Just before Tishrei, the newly founded organization The Empowered Jew held a four-part series in Sydney, Australia educating Chabad community members about the current situation in Israel and how to respond to questions, comments, and antisemitism.
The organization was established by Chavi Israel, who noticed a significant gap in the frum community in adequately addressing the current climate we live in and many questions about the land of Israel and the current war.
In a post-October 7th world, Chavi found herself in numerous uncomfortable situations with no idea how to respond or navigate them. Overwhelmed by the many organizations available, and yet she felt they were not addressing the needs of the frum community, nor were they simplifying the knowledge surrounding Israel or providing practical, hands-on skills and tools for engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Chavi realized how crucial it is for frum people—who so overtly represent Yiddishkeit and subsequently the land of Israel, whether through their names or the way they dress—to be empowered and knowledgeable about the facts.
Therefore, Chavi decided to be proactive rather than reactive, and with the backing of the Sydney Rabbanim, she launched The Empowered Jew.
“The Empowered Jew is all about being a loud and proud Jew, unapologetic about who we are and what we stand for,” Israel says. “Subsequently, as an outcome of being a proud Jew, one can empower oneself with the knowledge, skills, and tools related to Eretz Yisrael, allowing them to confidently and sensitively engage in dialogue if they choose to.
“We know that a Chassid is a lamplighter and an ambassador for Hashem, the Jewish people, and Hashem’s land, Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, as Chassidim, we do not give up on all humanity, and certainly, we do not give up on unaffiliated Jews. Thus, as frum Jews and Shluchim, we need to possess the knowledge, skills, and tools to advocate effectively,” Israel said.
The Empowered Jew, alongside the Anash Shule Tzemach Tzedek in Sydney, organized a comprehensive four-part series addressing exactly this topic.
“Our first class dealt with the basics – why is Eretz Yisrael so important to us as a people?” Israel says.
The talk was given by Mimi Nussbaum, who reviewed a host of texts directly from the Torah and the Rebbe’s perspective on Eretz Yisrael, highlighting just how intrinsic it is to us as a people.
The next session was presented by Chavi Israel, who delved into the hard, cold facts we face daily, especially on university campuses and social media. She debunked all the myths and misconceptions surrounding Israel, and went through the many loaded terms such as apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide, and discussed how we know Israel is not committing those acts? Israel’s talk expanded on these points in depth, addressing all these crucial issues.
The third session was given by Dr. Ron Weiser AM, who is deeply involved in Sydney’s Jewish community affairs, specifically surrounding education and Israel. Dr. Weiser reviewed the history of modern-day Israel and provided thought-provoking insights about how Israel operates. Understanding the history of modern-day Israel makes it much easier to comprehend the current situation. No political opinions were given; it was simply history and facts.
The final session of the four-part series was presented by Lynda Ben Menashe, who is also heavily involved in the Sydney Jewish community and in the world of advocacy and education. She provided practical, hands-on skills and tools for navigating uncomfortable conversations, including what to say, how to say it, and why engaging is worthwhile and makes a difference.
“This series proved to be a huge success for the community and is only the beginning,” Israel relates.
If you would like to get in touch, feel free to email: theempoweredjew@gmail.com
Follow the Empowered Jew on Instagram
VIDEO:
Session 1: Presented by Mimi Nussbaum.
Topic: What is Our Connection to Our Land?
Session 2: Presented by Chavi Israel.
Topic: Debunking the Myths & Misconceptions surrounding Israel.
Session 3: Presented by Dr. Ron Weiser AM.
Topic: Modern day Israel history.
Wow, incredible to see something like this, please come to crown heights!!!!
Thank you so much! Yes, we definitely want to and strive to! 😊
Great initiative- mechoyil el choyil 👏👏
Your kind words mean so much and fuel our determination to continue our work!
Kol hakavod 👏👏
Thanks!
Unfortunately the situation in Israel is due to “ mismanagement “ by Israel authorities since 1978 , and the fact that Israeli society is very materialistic and moving toward woke/leftism doesn’t help, I think that many Israelis don’t even know they are in the Holy Land given by GD to the Jews , they need to be educated too
I hear you… However, I think it’s important for us to realise that post-October 7, Hashem has truly permeated Israel like never before. Many Israelis are lighting Shabbat candles for the first time, soldiers are choosing to wear Tzitzis, and Shofars are being blown before going into battle. There has been a profound change, though, of course, there is always room for more. I also completely agree that educating all Jews, including Israelis, about the basics of our inherent Jewish connection is essential. That’s why we created a series of “Back to Basics” posts on our social media, addressing these… Read more »
Thank you for sharing the clips so we can all benefit. Important topics during these difficult times. We must be empowered and not cowards.
I couldn’t agree more! Knowledge and education are power, and as frum Jews, we must be well-equipped to navigate this new climate!
Congrats on taking on this very important initiative! Your materials and presentation are excellent and could make their way into schools and universities. Moreover, youth ARE OUR FUTURE!!! Hopefully many will use these materials combined with our uniquely Jewish way of bringing more light.
WOW thank you so much for such a heartfelt compliment!!! Imyh, one step at a time 🙂