By Yuvi Tashome-Katz, Chairperson of Friends By Nature
“Blow the shofar on Zion, sanctify a fast, proclaim an assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders, gather the children and nursing babes; let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber, and the bride from her canopy.”—Joel 2:15-18
A Mother’s Love in Action
My mother often says,
“I will pray for you… I will fast for you.”
On every fast—except Yom Kippur—she volunteers to fast on my behalf. Born into a large extended family in an Ethiopian village, she embodies communal care: helping new mothers through forty days for a son and eighty for a daughter, stepping in whenever someone is in need. Her generosity reminds me daily that “I am for my beloved, and my beloved is for me.”
Reflecting on Community and Tradition
Every year on the 29th of Cheshvan, we observe Sigd—a holiday of renewal, unity, and spiritual reconnection. This celebration brings together members from many villages in a central gathering, symbolizing our enduring covenant of acceptance, partnership, and shared responsibility.
The Miraculous Rain
For years, the first rainfall of blessing has arrived the day after Sigd. This year was no exception: as soon as our community gathered and lifted our prayers, the heavens opened, reminding us of the power of collective turning toward the Creator.
May the spirit of Sigd remain with us throughout the year, guiding us in unity and hope.
Link to the full article -
https://www.929.org.il/page/516/post/12591
English 
עִבְרִית