First Shabbat at Kibbutz Dorot
At "Tikvatenu" (Our Hope), we believe that change begins at the grassroots level—from the people, and especially from the youth. During our first Shabbat at Kibbutz Dorot, approximately 40 young adults from diverse backgrounds gathered. This group included soldiers, National Service volunteers, alumni of pre-military academies (Mechinot), yeshivas, and seminaries (Midrashot), representing both secular and religious sectors. They came together to discuss the meaning of an "exemplary Jewish-Israeli society."
Throughout the Shabbat, we held in-depth discussions on Zionism, Judaism, and the connection between the two. We explored the divides within Israeli society and the role of religion in our lives. Despite our differences of opinion, we discovered that we share a common dream for a better society.
The participants left with a renewed sense of optimism. The word that echoed most often among them was "hope"—hope for a better future, and hope in our ability to understand one another and bridge divides. This gathering served as living proof that the younger generation is both capable and willing to engage in respectful and unifying discourse, even on the most complex issues.
This event has already taken place