An extraordinary and significant delegation is coming to Teaneck for Parshat Zachor, March 7-8. This momentous occasion will bring together the parents of Rabbi Captain Avi Goldberg, HY”D who heroically fell in combat in Lebanon alongside his IDF unit; his widow, Rachel Goldberg; devoted family members and esteemed friends, including the renowned writer and educator Rachel Sharansky Danziger. Their presence marks an unparalleled opportunity for the community to connect with a story of profound sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Kehillat B’Orcha, a vibrant and inspiring community in Jerusalem, was founded by Religious Zionist families who sought to create a unique synagogue—one that is welcoming, joyful and respectful, and that meets the spiritual needs of the Jewish People. Through its dedication to learning, prayer and song, B’Orcha has been a source of strength and unity, offering hope and healing to Jewish communities in Israel and beyond. Today, the congregation is undertaking a historic mission: building a permanent home to expand its role as a center of resilience and renewal for Jews around the world.

Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter expressed his deep commitment to this cause, stating: “Although my wife and I did not have the privilege of knowing Rav Avi, we have been very much moved by his story and are very committed to helping this new center, established in his memory, be as successful as possible. We know Rachel Goldberg’s parents, we have met Rachel Goldberg and members of the family, and we are very impressed by her and by everything we heard about her late husband, Rav Avi, HY”D. It is our privilege to help.”

The Jewish people are experiencing unprecedented trauma. The Israeli government and nonprofit organizations have dedicated immense resources to assisting those most directly impacted—families of fallen soldiers and hostages, Nova survivors, and IDF soldiers. However, millions of Jews worldwide continue to struggle with emotional anguish brought on by the ongoing war and the rise in antisemitism. Many are searching for meaning, connection and support to navigate these challenging times.

Kehillat B’Orcha has witnessed firsthand the yearning among Jews in Israel and beyond for spiritual and emotional healing. The warmth and inspiration that define the community extend far beyond the synagogue walls, and the need for a dedicated space to foster resilience and connection has never been more pressing. The new center will serve as a beacon of hope, offering programs such as:

• Large-scale inspirational musical events for the broader Israeli and global Jewish community.
• Monthly oneg Shabbat programs for teens from diverse youth movements.
• Spiritual retreats throughout Israel, infused with learning, singing and a deep sense of unity.
• Torah study sessions addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of faith and Jewish continuity.
• Family resilience initiatives, including parent-child learning programs and retreats.
• Cross-community programs designed to foster empathy, trust and Jewish unity.

B’Orcha is stepping up to play a crucial role in strengthening Am Yisrael through faith, education and communal healing.

Rabbi Avi Goldberg was a devoted educator and leader who dedicated his life to strengthening individuals and communities. He was known for his ability to bring people together across ideological divides, grounded in his deep love for Am Yisrael and his unwavering belief that listening, caring, and unity fortify the Jewish people.

Rabbi Avi was a pillar of the B’Orcha community. Until his last days, he worked tirelessly toward building a permanent home for the synagogue. In October 2024, he was killed in Lebanon while serving as an IDF rabbi, becoming the first and only IDF rabbi in Israel’s history to fall in combat. He fought bravely alongside his soldiers, embodying the values of dedication and sacrifice.

Rabbi Avi’s wife, Rachel, filled with emotion, recalled: “Avi died as a soldier in battle, but he was a man of life, of peace. He was a man of chiburim, of togetherness. He strove to bring us all together through understanding, through warmth. Israel still needs to hear what he often said.”

In the wake of Rabbi Avi’s tragic passing, B’Orcha became a sanctuary for mourning, strength, and renewal. At the request of his widow, Rachel, leaders from across Israel’s political spectrum came together during the shiva to honor Avi’s life and legacy. Thousands of people paid their respects, recognizing the profound values he upheld.

On the first Shabbat after his passing, over 1,000 people gathered at B’Orcha for prayer. The powerful melodies and heartfelt tefillot resonated deeply, offering comfort to those who attended. This gathering underscored the immense need for a place where Jews can come together to heal, not only in response to Rabbi Avi’s loss but in light of the collective pain experienced by the Jewish people.

As the Jewish people navigate a time of profound grief and uncertainty, B’Orcha is answering the call to provide a sanctuary of faith, learning and resilience. The vision for this new center is clear: to create a spiritual home that fosters healing, hope and unity for generations to come.

“We talked and lived klal Yisrael, lived Torah,” Rachel continued, “and we felt we have something to give the world—justice, benevolence, light and life, as opposed to our enemies who seek to destroy the world … and even though Avi’s body is no longer around, his soul is so big, it still brings so much to this world. The idea started in our living room with people talking about everything, regardless of their affiliations, political leanings, etc. We knew then that this was the beginning of the project. He was a rabbi that knew how to touch the hearts of everyone—secular or observant.”

Rachel Sharansky Danziger, in capturing the transformative potential of this project, said: “For Rachel Goldberg and for us—the community—the idea behind the building isn’t the bricks and mortar of it all, but rather what this building will enable us to do in and for the world. This was what Rav Avi and Rachel tried to foster in the world before his death, and this is what she wants to go on to do on a far larger scale, through the building.”

Now is the time to build. Now is the time to come together. With your support, we can ensure that Rabbi Avi Goldberg’s legacy lives on, inspiring and uplifting Am Yisrael for years to come.

For more information about B’Orcha: https://www.beorcha.org/en/beorchahome

For donation opportunities: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/94974/about

Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedaka money away wisely, efficiently, and effectively for over 25 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech startups, and is an expert in social media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected]