Shalom friends,

This year, on May 2nd we mark Theodor Herzl’s birthday. May 3rd is Golda Meir’s birthday and Lag B’Omer. These are three reminders of the fight for Jewish sovereignty and extraordinary examples of leadership.

Theodor Herzl envisioned the rebirth of the Jewish State in a time when it seemed an impossible, crazy idea. Herzl’s motto was, “If you will it, it is no dream” His dream was realized, but it has not been completed - he intended the Jewish state to be safe, secure, and living in peace. This is the future.

Lag B’Omer celebrates Bar Kochba's fighting Jewish spirit, driving for freedom from Roman occupation and Jewish sovereignty in our ancestral homeland. It also celebrates the light of Jewish spirituality brought to the world through the vision and wisdom of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Golda Meir was instrumental in the formation of Israel, including being one of 25 people who signed on the independence document. Golda also had the privilege of being Israel’s 4th prime minister and the world’s third women with the title of prime minister. She was Prime Minister during what is considered by many to be Israel’s worst war - the Yom Kippur war - when there was real fear of a second Holocaust.

Herzl, Golda, Bar Kochba, and even Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai are all examples of extraordinary leaders, who played key roles in shaping the Nation of Israel. Each, in their own way, fought for the sovereignty of the Jewish People - the freedom to fulfill Jewish spirituality through Jewish life in our ancestral homeland.

How will YOU continue their legacy?

	Lag B'Omer: Fires Of The Jewish Spirit By Dr. Elana Yael Heideman Throughout Israel, fires are about to be kindled in celebration of the fighting spirit of Bar Kochba's revolt against the Romans, of the single day on which Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students did not die, and in memory of the great Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Read More
	The Fire Burns By Daniel Greenfield Daniel Greenfield reveals how the fires of the Jewish spirit are woven into the story of Lag B’Omer and the history of the Jewish People. Read More
	Women of Israel: Golda Meir By Heidi Krizer Daroff, Golda lived her life dedicated to strengthening the plight of her people. She worked hard to better the lives of Israelis and is credited with strengthening ties to fledgling nations so that Israeli innovation could help others as well. She embodied tikun olam and there is so much we can all learn from her. Read More
	Dear Golda By Rolene Marks Dear Golda, Israel has always been the birthplace of ideas. You were so proud of this fact and always encouraged education and now we are world leaders in science, medicine, agriculture, and technology. We have been renamed “The Start Up nation.” You would be amazed at the incredible creativity bursting from our young, innovative citizens. We never lose hope that our neighbors will choose to educate their children to become members of the start-up generation instead of educating them with hate filled rhetoric. Read More
	Have You Heard of Herzl Day? By Dr. Elana Yael Heideman Herzl had a double weapon, the strong belief in allowing the Jewish people to establish a home in our country and shaping our fate, but also the understanding that at the basis of international relations there are interests. Read More

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