www.chabadsudbury.com | Blogs | Jewish Sudbury Blog

Can we Pass on the Flame?

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:19:00 AM

Yesterday as we held another moving Bar Mitzvah Ceremony at Chabad of Sudbury, the parents of the Bar Mitzvah boy shared a few remarks, which were spoken from the heart, simply, yet so profound.

The father shared his own journey and of how when he grew up in the former Soviet Union, he wasn't able to have a Bar Mitzvah. He shared how neither was his own father, the grandfather of the Bar Mitzvah boy able to have a Bar Mitzvah, and how in school he recalled being told by his parents to always push himself tremendously to be on top, otherwise as a Jew, he would never have a chance if he was equal in accomplishments to everyone else.

He recalled his grandparents having to hide their Jewish identity, hiding the fact that his mother's father was a Rabbi, and yet finding a surreptitious way to go to the synagogue once a year, to pick up Matzos for Passover.

In a few short words choked with emotion, the father of the Bar Mitzvah boy shared with his son and the friends of his son, the privilege and honor of being able to celebrate the milestone of a Bar Mitzvah and being the first boy in generations in their family to do so. He shared how he sees it, it these young boys who have the responsibility carry the flame of Judaism forward, to always stand proud and strong for what they represent, and to live joyfully and meaningfully with the traditions and values of Judaism.

Personally, I am always deeply moved by these kinds of moments at Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and know that the messages conveyed through words and the unspoken sentiments, touch everyone in a very deep way, as we reflect on the past and what brought us to this moment, and deepen our resolve to strengthen the Jewish future.

This week, we were fortunate to have so many meetings with parents who are looking to enroll their children in Hebrew School and give them a meaningful Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience. No matter what perspective the parents are coming from, they all share in the same deep rooted desire of finding a meaningful and joyful way to convey to the next generation our deepest values and traditions, along with our history and a deep resolve and pride for who we are and who we need to be in today's world.

Our children are the future, and in a week when we read a Torah portion that talks about our first fruits and bringing them to G-d and acknowledging the blessings we have been bestowed with, it is also a calling and reminder, to give our very best to our own first fruits, or children, our future, our most prized possession, so that they too can be the torchbearers of the illuminating light and values of Judaism, onwards and upwards in the years ahead.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

P.S Lots of great programs for all ages in the weeks ahead... See below, RSVP and don't forget to share and invite your friends.

Mazal Tov Kaplun's

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:19:00 AM

On behalf of the Chabad Center of Sudbury we extend a big Mazal Tov to Daniel Kaplun on his Bar Mitzvah ceremony which took place yesterday at Chabad of Sudbury!

Daniel did a great job and made everyone proud at this beautiful celebration.

Mazal Tov to his dear parents Alex and Lucy, grandparents and family!

Wishing you all continued Nachat and joy!

My Journey as a Seed

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 AM

Life started out for me so well..

I was all bundled up and surrounded by lush colors, vibrance and nutrients.

I would enjoy the sun and the rays that gave me warmth and light to grow and be inspired and to continue to develop.

Even when the rain was heavy, I would appreciate the blessings that would often soak me. I knew that these rain droplets, were giving me the hydration that I needed, even if indirectly.

The winds and storms were a little harder to manage, but even those we managed to get by.

As I grew, I felt the space around me becoming more pressurizing, and I also realized that I have lots of company, individuals just like me. We worked hard together to gain nutrients, hydration and more, and slowly we all kept growing bigger.

One day, when I was just relaxing, I felt a big chomp, and in an instant, it seemed as if I had been cut off from something, I felt my energy start to sap.

I feel chopping, and all the green mushy stuff around me was cut away, and I was left at the side to shrivel up. The good stuff was taken away, and I am put in a pile on the side, as I slowly wilt and lose my moisture and energy.

Yet even as things go dark for me, I know that embedded inside of me I have some divine energy, waiting for someone to tap into and do something with it.

Will I end up in a garbage bag and thrown into the trash… or does G-d have something else in mind for me?

One day I feel myself being picked up, I am pretty dried out now… things don’t look good.

