Smol Emuni US

10/05/2026

We are proud to stand with Lawrence, as we stand with all the international and Israeli activists who risk their physical safety to stand alongside Palestinian communities in the occupied territories—attempting to protect them from violence and harassment, offering solidarity, and bearing witness by documenting what they endure.

10/05/2026

In Mishlei, we read:

“Under three things the earth trembles, and under four it cannot bear: [1] Under a servant when he becomes king…”

What can the concept of eved ki yimlokh—“a servant when he becomes king”—teach us about Israel’s conduct as a sovereign state?

Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller explores this question through the thought of Rav Shagar.

10/05/2026

“Peace is not just true security; it is also the most moral, and the most Jewish, choice.”

Naama Lazimi נעמה לזימי quoted in a The Jerusalem Post article about Jewish and Israeli leaders featured in the TIME100 Next 2026 list. Congratulations, Naama!

10/02/2026

The full recording of Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller’s wonderful talk this week is now available to watch on our YouTube channel.

In his talk, R’ Seidler-Feller explores the question of exile as either punishment or opportunity through the lens of R. Yonatan Eybeschutz’s Sukkot homily. He then considers a contrasting understanding of Jewish history—one that emphasizes the positive dimensions of exile as both a Jewish and societal value, with profound implications for the future of national self-understanding.

A fascinating and thought-provoking must-watch!

Please join us during Chol HaMoed for a shiur with Rabbi Chaim Seid...

10/02/2026

A New Prayer for Simchat Torah
by Rabba Chen Ben-Or Tzfoni

תפילה חדשה לשמחת תורה
הרבה חן בן אור צפוני

א־להינו ואלהי אבותינו ואמותינו, יהי רצון מלפניך,
בימים רועדים אלה, בהם שמחת התורה נמהלת ביראת הזמן העומד לפנינו,
שתוליכנו לחיים ולשלום ותצעידנו בשלום ובזאת הברכה
ובטקס סיום קריאת התורה ונתחילה מבראשית,
שלח ברכה במעשי ידינו הפעולות למען תורת חיים, תורת ישועה ושלום.
שמע תחנוננו לשלום וצדק, לחיים ולחסד;
שים שלום בינינו, שלום בחילנו, שלום לבני ובנות שרה אברהם והגר,
ותהא תורתנו עץ חיים.

Our God and God of our fathers and mothers, may it be Your will:
In these trembling days, when the joy of Torah is mingled with fear of the time before us,
lead us toward life and peace; guide our steps in peace and with this blessing.
As we conclude the reading of the Torah and begin again from Bereish*t [Genesis],
send blessing upon the work of our hands, undertaken for a Torah of life, a Torah of salvation and peace.
Hear our supplications for peace and justice, for life and lovingkindness.
Place peace among us; peace among our soldiers; peace for the sons and daughters of Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar.
May our Torah be a tree of life.

09/30/2026

We are thrilled to bring you “A Different Vision: Four-Part Film Series,” in collaboration with Albi. Registration is now open!

Join us for a four-part film series exploring Israel/Palestine, war, identity, memory, and the possibilities for another future.

Each film will be available to watch for a designated period, giving you the flexibility to watch when and where works best for you. Each film will be followed by a live Zoom conversation with the filmmaker or another member of the film’s creative team. Recordings of all conversations will also be available to series participants.

🎬 Oxygen
Available to watch: October 10–20
Live conversation with Netalie Braun
October 18, 4:00–5:00 PM ET

🎬 Coexistence, My Ass!
Available to watch: November 7–17
Live conversation with Libby Lenkinski
November 15, 4:00–5:00 PM ET

🎬 Children No More: Were and Are Gone
Available to watch: December 12–22
Live conversation with Hilla Medalia
December 20, 3:30–4:30 PM ET

🎬 Lyd
Available to watch: January 2–12
Live conversation with Sarah Ema Friedland
January 10, 4:00–5:00 PM ET

Series price: $100
Student price: $36

Details and registration:
https://www.smolemunius.com/adifferentvisionfilmseries

09/28/2026

“We need to grapple with [Mamdani’s] statements because our students deserve more than the message that difficult questions about Israel threaten the Jewish community.”

Read the full article from Esther Sperber in response to the SAR/Ramaz rally at Gracie Mansion via the link in comments.

The Times of Israel
Photo: Luke Tress

09/28/2026

An important article about how Israel is blocking the Aliyah applications of Jews involved in protective presence activism, including an alumnus of Smol Emuni’s gap year fellowship.

We send our love and solidarity to Ya’aqov Shenkin and to all those caught in a process that corrupts and weaponizes the Law of Return.

In both cases, the protective-presence activists, who did not know each other, had their passports photographed by a soldier or settler. These are the first known cases in which Israeli authorities appear to be violating the Law of Return