- Synagogues on Every Corner — Finding a Minyan Is Easy
Narrative:
In Israel, prayer is a part of the landscape. Whether in Tel Aviv or Tzfat, a synagogue is never far away. Need a minyan for Shacharit? Walk down the street, and you’ll find one. Want to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah? The sound echoes throughout the neighborhoods. In Israel, Jewish life is so accessible that no Jew has to struggle to find a community for tefillah.
Biblical Source:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7)
בֵּיתִי בֵּית־תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכׇל־הָעַמִּים.» (ישעיהו נו:ז
Talmudic Source:
“A person should always establish a place for their prayer.” (Berachot 6b)
לְעוֹלָם יַקְבִּיעַ אָדָם מָקוֹם לִתְפִלָּתוֹ.» (ברכות ו
- Jewish Values in Public Life — Society Shaped by Jewish Principles
Narrative:
In Israel, Jewish values are not confined to the synagogue or home; they shape public life. Laws about ethical business practices stem from Torah principles; the IDF follows moral codes based on Jewish law; and the country extends extraordinary efforts to bring home captured soldiers, reflecting the value of Pidyon Shevuyim (redeeming captives). Whether in acts of kindness between neighbors or national policies of social responsibility, living in Israel means being part of a society built on Torah values.
Biblical Source:
“For I have known him, so that he will command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice.” (Genesis 18:19)
כִּי יְדַעְתִּיו לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר יְצַוֶּה אֶת־בָּנָיו וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ אַחֲרָיו וְשָׁמְרוּ דֶּרֶךְ ידוד לַעֲשׂוֹת צְדָקָה וּמִשְׁפָּט.» (בראשית יח:יט
Talmudic Source:
“The Torah begins with kindness and ends with kindness.” (Sotah 14a)
תְּחִלָּתָהּ גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים וְסוֹפָהּ גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים.» (סוטה יד
Rabbi Paul Bloom lives in Jerusalem with his wife Ettie. Paul is President of the Israel Inspiration Initiative and is on the Board of the New York / Israel Chamber of Commerce. He is the CEO of PDB Futurecom International and is a retired CTO of IBM Research’s Communication Sector.