Suddenly I feel myself thrown into a hole in the earth, it is dark and cold and I can’t even see the sunlight anymore. It gets worse, I am now being covered with earth, one clod after another is going over my head. I feel myself getting squished down by all the dark organic matter around me, and it seems like it is finally over.

As the cold earth seeps to seep into me and the darkness overtakes me, I feel something happening inside of me… I feel like part of me is beginning to break down… I am losing my beauty and good looks, but as this happens, I am also starting to feel life beginning to develop inside of me.

Wait, it actually feels like something beautiful is starting to grow from inside of me… indeed it is a bright young green shoot that is trying so hard to get to the surface.

I work as hard as I can, to continue sucking up the nutrients that G-d has put in the earth around me, as I pump as much energy as I can into this tiny sapling… The heat of the sun rays can already be felt by the tip of the green fresh young shoot. It finally breaks out the ground and is shocked by the bright light and intense noise happening all around it. The bees are everywhere, there are shoots just like it coming out the ground on the right and the left, and over there in the corner is a pile of old looking seeds, that look just like I once did.

I am still down here below ground and it is still dark, but I am developing strong roots to support the green shoot above.. I soak up the water around me, the nutrients, and continue to pump it out into the now little bush that is growing on top of me.

Yes, soon in a few weeks, I will produce my own fruit, and yes mountains of little seeds who will grow just like me.

Man is the Tree of the Field, says the Torah.

The journey of our growth we don’t always get to know in advance, but we also know that at every moment of time, we are meant to grow and move forward, from the sunlight and rain, to the moments of being surrounded by darkness.

Ultimately, it is a combination of all of the elements, which help us produce the beautiful offspring and fruit, namely children and Mitzvot, that we continue to give off into the world.

So even, if you are surrounded by earth and darkness and the pressure feels tremendous, and even if you feel you are starting to breakdown and not be yourself anymore, it is from moments like these, that the most powerful spurts of growth will come.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

What Kind of Love?

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 2:02:00 PM

Dear Friends,

Do you love Fish?

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski would often share a teaching about selfish love versus true love. When a person says they "love fish" while eating one, what they actually mean is they love themselves and how the fish satisfies their appetite.

This does not mean that they actually love Fish.

True love is not about what is in it for you, but about giving to others rather than taking for self-gratification.

Which brings us to the new Jewish month of Elul, which although it carries a somber and serious component as we approach Rosh Hashanah, it is also the season of Love, as the tagline of Elul is "I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me" or in Hebrew "Ani LeDodi Vedodi Li".

Indeed the Hebrew Letters of the word Elul, spell, Aleph, Lamed, Vav, Lamed, which form an acronym for "Ani LeDodi Vedodi Li".

These words of "I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me" are what reflect the message of the month of Elul, which begins this evening and will carry us forward to Rosh Hashanah.

It is a reminder to stop and think about, what is it that we live for and are passionate about in life? What is it that makes all the challenges we face important to confront and what is it that should encourage us to be positive and joyful even if we face adversity, and finally what is the essence and message of life that we wish for our own children to embrace and value as they grow up and build their own lives.

Judaism teaches us to take time in the month of Elul, not so much to think about what is in it for us, but what is the bigger reason as to why we are here collectively and as individuals and as we do so, to ask of ourselves how are we doing in making sure we are producing good things, facing our challenges, and bringing healing, light and improvement to the world around us.

Elul is a time when we remind ourselves, that this process is a two way street, and as we do soul searching and reflection and think about what really matters in life and what we should channel our passion and love towards, likewise G-d is looking to embrace us during this time, to encourage us, to remind us how unique the mission and milestones of each one of us are to the big picture happening around us.

We sound the Shofar each day of Elul, we give extra charity, we prepare for the Holidays, we say extra Prayers and Psalms, but the underlying theme is a time of closeness with our inner essence and with G-d who enlivens and sustains us.

We may or may not love fish, but the core idea of learning to love and live for what is right and dear, simply versus what is in it for us, is one we can all relate to.

