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Sweetness Amidst Bitterness:A Tishrei ReflectionRabbi Eli TaraginStronger UnitedSulamotAs we stand on the threshold of a new year, our hearts are heavy with the weight of recent events. The outbreak of war on Simchat Torah and its ongoing impact have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, to the point where for many, the mere mention of %u201cSimchat Torah%u201d now evokes feelings of pain and sadness in their hearts. In times like these, we might be tempted to echo the ancient liturgical phrase, %u201cMay the year and its curses come to an end,%u201d yearning to forget the pain and turmoil we%u2019ve endured.Indeed, the past year has been one of unprecedented challenges. The horrors of the Simchat Torah massacre, the subsequent societal rifts, and the continued state of conflict have tested our resilience as a people. It would be understandable to wish for this year to fade quickly from memory, to turn the page and start anew.However, as we at Sulamot and La%u2019Ofek have witnessed, this challenging year has also given rise to truly uplifting and incredible phenomena that we dare not forget. Amidst the darkness, we,ve seen the indomitable spirit of Am Yisrael shine brighter than ever before.We%u2019ve witnessed an outpouring of unity and support across all sectors of society that defies imagination. Soldiers rushing from every corner of the country %u2013 and even from abroad %u2013 to aid those in need; civilians initiating countless projects to support our troops and displaced communities; and an unprecedented strengthening of bonds between Israeli Jews and our brethren in the Diaspora. These expressions of solidarity and selflessness have been nothing short of miraculous.The civilian response has been particularly inspiring. We%u2019ve been inundated with calls and messages from people eager to contribute in any way possible %u2013 from providing military equipment to preparing food for soldiers, from writing encouraging notes to offering shelter to the displaced. The sheer volume and diversity of initiatives have been overwhelming and deeply moving.Moreover, the connection between Israeli Jews and our global Jewish family has reached new heights. As an organization, we%u2019ve always maintained ties with communities worldwide, but the current crisis has sparked an unprecedented level of collaboration. Rabbis, community leaders, and individuals have offered support in various ways %u2013 by making Aliyah, volunteering, providing financial assistance, and organizing prayer gatherings and solidarity events in their communities.As we enter the new year, Am Yisrael%u2019s mission is clear. While we may wish to leave behind the pain and suffering, we must not lose sight of the Featured: Rabbi Eli Taragin and Rabbi Daniel Fridman (JCOT) planting seedlings in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom through Sulamot%u2019s Atufim project, which supports 9 Gaza border communities on their journey to rehabilitate and rebuild.