Support of Israel
Events & Initiatives
Online & ​in the Greater Philadelphia Jewish Community
Updated 12/30/2024
Israel's Civil Defense Efforts
While the IDF defends Israel's outer borders, and the police force answers emergency calls inside Israel's borders, it is Israel's Mishmar civilian security volunteers who patrol many neighborhood borders from criminals & terrorists. Ramot, Israel's largest neighborhood, is located on Jerusalem's northern border and is exposed to terrorist assaults on all sides. Mishmar Ramot now seeks to raise $50,000 for 2 goals.
First, these funds will be used to train 30 volunteers to attain a highly professional level of skill, by using a curriculum tailored to the Ramot's needs. Secondly, the funds will enable Mishmar to purchase rescue & security equipment, as well as overhead for headquarters where security activities are coordinated.
The following videos vividly portray their work: Mishmar Video 1 (Hebrew); Mishmar Video 2; Mishmar Video 3 (Hebrew). To learn more, or to donate, please visit the following link: https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/MISHMARRAMOT
SparkIL: Supporting Small Businesses in Israel Through Microlending
See the interview with Mekor member Joe Glyn on this video, explaining why he values the opportunity to help Israeli small business by investing through Spark.
For more info, please view: video about the business, and a video about our lenders.
If you visit the site and make a micro-loan, you can apply a $36 coupon code - pro36 - when you check out. If you have questions, please email YishaiGo@sparkil.org.
Advocate for Yourself
A Free Workshop on Responding to Antisemitism
This free, three-part interactive workshop teaches a practical rhetorical technique to help you confidently respond to antisemitic or anti-Israel comments—without engaging in debate. Led by Dr. Julia Weinberg, a clinical and forensic psychologist with a legal background, the sessions are live, not recorded, and available remotely or in person by arrangement. The workshop helps you identify manipulative rhetoric, practice effective responses, and apply them to real-life scenarios. To learn more or schedule a session, contact drweinberg@outlook.com, (215) 219-6748, or visit www.jweinbergjdphd.com.
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Simchat Torah Project
2024/5785
The Simchat Torah Project
(Updated 10/10/24)
To the Mekor Community,
We are pleased to bring you an update on the Simchat Torah Project, a global initiative to commemorate this first anniversary of October 7. We thank everyone in the Mekor Habracha community, here and in Israel, who made our participation possible.
A new me’il (Torah cover) was created in Israel for each of the participating synagogues worldwide, including Mekor. This beautiful me’il proclaims that this Torah is dedicated in memory of the 1200 souls and the many soldiers and hostages who have since died, Al Kiddush Hashem. Each me'il is also embroidered with the name of one of the kedoshim.
AJ and Alex Prombaum, our beloved Mekor alums who made Aliyah to Israel, represented Mekor at the launch event there in early September. A powerful ceremony was broadcast worldwide from the Kotel where the 1600 me’ilim, as well as several newly-written Sifrei Torah, were on display.
Following the ceremony, the bereaved family of the kadosh named on our me'il sent it to us. Mekor's October 7 commemorative event included the display of our new cover and words about the kadosh we are remembering. On Simchat Torah, when we dance with our scroll, Mekor will connect with communities around the world who joined in this project.
May we merit to fulfill the words of Tehillim, “הפכת מספדי למחול לי” ("You have turned my mourning into dancing") and see the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch
​
Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue
Commemoration of October 7
6:15pm Mincha - 6:45pm Program
