On the eve of Purim last year, Rachel Dajian discovered that her young son had swallowed magnets, putting his life in danger. He underwent two complicated surgeries, was hospitalized for many months, and only then returned home. "It is our personal Purim miracle," she says with emotion.
When Esther Tzabar decided to find high-functioning autistic individuals and place them in desirable tech positions, many thought it was an impossible mission. Today, after 14 years, she shares with excitement: "This is a dream come true."
Chaim Neuman has lived in Hebron for decades, serving as a synagogue gabbai at the Cave of the Patriarchs, and believes: "The holy forefathers surely rejoice when they see the million people visiting them yearly." How is this connected to his kidney donation?
The Galicia and Bukovina Jewish Association watches the war in Ukraine with concern. "It's frightening to see how history repeats itself, and the documentation from before World War II becomes so tangible today," says the association's secretary in a chilling interview.
Since being diagnosed with autism, Renan Dwolcki has shown the world that nothing is out of his reach due to his condition. In an inspiring conversation, he shares, "I have difficulties, but they don't prevent me from succeeding, being an instructor, and even studying for a bachelor's degree."
Photographer Sarah Sharam captures the beauty and purity of children with special needs. "Mothers sometimes doubt their child will cooperate, but that never happens with me. Every child is a treasure."
After decades in education and inspecting various educational institutions, Rabbi Shachar Sha'ar decided to study medical clowning and even integrate the clowning approach into the curriculum. "It's important for teachers to know how to make children laugh," he believes. "It won't harm discipline but quite the opposite." How does he implement it in practice?
When Roy Habib's grandmother asked him to talk to the elderly and alleviate their loneliness, she didn't anticipate that her grandson would take the project so far. Today, he leads "Grandma Shula's Project," where volunteers distribute dozens of cakes each week to lonely elders, as well as create especially warm connections with them.
Hillel Cohen, head of United Hatzalah, is attempting from his location in Odessa to evacuate as many Jews as possible, assist Israelis stranded in various cities in Ukraine, and provide medical aid. "There is great chaos here and a real danger to life," he claims, "We need everyone's prayers."
Ezra Shekel works as a companion at the Soteria House and is responsible for the care and guidance of people with mental health issues. He came to this profession after being hospitalized in a psychiatric ward himself. 'It's hard to see a person imprisoned in themselves or facing an attack,' he says, 'but there is always hope.'
Rabbi Yitzhak Hanania visits the tomb of Shimon the Righteous daily for 40 years, praying and witnessing miracles. Amidst regional tension, the number of visitors is surging, revealing a powerful reason why.
The moments when he realized that war is more than child's play, the attack on the tank that led to surrender, the long days without food in Egyptian captivity, and the moments he was taken to a synagogue in Cairo for propaganda purposes. After years of memories, with the world tense about a new conflict, Natan Margalit shares his recollections of the Yom Kippur War.
Igal Sari-Levi, one of the greatest actors of the previous generation, made a full 180-degree turn, returned to complete faith, and became a narrator of righteous stories and a study partner of Rabbi Uri Zohar. Recently, after his passing, his son reflects on the journey he underwent, testifying: "Dad always longed for Hashem."
When Yochai Levi was injured and became paralyzed, he thought his life was over. But through painting, he found a way to express himself and his talents. Now, 35 years later, as a married father and an internationally acclaimed artist, he asserts: "Hashem was with me every step of the way."
Rabbi Reuven sought families to host individuals without a place for Shabbat, leading to an organization matching many families with guests weekly.
Eyal Goldiner does not define himself as religious, yet during the previous sabbatical year, he decided to observe it according to Jewish law. Today, he continues to do so and even persuades other farmers to follow suit. "I came to the conclusion that there is no other way," he asserts.
A 1,000-year-old Torah scroll, a Holocaust-survivor scroll, miniature and giant Torahs preserved since the Spanish expulsion—Rahamin Khavi lovingly restores them and discovers incredible stories along the way.
Sivan Laker-Rosenfeld leads an Ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, her husband teaches in a Talmud Torah, and they have two children. Yet, her profession might surprise you: she's a veterinarian advancing animal welfare in barns. What led her to this, and how does her becoming more religious connect to the story?
When Rotem Lelush and his friends were left jobless during the COVID-19 pandemic, they took on the mission to renovate homes of elderly and Holocaust survivors. Since then, they've managed to renovate 40 homes and enlist dozens of additional volunteers. Read and be inspired.
Maintaining the grave of a righteous figure in a Druze village, the story of a woman praying for a week, and the transformation of the grave from a dilapidated structure to one of the largest and most beautiful in northern Israel. Neria Getz, responsible for the grave of Rabbi Ishmael the High Priest, shares moving tales.
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