Lester Goldsmith
1483 East 34th Street
Brooklyn NY 11234

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

June 13, 2008

1. This week a memorial service for Itamar's dear resident Gilad Zar HYD was held in Karney Shomron. Please see this link.

2. Itamar resident Benny Zagron who has been raising raspberries for the last few years on Itamar opened up his field to the public as required on the Sabbatical year. Today a bus load of Russian immigrants from Ber Sheva came to pick themselves some delicious fruit! Benny welcomes anyone friend of Itamar as well who is interested in coming to pick the special fruit with Kiduashat Shiveyit.

3. Itamar wishes a Mazal Tov to Rena and Rabbi Chaim Richman upon the engagement of their daughter Helah. Rena is the brother of Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith the community's mayor. Helah will, G-d willing, be marrying Yisrael Meir Maan in Early September. Yisrael Meir learned in the Itamar Yeshiva high school Chitzim

4. Mazal Tov to Ariel and Efrat Rekanati who had a baby girl on the Shivuot holiday.

5. Mazal Tov to the Caspi family on the birth of a son this week.

6. Mazal Tov to the Kinarti family on the Bar mitzvah of their son Yitzhkak.

7. Itamar had a very special guest this week Binyamin Kluger, a former French priest, who searched for many years until he found his way to Judaism. He gave an unforgettable lecture to the Itamar women!

June 6, 2008

Mazal tov to our precious city Jerusalem on its 40th new birthday - we had the privilege of visiting the holy city this week. Enclosed is a picture that was taken a day after Jerusalem day.

Mazal tov to the Mydani family upon the birth of their daughter Rinanah – it is their eighth child. We wish them much joy and happiness.

Mazal Tov to our special friends Fischberger Family from Efrat on the birth of their new baby girl Avigayil Eden – it is also their eighth child. May they see a lot of Nachat from their children!

Mazal Tov to the Levi family upon the birth of a son.

Please enjoy the new Torah thought by Rabbi Goldsmith and the Holiday Tip and recipe by Leah Goldsmith.

Itamar want to wish all our dear friends a chag Sameyach!

May 23, 2008

1. Mazal Tov to Meir and Rinat Cabra upon the engagement of their daughter Orli this week. Itamar wishes them much happiness and success! May they build a Bayit Ne'eman B'iyisrael.

2. Itamar celebrated Lag Baomer last night. Enjoy the pictures and the new Torah thought by Leah Goldsmith about Lag Baomer based on the teachings of the "Chalban" Harav Chaim Hacohen).

3. Today Itamar held its annual Lag Baomer parade in memory of Matan Zagron(please read about him on the memorial page)

May 16, 2008

1. Itamar had the pleasure of hosting Rabbi David Stern together with a group of singles now living in Jerusalem that moved to Israel recently. They came to spend Shabbat in our area and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Shomron. These young men and women hope to get married soon and move to Yehudah and Shomron.

2. Mazal Tov to the Hemo family on the brit milah of their first grandson. Haliluya and Asaf the happy parents named their precious boy – Yibaney Zion – and Zion will be rebuilt! The chief rabbi of the Israeli army, Harav Avi Ronski, was honored as the sandak. Please enjoy the enclosed pictures.

3. Enjoy the picture of a beautiful spring sunset seen on Itamar this week.

4. Please read the new Torah thought written by Leah Goldsmith.

May 9, 2008

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

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

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

May 2, 2008

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

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

April 25, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

April 11, 2008

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

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

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

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

April 4, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 28, 2008

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

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

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

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

March 21, 2008

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

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

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

4. Enjoy the pictures of Itamar residents celebrating Purim.

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

March 14, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

February 22, 2008

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

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

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

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

January 31, 2008

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

click here for more snow photos

January 25, 2008

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

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

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

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

January 18, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

January 10, 2008

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

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

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

4. Enjoy the Itamar winter fog!

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

January 3, 2008

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

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

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

4. Enjoy the beautiful winter sunset on Itamar!

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

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

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