Submitted by The Jewish Discovery Center
The Jewish Discovery Center delivered 240 Shabbat kits as part of their “Host for a Hostage” campaign during Shabbat, Friday November 17. The event was spearheaded by Goldy Kalmanson, the center’s Program Director. Participants received a beautiful bag including Challah, grape juice, Shabbat candles, a “How to Shabbat” booklet, a blessings magnet, and a picture with the name of a hostage in captivity in Gaza to adopt.
Recipients were encouraged to invite a friend to their Shabbat table to fill in for a hostage who would not be able to celebrate Shabbat that week. All were welcome to focus their prayers and positive meditations on the immediate release of their assigned hostage. “We invited Jewish families to bring hostages into their hearts and homes so they should be able to celebrate Shabbat in their own homes by the following week,” said Kalmanson.
“Participating in this campaign was so meaningful and uplifting,” said Robyn Tobias of Mason. “It really reinforced for me how we are one big Jewish family and how we can be there for each other in ways big and small. Praying for the hostages and celebrating Shabbat in their honor was a poignant reminder for our children and grandchildren at the Shabbat table that ‘Am Yisrael Chai.’”
100 individualized bags were distributed at the Challah Bake at Adath Israel. 140 additional bags were delivered to homes around the Mason community. Challahs were homemade by a large group of volunteers who stepped up quickly to contribute to the community-wide campaign. “We have the power to add in light through our Mitzvah Divine Deeds,” says Kalmanson. “With the release of hostages this week, we need to continue our prayers until every single hostage is home and safe.”
The Jewish Discovery Center’s executive director, Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson, explains the power of prayer during times of war and difficulty. He highlights stories from Jewish holidays commemorating wars won by miracles happening alongside soldiers. “Performing Mitzvah Divine Deeds is our responsibility and provides additional spiritual protection,” says Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson. “This is a demonstrative way for us to shine light and dispel the dark situation. We are all responsible for each other, and every one of the Jewish people is being called to participate in the war effort. When we each do our part, physically and spiritually, we transform the entire world and bring redemption.”
