Dear Friends,
On April 30th, a devastating fire swept through the Latrun area and Ayalon Park. The flames reached the monastery at Latrun, home of our dear friends from the Beatitude Community, and burned nearly half of their land.
If you have ever joined Nava Tehila, you may have met these gentle and devoted friends who have been praying with us since the very beginning of our community 20 years ago. And if you are reading this because a friend forwarded it to you, you may know the Beatitude Community from your own encounters with their hospitality, music, or prayer.
By a miracle, the main house was spared. But the storage sheds were completely destroyed. Among the losses was the community’s Succah, which had been lovingly built and stored each year, and used to welcome both Jewish and Christian friends for celebration and shared joy.
We spoke to Sister Esther after services, and together we thought: what if we all pitch in to help rebuild the Succah this year? What a gift it would be for them—and for all of us who find meaning in their presence—that they can once again host in joy this coming Sukkot. We have checked prices and the ammount to rebuild will be 5,600 NIS (around $1800).
Your contribution will go directly to support the Beatitude Community in rebuilding. Donations are tax-deductible in Israel, the US, and the UK, according to the currency you use.
As we enter the month of Elul, the season of reflection and generosity, this is a beautiful opportunity for tzedakah—to strengthen bonds of community, and to bring joy as we look toward Sukkot, the festival of Joy.
With gratitude and blessing,
Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan and Michael Kagan
Sister Esther and Brother Johannes praying at Nava Tehila
Succa of the past and the future!!
