Dear Friend,

We are excited to inform you that Beth Aaron, along with other shuls in the area, will be dedicating Shabbat, May 11, Parshat Kedoshim, as Shabbat Chayal. This Shabbat, around the time of Yom ha-Zikaron and Yom ha-Atzma'ut, is dedicated to the memory of Ilan Tokayer z"l of Teaneck, who proudly served in the IDF as a Chayal Boded (Lone Soldier).
 
Each year, we commemorate Shabbat Chayal by making a Kiddush and choosing a tzedakah tied to the IDF to give our support.  This year, we will mark Shabbat Chayal by raising money for Lev LaChayal.  Eighty-five percent of the monies raised will be used to support Lev LaChaya, and the remaining 15 percent will be used to support the summer youth programming of Beit Yatir, our sister city.  All funds raised will go directly to the tzedakah organizations, as the Kiddush itself has been sponsored by private individuals.

The Lev LaChayal program, The Yeshiva Center for Lone Soldiers in the IDF, was launched in 2015 and is located in the Ramat Shilo neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh.  It provides a supportive Yeshiva environment to students who choose to serve in the IDF as Lone Soldiers. The pre-Army portion of the program “covers all the bases,” combining high-level Torah study, IDF-designed physical training, an advanced Hebrew Ulpan, and tours of the country. Each individual receives the spiritual, ideological and physical preparation necessary to allow him to make his maximum contribution to the IDF.  Lev LaChayal offers personal guidance for each individual as he navigates through the potentially bewildering military and immigration bureaucracies and it prepares him for the difficulties he may encounter during his service. Perhaps most importantly, Lev LaChayal offers a place that each Lone Soldier can call “home” -- both during both the pre-Army period and the subsequent Army service -- by providing apartments with caring dorm parents and hospitable families nearby.  Lev LaChayal is currently the only Mechina Program designed for religious Anglo lone soldiers.

Be-Ezrat HaShem, Rav Dudi Winkler, the director of the program, will be with us for that Shabbat and will speak to us on Shabbat afternoon.  Lev LaChayal is especially close to the hearts of the Pudell and Neugroschl families, as their sons, Naftali and Alex, respectively, have both benefitted from Lev LaChayal and Rav Dudi’s guidance before serving in the IDF, and continue to have his support during their service.

We look forward to having you participate with us on Shabbat, May 11.  

Tizku le-Mitzvot,
Mordy Ungar, Nechama & Steven Pudell, CB & Jeff Neugroschl
Shabbat Chayal Co-Chairs