Elul is a time to calibrate and make sure what we love, is a reflection of something higher than ourselves, and is a love that expresses the Divine potential invested and embedded within each one of us, on the dark as well as the light days and the painful and hard days days as well as the joyful days.

"I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me"

Remember what has been invested in you, and remember to invest back in the world around us, and let your soul shine it's unique G-dly light to beautify the world.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

P.S Besides the Shabbat Serv

Hebrew School now Enrolling

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 2:01:00 PM

Join dozens of other local families who have enrolled their children in the wonderful Chabad Sudbury Hebrew School, and have children who come home happy and engaged with their Hebrew School learning experience.

The calendar is a tentative calendar but there will be a few subtle changes which will be shared in the coming days.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN HEBREW SCHOOL FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR OR TO LEARN MORE.

Condolences to David Gilfix

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 1:59:00 PM

On behalf of the community and the Chabad Center of Sudbury, we extend our heartfelt condolences to David Gilfix and his family, on the passing of his late mother Lores Gilfix.

Shiva will continue through the end of the week at the home of David & Sharyn.

May David and his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem and may her memory be a blessing.

Kayking on the Concord River

Fri, 7 Aug 2026 4:50:00 PM

Rowing or Kayaking on the Concord River just up the road is always a breath of fresh air. The glistening rays of sunlight on the ripples of water and the lilies, coupled with the stillness and silence of the beauty around you, and the occasional splash of the oar, make for a truly refreshing experience each time.

As we paddle and row downstream the natural current of the river just pulls you with it, requiring very little effort to move the boat down stream, under the drooping willow trees, seeing the turtles and the occasional beautiful bird.

Yet going back upstream can occasionally take a little longer, as the natural pull of the current makes the effort just a little bit harder. We always allow a little extra time to get back to the South Bridge Boathouse, knowing that this is the case. Of course we could simply go with the downstream currents and not try and go back upstream, but that wouldn't get us where we need to go.

Kayaking against the flow of the river is in itself not only a healthy pursuit, but also a lesson in life, as we learn to go upstream and against the currents around us.

Every time we row, we can know that the more resistance, often means better momentum and speed. True the muscles may hurt a little at the end and you may even end up with a blister or two, but the more energy we put in, the more momentum we create, no matter which way the currents are flowing.

Life is no different, we often can face currents that are pulling us in one direction, sometimes being so consuming and tiring and giving us blisters and make us tired from exhaustion. Trying to go with the flow and the currents may be the easiest thing to do, and often seems so tempting.

Yet, if we want to head to our destination in life, and be the individual and Jewish person that G-d wants us to be as we live up to our potential, simply going with the flow will probably not get us to where we need.

Being prepared to row against the currents, even if it is hard, is what will allow us to maximize the journey, so that not only we enjoy the beauty of the world around us, but we also focus and make good things happen, that align with our destination and goals.

In this week's portion, Re-eh, "See", we are encouraged to see the choices of each moment, the good and bad potential of each choice, and to ultimately make the good choice. Indeed choosing what is right, is not always the easiest thing to do, and in the short term it seems like we are fighting so hard to go against the currents, but ul;timately it is those right choices, which will help us move ourselves and the world around us, to the destination and goals up ahead.

As you continue to row upstream in life, let the sun shine down on you, take in the beauty and blessings of the world around us, and remind yourself, that even if it is a little hard and we face soi much resistance, our destination and goals, make it all worth it.

Shabbat Shalom and Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Why do we Break the Glass under the Chuppah?

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:43:00 AM

Earlier this week we hosted a small and beautiful wedding at the Chabad Center of Sudbury. The Chuppah took place on the deck and the rain held off so that everyone could enjoy this ceremony in the beautiful setting full of nature, greenery and clouds.

As I prepared for the Chuppah and refreshed my readings, knowledge, Jewish teachings related to marriage, I also did some reading on the tradition of Breaking the Glass under the Chuppah, and I discovered something beautiful which I had not yet seen previously.

One of the commentaries pointed out how it is the moment after the breaking of the glass, which is when everyone shouts Mazal Tov and the joy following the Chuppah begins.

