Page 3 - Mizrachi-RZC Sefer Berachot 5781

Dear Chaverim:
What a year this has been so far!
As for most of us, we started the year with certain plans in mind, but then
our world changed. Regardless, like most other organizations, Mizrachi -
Religious Zionists of Chicago had to persevere, Baruch HaShem,
successfully maintaining our regular programs and projects in spite of the
challenges. We took advantage of the shift to a more virtual world and
expanded our programs and the audience we reached.
Aside from our ongoing HaMizrachi magazine, Kol Shabbat weekly
eNewsletter, Religious Zionism lectures and Bet Cafe (with this year’s
fantastic Dreams of a Nation program), we were also able to:
1. Further strengthen our connection with Eretz Yisrael through:
a. Our successful fundraising campaign (and Dessert Reception)
raising the funds to build the Chicago Mizrachi Pina Chama,
endowed by us in honor of the Chayalim Bodedim from our
community. More recently, we watched and celebrated the
Soft Open of the beautiful completed Pina Chama in Itamar.
Mizrachi – RZC has committed to provide for ongoing
maintenance, assuring that the Pina Chama is always ready to
serve the valiant IDF soldiers.
b. Conducting a successful inaugural Together as One program
connecting the Religious Zionist communities of Chicago and the
Kiryat Gat region.
2. Help the Orthodox Israel Coalition-Mizrachi elect significantly
more delegates to the World Zionist Congress than previously,
resulting in our slate obtaining the second most seats; a tremendous
accomplishment.
3. Expand our audience for our Yom Yerushalayim celebration (with
the inspiring Heart of a Nation video) and Youth art contest to include
viewers from across the USA and Canada.
Our future plans include:
4. Continuing the remodeling of our RZC Center building,
5. Expanding programming to college-age students and young adults,
6. Strengthening the Together as One connection with Kiryat Gat,
7. Finding innovative ways to advance Aliya and Israel advocacy.
Please join with us as members, to reassert our link to Am Yisrael, and –
proudly – to the Medina. Let us share this excitement together, and
reconnect through our shared love for and commitment to Israel.
Wishing all the chaverim and Am Yisrael a Ketiva VeChatima Tova; a
healthy, safe & wonderful year.

Dr. Oren Lakser
President, Mizrachi - Religious Zionists of Chicago