25.05.2026

On May 25th, Shalom House welcomed a cherished group from Netanya led by Genya Abadjyan-Vinograd. Gathered around a beautifully decorated table in Caesarea, the guests were embraced by the warm hospitality of the Helping Hand Coalition family. Hugs, smiles, and heartfelt greetings marked the beginning of a special afternoon together.

Bozena opened the afternoon by reflecting on Shavuot. Although the holiday had already passed, its spirit still filled the room. Luke Gasiorowski then led the group in Hebrew songs of gratitude, one of the central themes of Shavuot. The music quickly drew the group into the celebration.

Alona guided the guests through the rich meaning of the holiday. Wheat, fruit, milk, and Torah became more than symbols as she invited conversation and memories. Smiles appeared as participants shared stories of family traditions and favorite dishes prepared for Shavuot celebrations in years gone by.

The atmosphere grew thoughtful as Alona spoke about Ruth’s story of faithfulness, courage, and new beginnings. Her words inspired personal reflections. Bozena briefly shared how Ruth’s journey mirrored a life-changing decision in her own life. Miriam, a Bible teacher from Germany, added her perspective, describing how her understanding of Israel and the Jewish people deepened through discovering her own roots and God’s covenant faithfulness.

Later, Luke and his wife Sara reflected on gratitude and God’s ability to bring seemingly impossible promises to fulfillment, drawing connections between Shavuot and the rebirth of Israel in 1948.

As Yiddish songs filled the room, conversation flowed naturally between moments of reflection and shared memories. As the final melodies faded, guests departed with grateful hearts, carrying home not only warm memories, but also the joy of friendship, encouragement, and community.