 Max Moss |
2 June 2019; 28 Sivan 5779
Dear friends,
Just over 40 years ago, several families met in order to establish a egalitarian-traditional minyan in the Sharon region. The beginning was not easy. They barely managed to organize a minyan in members’ homes. The group began to coalesce around services and communal Shabbat meals. Over time, several more families joined. One of the founders confessed to me that if someone had told him that in 40 years, the congregation would grow to nearly 180 families and have a large, beautiful building like the one we have today, he would have thought that person was dreaming or fantasizing. As we know, every initiative begins with a dream, and the dream that the founders of this community dreamed has indeed come true. That dream was and remains the establishment of a Masorti community that adheres to the Jewish tradition but adapts it to the spirit of the times. The values of openness, tolerance and equal opportunity for all – men, women, people with special needs, and others – are the cornerstones laid down by the founders of Hod veHadar and our mission is to adhere to them. Our congregation is an amazing mosaic of varied colors, but we all share a strong connection to the Jewish tradition, a love of Israel and a love of humanity. Our community continued to grow ever stronger, and over the years new families joined us. The children of the early years grew up, enlisted and were discharged, completed their studies, and have now established their own families. They maintain close ties with their home community, Hod veHadar. Today Hod veHadar is one of the largest Masorti congregations in Israel, and the largest in the Sharon region. We see ourselves as an integral part of the city of Kfar Saba, and maintain extensive connections with schools and other organizations operating in the city. As a community that believes in bringing people together and love for others, we invite you to visit us on Shabbat, holidays or one of the many other activities at Hod veHadar. To the many members and volunteers who have contributed time, energy and knowledge over the years: may you go from strength to strength. Without these important contributions, our community would not have come to be one of the most active and prosperous Masorti congregations in the Israel. Best wishes, Max Moss, Co-Chair Tal Hagbi, Co-Chair |
 Tal Hagbi |