Via Sabra - Unfolding Israel

18/11/2024

We are so grateful to the women who persevered and decided to come Israel to explore, connect, write, and share Israel these challenging days. You bring us light and hope!

Special thanks to Gila Walkabout Israel for leading their Trip of One's Own.

07/10/2024

October 7th. One year later but we're still stuck from / on that day. Our hearts broken with the pain and heaviness of all that has happened since. We yearn for hope and support each other through it all.

Listen here: https://youtu.be/cobPO_0eS1A?si=xETqzsa8SnxDCJJx

02/10/2024

As we sit down with our families and loved ones at Rosh Hashana meals this year, we will partake in the traditional blessings for a year of sweetness and plenty with fruits, wine, and honey that came from northern and southern Israel. We will hope that we can return to these beautiful areas of Israel safely and walk once again among their lush, natural bounty.

These rituals help us dig deep into the resilience that has carried the Jewish people through hardships over centuries. They serve to remind us that we can continue to hope for a year of peace and blessings, united and stronger together.

It's not traditionally part of the blessings for Rosh Hashana but in thinking of what we are wishing for this coming year, we mourned the downturn in tourism and shared our yearning for better days when we can welcome and experience Israel again with you with open arms.

So we created a series of wallet-sized, downloadable, and printable cards of Tefillat Haderech, the Traveler's Prayer, in English and Hebrew. Visit our website here:
https://viasabra.com/travelers-prayer-tefillat-haderech/
to find the customized options on our website along with instructions to print. We invite you to share with your friends and family who love to travel.

We hope this prayer brings safety and joy wherever you travel this coming year, including, hopefully, back to Israel.

From our family to yours, we wish you a sweet and healthy new year filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable journeys.

09/09/2024

Gold medalist Moran Samuels face says it all. Israel celebrates the best Paralympic performance in 20 years! Israel’s athletes brought home an incredible 10 medals, showing the world the true meaning of determination, resilience, and national pride. Here’s to our champions who inspire us all. Am Israel Chai!

23/08/2024

Entering this Shabbat with a timely song written by Naomi Shemer marking the 20th anniversary of her passing this summer.

Lu Y’hi,

“There is still a white sail on the horizon
Opposite a heavy black cloud
All that we ask for - may it be

And if in the evening windows
The light of the holiday candles flickers
All that we seek - may it be

May it be, may it be - Please - may it be
All that we seek - may it be.

What is the sound that I hear
The cry of the shofar and the sound of drums
All that we ask for - may it be

If only there can be heard within all this
One prayer from my lips also
All that we seek - may it be

May it be...

Within a small, shaded neighborhood
Is a small house with a red roof
All that we ask for, may it be

This is the end of summer, the end of the path
Allow them to return safely here
All that we seek, may it be

May it be...

And if suddenly, rising from the darkness
Over our heads, the light of a star shines
All that we ask for, may it be

Then grant tranquility and also grant strength
To all those we love
All that we seek, may it be

May it be...”

07/08/2024

Olympics 2024, We did it! GO ISRAEL 🇮🇱

11/07/2024

Their music lifted us up this past week, and their presence supported so many Israelis they met along the way - soldiers, families of hostages, Reform rabbis, cantors, and leaders, Knesset Members, social activists, and more. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to facilitate their mission. Read more about the amazing visit of the American Conference of Cantors-Guild of Temple Musicians Convention as covered by JPost.

After October 7, the trip became about fostering understanding with the people of Israel in this dark time and bringing that understanding home to the US. 

09/07/2024

05/07/2024

So much amazing work being shared on the daily blog by participants on the Tikvatenu II solidarity mission with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Click through to experience the impact of volunteering to support and rebuild Israel.

04/07/2024

We love seeing all the daily posts being shared by participants of the Tikvatenu II solidarity trip by Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Finding meaning and impact in all elements of your trip here is what we work hard to accomplish. Keep sharing please! It brings much needed support and hope to all of us here in Israel and to anyone considering coming.

04/07/2024

What a beautiful transition from the pretrip in Northern Israel to the opening event at ANU with panelists and participants all eager to share, learn, support, sing and pray in the coming days. We're excited to welcome you and share the meaning and creativity we've invested into your trip here!

28/06/2024

To the leadership and members Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh who just completed a solidarity and volunteer mission to Israel with us - thank you!

Thank you for sharing your support for Israel, for opening your hearts to everyone you met during your trip, for extending your generosity to volunteers, survivors, refugees, and families here all working toward a better Israel, and for choosing Via Sabra to make this meaningful trip happen for you all. We look forward to spending more days with you here in Israel, both in challenging and peaceful times, and supporting each other through it all.

Reach out to plan your federation, synagogue, individual, family or community’s next solidarity and volunteer mission to Israel - PM, email [email protected], or visit our site for more: www.viasabra.com

cc Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

19/06/2024

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with FIDF in creating an unforgettable trip to Israel this past month. 🇮🇱

These young leaders, from across the US, are championing ways to support and connect with Israel’s soul. We were proud to stand with you in solidarity of the IDF, Israeli activists, changemakers and more. L’hitraot! Until next time 🙌