What It Is About
Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin have launched an initiative entitled “Week of Goodness” starting from July 14. This project is designed to promote acts of kindness, support community activities, and honor their son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is among the 120 hostages held by Hamas.
Why It Matters
The “Week of Goodness” aims to shine a light in difficult times, offering the community an opportunity to unite for a cause close to their hearts. By engaging in positive activities, the initiative seeks to create a ripple effect of good deeds that might influence the efforts to release hostages and bring awareness to their situation.
The Big Picture
Rachel Goldberg-Polin emphasizes, “We are living in a fractured time, and our beloved hostages are in unimaginable darkness – this campaign is aimed at helping us bring more light into the world.” Since the crisis began, hostage families have ceaselessly worked to find ways to rescue their loved ones. This week-long event allows them to focus inward and rally the community around their mission.
How It Works
Itinerary of Goodness
July 14 – Community Singing
Starting at 8:00 PM at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, the week kicks off with an evening of communal singing alongside other hostage families.
July 15-16 – Jewish Text Reading
Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin will lead a reading of the entire Jewish bible, beginning at 8:00 PM on July 14 and expected to continue for 24 hours to cover the five books of Moses, Neviim, and Ketuvim.
July 16-17 – Volunteer Work
On these days, the parents will volunteer in Jerusalem and encourage others to do the same, sharing their efforts online to inspire broader participation in making the world better for the hostages’ return.
July 18 – Challah Ceremony
The Goldberg-Polin duo will engage in “separating challah” to unite up to 120 people, learning more about one another. A newly commissioned Torah scroll will be welcomed at their synagogue at 8:00 PM at Bnei Akiva Baka branch in Jerusalem.
July 19 – Kabbalat Shabbat
The final act of the “Week of Goodness” will be led by the Family Forum with a Kabelat Shabbat ceremony at their tent in Jerusalem, starting at 4:00 PM at the Azza/Balfour junction.
This story was first published on jpost.com.