For something like the breaking of the glass, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and reminds us that although we are celebrating with this young couple today, no joy is complete while there is still so much hardship of the exile, it is almost surreal to then shout a joyous Mazal Tov right after the smash of the glass.

The commentaries pointed out that there is another message here, and that is that at times in a relationship, there are moments of crisis, broken moments, moments of smashed glass and shattering of prior elements of the relationship. It is those moments that sometimes make people feel, we are damaged goods, it is too late, we are shattered. Yet in reality, those moments of brokenness can give birth to a deeper connection, healing and closeness when responded to in the right way.

In a way, it is the moments of brokenness which can also become the trigger for taking the relationship to a much deeper and joyous place.

It is for this reason that we collectively wish Mazal Tov after the broken glass, in recognition of the fact that this relationship, and indeed the pain of the exile which we are marking in this act, will ultimately be the tools we use to bring a much greater joy and blessing to the relationship and to the world around us.

The wedding was celebrated on the eve of the 15th of Av, the Jewish holiday of love and joy, which comes on the heels of the 9th of Av, a day which is marked by so much pain. Indeed the wedding took place on a day which represents the joy after pain, the growth after challenges, and happiness after sadness.

May we merit to see the complete rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days.

Shabbat Shalom & Mazal Tov to Hadar & Yael the wonderful young couple!

Yisroel

A Deeper Understanding of Israel & Us

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:32:00 AM

Every time I fly to Israel as we enter Israeli airspace and see the shores down below, as I am filled with gratitude, I reflect and contrast that with the story of Moses, who pleaded with G-d to be allowed into the Land of Israel, yet was not able to enter.

I think about this great spiritual leader's burning desire to enter the Land, yet alas he wasn't able to be a part of this dramatic moment for the Jewish people, and yet here we are just 11 hours of flying, and we are able to touch the hallowed ground of the Land of Israel.

I think of the thousands of stories I have read of Jewish people who made the treacherous journey to the land of Israel over the centuries, sometimes overcoming tremendous obstacles and challenges along the way, and sometimes arriving and seeing so many challenges and difficulties once they arrived.

I think of people like the Nachmanides (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman) who arrived in the Land of Israel in 1267, and described it in a famous letter to his son as very neglected, desolate, and largely in ruins.

I think of the hundreds of Chassidic families who made the journey there with the encouragement of the founder of Chabad and in 1777 and later via his grandson in 1845 who settled in places like Jerusalem, Safed, Hebron and elsewhere and struggled with tremendous poverty but determination in their mission, as they built up the infrastructure of many Jewish communities.

What is this deep attraction and intense spiritual connection which we all feel with the Holy Land? Yes it is part of our prayers, we face Jerusalem three times a day, and we mention it at every lifecycle moment, yet it is much deeper than that. What exactly is it?

Indeed, Israel is more than just a place, it is more than just a historical homeland, it is also a spiritual home of the Jewish people, the gateway of G-d into the universe, and a place where we can spiritually maximize G-dly input into the world.

It was for this reason, that Moses wanted so deeply to come to the Land of Israel, so that he could actualize and implement G-d's vision for a land that wouldn't just be flowing with milk and honey, but also with an abundance of Mitzvot, good deeds and light to inspire the world.

It is this deep spiritual element and the spiritual history that has unfolded among the rocks, hills, valleys and old streets of the Land of Israel, which has pulled at the heartstrings and souls of the Jewish people for millennia.

Almost 200 years ago a Chasid decided he wanted to leave his home and settle in the Land of Israel to dedicate his life entirely to prayer and Torah study and he asked the third Chabad Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek for a blessing and approval for the long and dangerous journey.

The Rebbe told him in Yiddish: "Mach doh Eretz Yisroel"—meaning, "Make this place into the Land of Israel." . He explained that a person's true job in this world is to bring holiness, Torah, and mitzvot into the physical world right where they stand and imbue our surroundings with purpose, light and depth. When doing so, we are taking the concept of the Land of Israel, and creating a mini replica in the spiritual sense, right where we live.

