Honouring Hersh’s Memory Cookie Baking Taurus ♉️ class

***All the proceeds for this event will go to raising money for the event in December where Chaya Lester, a world renowned poet, will share her gift through spoken word poetry and then any remaining funds will go to Hatzalah Without Borders for medical supplies in Israel.

Find out more about Chaya Lester:

Chaya Lester’s poetry gives voice to both the pain and the resilience of the Jewish people throughout this war. Her spoken word, stories, and teachings are designed to stir and inspire. However, this event is more than just entertainment—it is what Chaya calls ‘Innertainment’, guiding the audience through an inner journey of processing and healing. This therapeutic experience will help participants find purpose and empowerment through the hardships of this conflict. The event includes deep psycho-spiritual teachings and practical tools for making meaning out of trauma.

Below are some additional resources about Chaya and her work: - 

**Show Description:** [Chaya Lester’s Shows](https://www.chayalester.com/shows.html (https://www.chayalester.com/shows.html)) - 

- **Personal Website:** [Chaya Lester](https://www.chayalester.com (https://www.chayalester.com/)) 

- **Times of Israel Article:** [Losing It](https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/losing-it/ (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/losing-it/))

- **Shalev Center:** [About Us](https://shalevcenter.org/about-us/ (https://shalevcenter.org/about-us/)) 

- **Jewish Mom Feature:** [Watch Here](https://youtu.be/BJ_JAwiaUYM?si=F0j-SjyLNtdZMqR1 (https://youtu.be/BJ_JAwiaUYM?si=F0j-SjyLNtdZMqR1)) 

- **Personal Spoken Word Performance:** [Watch Here](

https://youtu.be/ueCQ8y_WMXE (https://youtu.be/ueCQ8y_WMXE))

Want to find out more about Hatzalah Without Borders:

https://hatzalah.org.il/en/

The Taurus ♉️ energy is connected to our value system, manifesting our intentions & gratitude. This class is dedicated to the memory of Hersh, because his vision of the world was one of peace and wholeness, honouring all religions and beliefs to come together in unity. I believe this for the world. That we are moving into a time where we can choose to embrace each other and learn from each other. Though tragedy occurred on October 7, 2023, and still occurs with hostages still being held captive, which are from all over the world & over six religions, and heartbreak from war and more. Even though there is tragedy we can use this as way for awareness and choose to create a world filled with wholeness.  Please join Jayna and myself in this intention and let’s make a better world together through baking cookies with one another & give thanks for all of the beautiful blessings in our life. 

Let’s honour the memory of Hersh Goldberg Polin through baking his favourite cookie recipes. Hersh was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023 and was found on August 31st murdered by the Hamas terrorists along with 5 other beautiful souls, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat. 

Hersh was a member of my community in Israel. He stood for peace and making this a part of his mission in life.  Here is more about Hersh. 

Hersh Goldberg-Polin

“Hersh was an American/Israeli who moved to Israel at the age of 7 with his parents, Rachel and Jon. Hersh was working with an initiative that was using soccer to bring Israeli and Palestinian children together. He had planned a 2-year world trip that was to start the last week of December. Hersh miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza, even after 1 arm was blown off from the elbow down before being taken into captivity, for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists. 

May his memory be for a blessing.”

Eden Yerushalmi

“Eden was the second daughter in her family. She was adventurous, well-traveled and enjoyed life. She was always surrounded by friends and brought a smile to the faces of everyone she met. She loved sports and received her Pilates instructor certificate shortly before being kidnapped on 10.7. Eden's death was announced on her mother's birthday. Eden miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists.”

May her memory be for a blessing.

Carmel Gat

“Carmel was an occupational therapist who was full of love and compassion, always finding ways to support and help others. She loved solo travel, meeting new people, live rock music and was particularly found of Radiohead. She was visiting her parents at Kibbutz Be'eri when Hamas terrorists attacked, killing her mother and taking her hostage, along with her sister-in-law Yarden, who was released at the end of November. We know from freed hostages that Carmel tried to keep others calm by teaching yoga in captivity. Carmel miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists.”

May her memory be for a blessing.

Almog Sarusi

“Almog was from Ra'anana, a city north of Tel Aviv. He was at the Nova music festival with his longtime girlfriend and had stayed by her side after she was wounded in the attack. She died, and he was captured. Almog was a vibrant, positive person who loved traveling around Israel in his white jeep with his guitar. Almog miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists.”

May his memory be for a blessing.

Alexander Lobanov

“Alexander was the head bartender at Nova. His wife Michal recently gave birth to their 2nd child. Michal described Alex as the best father and the best husband in the world, vowing to raise their children with his values and ethics.

Alex miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists.”

 May his memory be for a blessing.

Ori Danino

“Ori was from Jerusalem and was planning to study electrical engineering. The oldest of 5 children, he escaped the Nova music festival but had gone back with a friend to help other people when he was kidnapped. They were filling their cars with as many people as possible to help them escape. Ori was engaged to be married this year. Ori miraculously survived the Hell of Gaza for 11 months before being executed by Hamas terrorists.”

 May his memory be for a blessing.