Since Oct. 7, the day the Hamas terrorist group launched its brutal attack on Israel, members of a Monroe-based Jewish community center have been rallying the local community to support Israel in any way they can.
“I often get asked if we have any relatives in Israel, and I say, ‘We have 6.8 million brothers and sisters in Israel,” Chabad of Orange County Rabbi Pesach Burston told The Epoch Times. “We just have to do our best to show support, and we do so on both levels, physically and spiritually.”
Chabad of Orange County is a local chapter of Chabad, a Hasidism movement known for its outreach activities and catering to Jews of all stripes.
The first Monday after the attack, the Jewish community center hosted a community rally where about two hundred Jews and non-Jews gathered to show support for Israel.
A fundraising campaign to support the military and families impacted by the war soon followed, which has raised $10,000 so far, according to Chabad of Orange County Rebbetzin Chana Burston; proceeds go to Chabad of Israel, which centrally coordinates several support funds.
This week, teenagers at the center baked over 100 blue and white challahs and raised over $1,000 for the Israel Defense Forces.
They also created cards and packages for soldiers on the frontline and are encouraged to do additional good deeds to show spiritual support, Mrs. Burston said.
A support letter from a teenager at Chabad of Orange County to Israeli soldiers. (Courtesy of Chabad of Orange County)
“There is a physical way you can help, which is giving money and doing service,” Mrs. Burston told The Epoch Times. “We also feel that spiritually you can help by doing an extra good deed in honor of Israel, which gives like a spiritual shield to the soldiers.”
She added that the center offers lighting kits for those who want to light a candle for Israel and the immediate return of all hostages taken by Hamas.
“It is not just about Jewish people because you have American hostages, European hostages,” she said. “This is a fight against terrorism more than anything else.”
Over in Israel, a nephew and a niece of hers, both college students, have been helping with folding laundry and linens for local hospitals that care for wounded soldiers.
Her 17-year-old son plans to return to a high school in Israel and do what he can to help; the school has just put in emergency security measures including new bomb shelters.
“It took me quite a few days to embrace this idea,” Mrs. Burston said, “I feel like as long as we take precautions … I don’t live in fear at all … I really believe that God is watching over us—he watches over us here, and he watches over us in Israel.”
At the Jewish community center, tightened security measures are in place at large programs, and local police force are actively patrolling in the area, too, she said.
Though tragic, the ongoing war has brought about a new sense of unity, Mrs. Burston added.
“There are Jewish people that have never come to our programs before that walked in because, I feel, they want that connection and want to help out and do something,” she said.
“We are trying to figure out the different demographics—some want to give money, some want to give time, and some just want to write a card—and telling them everyone could do something.”
Chabad of Orange County offers full-service programs to Jewish individuals and families regardless of background, affiliation, observance, age, or economic conditions.
What are some examples of spiritual support that Chabad of Orange County encourages community members to engage in to show their support for Israel?
Ch Times. “And then there is a spiritual way, like acts of goodness and kindness, prayers, and acts of love and unity.”
Chabad of Orange County has been actively engaged in supporting Israel and its people during this challenging time. They believe that it is their duty to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Israel, both physically and spiritually. By rallying the local community and organizing events and fundraising campaigns, they are making a tangible difference in supporting the Israeli military and the families impacted by the ongoing conflict.
One of the initiatives taken by Chabad of Orange County was a community rally where over two hundred Jews and non-Jews came together to show their support for Israel. The event was a powerful display of unity and solidarity, sending a clear message that the community stands with Israel in its time of need.
In addition to the rally, Chabad of Orange County launched a fundraising campaign to support the military and the families affected by the war. The campaign has already raised $10,000, and the proceeds are being directed to Chabad of Israel, which coordinates several support funds. This initiative is an important way for community members to contribute and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by the conflict.
Furthermore, teenagers at the center took it upon themselves to contribute in their own unique way. They baked over 100 blue and white challahs, which are traditional Jewish braided bread, representing the colors of the Israeli flag. The challahs were then sold, and the proceeds, totaling over $1,000, were donated to the Israel Defense Forces. Additionally, the teenagers created cards and packages for soldiers on the frontline, expressing their gratitude and support. These acts of kindness and appreciation not only bring joy and encouragement to the soldiers but also serve as a reminder of the unity and strength within the Jewish community.
Chabad of Orange County emphasizes that supporting Israel goes beyond financial contributions or physical acts. They believe in the power of spiritual support and the impact it can have on the well-being of the Israeli people. They encourage community members to engage in good deeds and acts of kindness as a way to show their spiritual support for Israel. By coming together and performing acts of love, unity, and prayer, they create a sense of solidarity and hope for a better future.
The efforts of Chabad of Orange County in supporting Israel during this difficult time serve as an inspiration to the community and beyond. They demonstrate the power of unity, compassion, and the importance of standing together in times of crisis. With their unwavering commitment and dedication, they are making a positive difference and providing much-needed support to the Israeli people. Their rallying cry has resonated with the community, and together, they are proving that solidarity can overcome any challenge.
As the conflict in Israel continues, Chabad of Orange County remains steadfast in their support. They will continue to rally the community, organize fundraisers, and inspire acts of kindness. Through their unwavering dedication, they hope to bring comfort, strength, and hope to the Israeli people and contribute to a brighter future for all.
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