IDF Kiddush 2024
Dear Friends,
On Shabbat Kedoshim, May 11th, we will hold our annual IDF kiddush weekend in commemoration of the 13th yahrzeit of our beloved son, Ilan Tokayer z”l. This event gives each of us the opportunity to join together as a community to support the IDF while also honoring the 106 members of our Rinat family who either have served or are currently serving in Tzahal.
This year’s kiddush feels simultaneously more difficult and more important. On a national level, we are praying for the safe return of our hostages as well as the many who have returned to fight heroically in this tragic war. Communally, the importance of defending Israel has been in the forefront as we face blatant anti-semitism locally and worldwide. Personally for us, we remember reaching the number 13 as a cherished milestone in Ilan’s life as we celebrated his bar mitzvah. As we mark this 13th yahrzeit, we are reminded of Ilan’s army service during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005 and the difficult, courageous choices he had to make as part of the larger goal of protecting a unified Am Yisrael. Honoring those who share that same goal and value towards Am Yisrael is a fitting recognition of this significant anniversary.
We are proud to be donating the proceeds from this year’s kiddush to two special grassroot programs that are directly involved in servicing and uplifting IDF soldiers: Grilling for Israel (grillingforisrael.com) and Pizza IDF (www.pizzaidf.org). Since October 7th, both organizations have been working tirelessly and around the clock to serve thousands of meals to soldiers and displaced families. This formidable task requires the collaboration of hundreds of volunteers, dedicated drivers and sponsors. In addition, these programs buy from local businesses that depend on them to stay open during the war.
On Shabbat, May 11th, in addition to the festive kiddush, we will be honored to host the inimitable Dr. Elli Kranzler to lead a meaningful and song-filled davening in the main minyan. We also welcome you to join our broader Teaneck shul community for a five part series over Zoom on the history of Gaza with renowned Israel tour guide Shulie Mishkin, which will take place Sunday mornings, May 12th - June 9th at 10:30-11:30 AM.
As always, we are sponsoring the IDF Kiddush in full so that 100% of your tax deductible donation goes directly toward these initiatives. Donate by filling out the form below.
Parashat Kedoshim, which focuses on sanctifying our everyday actions through service to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, is especially fitting for honoring and supporting the IDF. Every name and every donation makes a tremendous national, communal and personal impact. We look forward to your participation, in any way possible, toward our collective contribution.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Reva and Aaron Tokayer
Please note: If you have any children or grandchildren currently serving in the IDF, or have been called up for reserves, please check if their names are on our current lists. If not, please email their names directly to revatokayer@gmail.com so we may honor them this year.