While it does not replace the physical experience of being there, until we all get there, this story brings together so much of the spiritual longing for the Land of Israel, and a way, which we can continue to add light and impact the current day Israel from afar and also on our own local surroundings at the same time.

Israel is not just the name of a Land, it is also the name of the Jewish people the children of Israel, Am Yisrael, and also a metaphor for a way of living, in which we bring together the beautiful values and messages of the Torah and the Divine vision for the Holy Land, and give it an expression in our homes, workplace and communities.

This Shabbat is known as the Shabbat of comfort as we move on from the sadness of the 9th of Av, and we hope and pray, that G-d gives us all the strength, comfort and resilience, to march forward with our mission, despite all the naysayers, and continue making the world be the beautiful world it should and will be.

Nachamu, Nachamu Ami!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Recap of Event with Colonel Avner Cohen

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:23:00 AM

Thank you Colonel Avner Cohen for your deeply moving presentation on Tuesday evening at Chabad of Sudbury regarding your efforts in identifying the the dead of the terrible attack of Oct 7th, as commander of Israel's Shura Base,

The 100% rate of identification, considering the terrible circumstances and difficult conditions, are a testimony to the perseverance and dedication of your entire team to the Kavod HaMet, (Respect of the Deceased).

You can read more and buy the Hebrew version of his book From Shura to Tekuma or order the soon to be printed English version at www.avnercohen.com

To Pray or to Build?

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:38:00 AM

Each day in camp we sing a joyous melody during the morning prayers which expresses the hope that "Sheyibonah Beit Hamikdash", "May the Temple (in Jerusalem) be rebuilt". The kids love the song, and the sing with joy and zest as they bang on the table and blast out this song and its message.

This morning, a young camper approached me and told me he had a question to ask me, and he proceeded to ask me "why can't we just go and take the stones and Jerusalem stone and rebuild the Temple together as a Jewish people"?

It was a great question from an inquisitive young mind, why just pray for this to happen, why not take a hammer and rebuild it?

I told him that this was truly a great question, but that this prayer is more than just asking G-d to make it happen, it is also a reminder to all of us, to do acts of goodness and kindness, and do another Mitzvah each day to better the world, which are the spiritual bricks that are slowly but surely making the world become the beautiful world it is supposed to be.

In other words, it is not just a building we are praying and working towards, but also a whole new dynamic in the world, where humanity as a whole, believes in each other and in making the world be what G-d wants it to be. The Temple in Jerusalem which we as a Jewish people pray for, is the culmination of this new reality, and one which our faith teaches us will be a place for all people to come and serve G-d together, in beautifying the world in the way G-d intended it to be.

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat of vision, which we read about the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and we also think and visualize the hopes of the future when the Temple will be rebuilt.

It is the intro into the coming week, when we will observe the fast of the 9th of Av and remember the destructions of the Temples and so many other tragedies and also imagine and focus on the future.

During these next few days as we remember the destructions of the past, I will be reminded of the question of this young boy, why don't we build it, or in a deeper way, what are we doing each day to build the better the world of the future?

Please join us for Shabbat Services tomorrow and the luncheon that follows, and please join us for the lecture on Tuesday evening "Leadership after Oct 7th" and the events of the 9th Av on Wednesday evening and Thursday.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

Another amazing week of Camp Gan Israel of Sudbury

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:33:00 AM

Dozens of campers have enjoyed yet another awesome week of Camp Gan Israel of Sudbury.

The campers who are from across the area, have been enjoying an amazing summer experience with an exciting Jewish twist as they enjoy tons of activities, sports, trips, swimming, chess, baking, arts and crafts, biking and so much more!

Thanks to our amazing staff who are working non stop to give every child a blast of a summer, things are thank G-d going very well!

Thanks to all those who have helped with support to the Camp Gan Israel to make this project a success and to enable us to provide every child with a meaningful and fun filled camp experience.

You can see lots more photos of this week at camp over here

Camp Gan Israel & the World Cup

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 6:23:00 PM

Dear Friends,

He was overwhelmed with emotions as his eyes welled up with tears and he just couldn't bring himself to say goodbye.

