High Holy Day Communications

Tekia, Shevarim, Teruah Help Us Remember
By Rabbi Martin Pasternak, National Director of Synagogue Division, Israel Bond

Rabbinic tradition teaches all Jewish souls were present at Sinai to hear the first sounding of the shofar announcing the brit between Ad-nai and all People of Israel.

The Torah instructs us to remember that moment with sounds of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Tekia, Shevarim, Teruah help us to remember the emotions of brit-unity-peoplehood at Sinai and connection to the Land of Israel – one of the chief pillars of that eternal brit.

Israel bonds were created just three years after the modern State of Israel was born. Since then the High Holy Days, the sounds of the Shofar, and Israel Bonds have been linked. In this year when Israel turned 75 it has never been easier to connect with Israel through the purchase of an Israel bond.

 ⊲ Invest online at israelbonds.com or through Israel Bonds’ mobile app.
 ⊲ eMazel Tov Bonds ($36 and $1 increments) can be used for simhas.
 ⊲ Shalom Bonds are perfect for donations to synagogues, national, or community organizations.
 ⊲ Funds are mailed automatically at maturity.

The Israel Bonds program is a positive proactive economic expression of fondness for Israel. Every Israel bond purchased in 2023 is embedded with the ideals of the dreamers, founders, and builders of the State of Israel just like the first Israel bond sold 72 years ago. The funds generated by the sale of Israel bonds help grow and strengthen Israel’s global leadership in humanitarian aid, technology, and tolerance.

Every Israel Bonds investment, donation or gift by a synagogue member strengthens and renews the connection of the members of our congregation to Israel and each other. Celebrate the New Year 5784 by sharing an Israel Bond with a family member or with a Shalom Bond donation to the synagogue or your favorite cause or community institution.

In a year highlighted by political debate and security challenges in Israel the sounds of the shofar reminds us of SINAI – a moment of covenant and unity that launched our nation. Let’s draw strength from what is eternal Tekiah-Shvarim-Teruah.

Why should I Invest in Israel Bonds?

Unlike the first Israel bonds offered more than 70 years ago, today’s Israel bonds are different: shorter maturities, different denominations, availability online, and funds mailed automatically at maturity. Yet in some very important ways, the bonds have not changed at all, possessing the same values, passion, and dreams as they did over seven decades ago. When you gift an Israel bond for a simcha or give an Israel bond instead of cash or check for dues, tributes, or pledges, you declare your connection to our Jewish-Zionist values and commitment to strengthen and secure our people, our state, and our future.

Israel bonds can be used for savings, donations, or gifts. They are packed with mitzvot, Zionism, and pride in Jewish identity. Whether for family or for yourself, every Israel bond purchase strengthens our homeland, our communities, our connection to Israel, and links us to the vision of the founders to create a state, home, life, and future for the Jewish people.

At Israel Bonds founding conference, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion spoke to American philanthropists, Jewish community lay leaders, executives, and Israeli government officials that were gathered in Jerusalem. He said: “Neither our security nor our future is safe. And we have not yet attained the main purpose of the State of Israel.” These words, spoken over 70 years ago, are still true today. With every Israel bond investment, we bring Israel closer to attaining Ben-Gurion’s goals.

Purchasing Israel bonds helps you feel connected to our homeland when you are not walking the streets of Jerusalem, hiking in the Jordan Valley, or feeling the Mediterranean splash over your toes. Participating in a campaign for Israel Bonds is your statement of love, care, and concern for Israel. It is an homage to your parents and grandparents or a lesson for children and grandchildren. It is also a connection to the dreamers, founders, and builders of the State of Israel. Your investment says Israel is important to me; I think about Israel, and I want her to know it.

Israel bonds are currently held by close to 270,000 people. This wide dispersion of a portion of Israel’s sovereign debt is a positive factor that helps earn strong ratings for the State of Israel from credit analysts at major credit agencies. Strong ratings make it possible for the Finance Ministry to acquire additional foreign capital at favorable rates to help Israel manage its economy. (Israel bonds are not rated.)

An investment in Israel bonds is an endorsement of Israel. A reborn Jewish nation that achieved independence against all odds and, over the course of more than 70 years, has successfully overcome every agricultural, environmental, immigration, resource, and security challenge. For 72 out of Israel’s 75 years, through 16 Prime Ministers, the proceeds from the sale of Israel bonds, now more than $49 billion worldwide, have supported every aspect of Israel’s economy, strengthening the land, the people, the dream, and the future.

How do I Invest in Israel?

This year’s High Holy Days campaign features a digital option to purchase an Israel Bond(s) to celebrate 5784 in the spirit of covenant we experienced at Sinai. Use Israel Bonds’ Virtual Tab Card to begin the process or to request personal assistance to invest.

Israel Bonds are also available online at israelbonds.com and via the Israel Bonds phone app. Contact them at investments@israelbonds.com or 888.764.2631.

Every Israel Bonds investment, donation, or gift by a member of our congregation renews our ties to Israel and each other. Celebrate the New Year 5784 by sharing an Israel Bond with a family member or a Shalom Bond donation to our synagogue. Wishing a sweet, healthy, and peaceful year for our people, our home and our homeland