Chabad of Orange County unites community for Israel.

Supporting Israel:‌ A Community’s Rallying Cry

Chabad⁣ of Orange County Leads the Way

Since Oct. ‍7,‍ the day the Hamas terrorist group launched its brutal ‍attack on Israel, members of a Monroe-based Jewish community center have⁤ been rallying ​the local community to support ​Israel in any way they⁢ can.

“I often get asked if we have any relatives in Israel, and I say,‍ ‘We have 6.8 million ⁢brothers and sisters in Israel,” Chabad ⁤of Orange County Rabbi Pesach Burston told‍ The Epoch Times. “We just have to do ⁣our best to show support, and we do so on‌ both⁤ levels, physically and spiritually.”

Chabad of Orange County ‍is a local chapter of Chabad, a Hasidism movement known​ for its outreach activities ‍and catering to Jews of all stripes.

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The first⁢ Monday after the attack, the Jewish community center hosted a community rally where about two⁣ hundred Jews and non-Jews gathered ⁣to⁢ show support for Israel.

A fundraising campaign to support the military ⁣and ⁤families impacted by the war soon followed, ⁣which has ‌raised $10,000 ⁣so far, according to Chabad⁣ of Orange County Rebbetzin Chana Burston; ⁢proceeds go‍ to⁤ Chabad of Israel, ‌which centrally‍ coordinates several support funds.

This week, teenagers at ⁢the center baked over 100 blue and white challahs and raised over $1,000 for ‌the‍ Israel Defense Forces.

They also created cards and packages ‍for soldiers on the​ frontline and are encouraged to do additional good deeds ​to show spiritual support, Mrs. Burston said.

“There is a physical way ‍you can help, which is giving money and doing service,” Mrs. Burston told The Epoch⁣ Times. “We also feel that spiritually ‍you can help by doing an extra good deed in honor of Israel, ​which gives like a spiritual ⁢shield to ‌the⁢ soldiers.”

She‍ added that the center offers ⁣lighting kits for ​those who want to light a candle for Israel and the immediate return ⁣of all hostages‍ taken by Hamas.

“It is not just about‍ Jewish people because you have American ⁣hostages, European hostages,” she⁢ said. “This is⁣ a fight against terrorism more than anything else.”

Over⁣ in Israel, a nephew and a niece of⁣ hers, ‌both college students, have been ⁢helping with folding laundry and linens for‍ local hospitals that care‌ for wounded soldiers.

Her⁤ 17-year-old son plans to return to a high school in Israel and do what⁣ he can to help; the school has just put in emergency‍ security measures including new bomb shelters.

“It ⁢took me ​quite a few⁣ days to embrace this‌ idea,” ​Mrs. ‍Burston said, “I feel like ⁤as‌ long as we⁢ take precautions … I don’t live in fear at all … I really ‌believe that God is watching over us—he watches over us ‌here, and he watches over us in Israel.”

At the Jewish ‍community‍ center, tightened ⁢security measures are in‌ place at⁢ large programs, and local police force are actively patrolling⁤ in the area, too,⁣ she said.

Though tragic, the ongoing ‍war has brought about a new sense ‌of unity, Mrs. Burston added.

“There are Jewish people that⁤ have never come to our programs before that walked‍ in because, I feel, they want that connection and want to help out and do⁢ something,” she said.

“We are trying⁤ to figure out the different demographics—some want to give money, ‌some ⁢want to give time, and some just want ⁢to write a card—and telling them everyone could do something.”

Chabad of ​Orange County ⁢offers full-service programs to Jewish individuals and families regardless of background, affiliation, observance, age, or economic conditions.

‌ What are some examples ⁤of spiritual support that Chabad of⁣ Orange County encourages​ community members to engage in to show their support ​for‌ Israel?

‍Ch ‌Times. “And then there is a spiritual way, like acts of goodness and kindness, prayers,‍ and⁣ acts of love and unity.”

Chabad ‌of Orange County⁤ has been actively engaged in supporting Israel and its people during ‍this ​challenging time. They believe that it is⁢ their duty to stand‍ in solidarity with ⁤their brothers and sisters in Israel, both physically ⁢and⁤ spiritually. By rallying the local community and organizing events and fundraising campaigns, they are ⁣making a tangible​ difference in supporting the Israeli military and the families impacted by⁤ the ongoing‌ conflict.

One of the initiatives taken by Chabad of ​Orange ⁢County was a community rally where over ​two hundred Jews and non-Jews came together to ⁢show their support‌ for Israel. The event was a powerful display of⁣ unity and solidarity, sending a clear message that the community ​stands with Israel in its time of need.

In ⁤addition to the rally, Chabad of Orange County launched a fundraising campaign ⁣to⁤ support the military and the families affected by ⁤the war. The campaign has ‌already raised $10,000, and the proceeds are being directed to Chabad of⁤ Israel, which coordinates several support funds. This initiative is ​an important way for community members to contribute and make a meaningful ⁢impact in the‌ lives of those‍ affected by the conflict.

Furthermore, teenagers at ​the center took⁣ it upon themselves to contribute in their own unique way. ​They baked over 100 ⁣blue ⁣and white challahs, ‍which are traditional Jewish braided bread, representing the colors​ of the Israeli flag. The challahs were then sold, and the proceeds, ‌totaling over $1,000, were donated to ⁤the⁢ Israel Defense Forces. Additionally, the teenagers​ created​ cards ​and⁣ packages‌ for soldiers on the frontline, ⁣expressing their ⁢gratitude and ‌support. These acts of kindness ​and appreciation not only bring joy and encouragement to⁣ the soldiers⁤ but ‍also serve as a reminder of the unity and strength within the Jewish community.

Chabad ⁤of Orange County emphasizes⁤ that supporting Israel goes beyond financial contributions ​or physical acts. They believe in the power ‌of spiritual support and the impact it can have on‌ the well-being of ⁣the Israeli people. They‍ encourage community members to engage in good deeds and‌ acts of kindness as ‍a way to show their spiritual support for Israel. By coming together and performing ‍acts of love, ‌unity, and prayer, they create a sense ‌of solidarity and⁣ hope⁣ for a better future.

The efforts of‍ Chabad of Orange County in​ supporting‌ Israel‍ during this‍ difficult time serve as an inspiration​ to the community and beyond. They demonstrate the power of unity, compassion, and⁣ the importance of standing together in times of crisis. With their ⁤unwavering commitment and dedication, they are making a positive difference and providing much-needed⁢ support to the​ Israeli people. Their rallying cry‌ has resonated‌ with the community, and together, they are proving that ⁣solidarity can ⁢overcome any challenge.

As the conflict in Israel⁤ continues, Chabad​ of Orange County remains steadfast in their support. They will continue to rally the community,⁤ organize ⁢fundraisers, and inspire acts of kindness.‌ Through their unwavering dedication, they hope to ‍bring comfort, strength, and hope to the Israeli people ​and contribute to a brighter‌ future for all.