It was a young camper who was on his last day of Camp Gan Israel who wasn't able to join us for the following weeks, who was just so sad that it was all over for him, for this year.

This the level of connection that the children feel with the amazing experience of Camp Gan Israel.

They may be scoring goals in the game, braiding Challah's, performing shows, biking for miles, going on special trips, swimming, learning, praying, visiting nursing homes or so many of other other activities in the camp, but overall they are not only having such an energetic, meaningful and fun filled summer, they are also solidifying their own identity in such a fun and nurturing environment.

These children embody the future, the youthful energy who will yet chart their own individual journey's in life, and play a crucial role in their own story and the story of the Jewish people and humanity that is yet to be told.

So while up to 4 Billion people may end up watching the World Cup this season an enjoying the joys of this sport that unites so many, the ultimate match is the one that is taking place in the hearts of each and every individual, community and society, as we seek to block an incoming goal, pass the ball to our teamates, make sure we have a good defense, and hopefully work together to score yet another goal.

Sometimes we will take a hit, the stadium will roar, people will scream and yell around the world, maybe some will cheer and some will even boo, but the game must go on, as we seek to make a comeback and march on to victory. At times it may even seem all is lost, and then a different roar of joy will blast around the world, as when all seems impossible, we manage to make a comeback of another kind.

Indeed it is the story of life, and it is also the story of the 42 journeys of the Jewish people in the desert described in the Torah in this week's portion. Sometimes they make progress forward, then sometimes they fail and go a few steps backwards, sometimes they get embroiled in a challenge and then learn to grow and make a comeback, but overall they keep playing the game as they seek to accomplish the missions which they have been entrusted with, and know that each element of the process including the losses, the cheers, the boos and goals, are all a part of this journey that is unfolding.

The Baal Shem Tov, would teach that these journey's and the messages that they represent are in a way the journey of each one of us and our own story and destiny in life.

Back to our young camper who may have been crying tears of sadness that it was over for this year, but overall, we know he like all the other campers, are filling up their engines with all the horsepower they can get, so that they succeed in making their individual journey, one that not only is beautiful for them, but will also be life changing for the world around them, as they help score the next goal, the next Mitzvah, the next big milestone and accomplishment to make the world a better and more beautiful and G-dly world.

Let's keep playing tha game to win!

Go England!!!

Am Yisrael Chai & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

An Englishman reflecting on a Jewish Message for July 4th

Fri, 3 Jul 2026 8:38:00 AM

Despite the fact that I was born in Britain, I am still so grateful for 250th anniversary of the US which will be celebrated across the USA tomorrow.

I also have a little bit of patriotism left in me and I am hoping that England makes it to the top in the FIFA world cup.

This week, besides having an amazing first week at Camp Gan Israel, we also finished a four week course on Sinai & Civics which delved into some of the Jewish touches, teachings and ideas that influenced the founding fathers and so much of what this country is about.

It was a fascinating course that really zoomed in to some of the great ideas that the founding fathers were seeking to include as they sought to build a society that respected freedom, freedom of religion, democracy and more.

While things were certainly not perfect in the beginning and it took time for ideas such as "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness", to be fully implemented and perhaps to a certain degree they are a continuous work in progress. Yet certainly in those early moments, big ideas of equality and freedom, were being planted and developed, so that America, could become a beacon of light to the world.

So many great Jewish leaders, including the Lubavitcher Rebbe's would often refer to America, as a Malchut shel Chesed, a Kingdom of Kindness, due to the haven it has provided to so many immigrants and Jewish people escaping persecution elsewhere and the equality which it seeks to provide to all of its people. It has been a society that perhaps has protected our rights and ensured our freedoms, more than nearly any other society in history, and for that we should be grateful and proud of what the US works to be, and pray for the wellbeing of this great nation and the good that it does at home and around the world.

Indeed, let us remember that we are all endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights, and we are called to use them to fulfill our Divine responsibility on this earth.

Please join us for the July 4th Kiddush Luncheon tomorrow after services which will celebrate both Shabbat and the USA, which will take place after the Shabbat services.

G-d Bless America!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos & Happy 4th of July!

Yisroel

Recap from very powerful evening with former hostage Yosef Ohana and his father Avi

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 7:10:00 PM

Few words can describe the sentiments and emotions that filled the massive tent, as nearly 300 people gathered to hear former hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, share his story of 738 days as a Hostage and the messages of faith, compassion, kindness that helped him navigate the two years as a hostage.

Each anecdote of challenge, pain, torture, was in itself so much to hear, but the strength and determination of Yosef, and the miracles that happened along the way, are truly beyond words.

Following Yosef's speech, his father Avi who had visited Sudbury two years ago and stayed in touch with our community, took the stage, and shared his perspective as a father, and the faith and trust in G-d that kept him going.

They spoke together of different unique moments and how this gave them hope at different moments of time.

They both spoke of the importance of being strong in our identity, being proud of it, and faith and kindness and compassion.

Yosef shared the three values of compassion, kindness and peace that he thought of each and every day to make sure that day had purpose, not just hope. Together with his faith, he described even though he didn't know if he would end each day among the living, he wanted to make sure that the purpose was being lived now, just with the hopes of the future.

Wrapping up the powerful evening, Daniel Sharabi, a hero who saved dozens of lives on Oct 7th, and Yosef's close friend who had also visited Sudbury and told his story, took the stage and shared a few words about their journey, the efforts to support Yosef's continued journey, and to continue to help other survivors.

Together, Yosef, Avi and Daniel along with others ended the evening with Psalms of Thanksgiving, Prayers of Hope and a joyful rendition of Am Yisrael Chai led by Josh Sherer on his guitar!

The energy and uplift in the room was truly so powerful!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways, from setting up the tent, to security, check in, food prep, sound and audio, parking, Sudbury PD, Tefillin wrapping, Landscaping and Gardening and so many other ways.

Thank you Phil, Jay, Jeff, Aharon, Rob, David, Roman and everyone else from Six13 and Dima & Bart for all of your assistance with the security needs of the evening. We are grateful to Sudbury Police Department for their coordination with the security and saftey needs of this event.

Thank you also to the many who stepped up to help support this massive event with kind and generous sponsorships. I want to give a special thank you to Rick & Gabrielle Henken for their tremendous support for this event and our community's efforts along the way to help Yosef's family and so many others.

With the support of so many, most of the costs have been covered for this event and thanks to each and every one of you we held a beautiful community event which inspired hundreds and shared with Yosef the love of our community.

If you would like to help us finish covering the costs of this event with the extras going to support Yosef and his family in their journey ahead, you may do so at www.chabadsudbury.com/738days

Thank you to Ed & Robin & Paige for your help with running the check in for the event.

Thank you to all of the teenagers who helped with parking and setup, Mendel Freeman, Shia Korf, Aarron Lipsker, Mendel Reichman, Yonatan Embon, Liam Ohayon, Daniel Kimyagarov, Yonatan Kimyagarov, & Aaaron & Ethan Schiwoitz.

Thank you to Josh Sherer who worked so hard on securing and setting up all of the sound equipment and to Martin Kaye for helping out with this.

Thank you David Angelov for your help with landscaping and to Dynnie Booth for all of your gardening efforts. The place looked beautiful to welcome Yosef and the community.

It truly takes a village!

To donate directly to Yosef's journey you may do so at https://yad.reachhands.com/yosefochanae

To donate to the work with PTSD victims from the Nova that Daniel's center does you may do so at https://lanizolim.co.il/en/home

Thank you to Slava Sardak for most of these amazing pictures which you can see over here.

Thank you to each and every person who made an effort to join. It was truly so beautiful to see such a huge crowd from the Jewish and wider community standing together in support of Yosef. Local spiritual leaders from multiple faiths, local and regional politicians, and town officials, and hundreds of people, all in a tent full of energy and uplift!

Thank you all!

Am Yisrael Chai!!!

Yisroel