As we approach the Jewish New Year, the typical traditional greeting around this season of time is “Shanah Tovah U’Metuka—Have A Good and Sweet Year.” It is also traditional to eat apples and honey as a reminder that we are entering a new sweet year. The festival seasons within Judaism are joyous times of remembering and thanking God for all He has done, and all He will do. It is a time when families gather together to celebrate the cycle of religious life, always keeping God at the forefront of every celebration. The Jewish New Year is completely different than a secular New Year.

In a secular New Year’s celebration, the goal is to forget the problems and worries of life; to set goals all too often gone within the first hour, or day, or week of the New Year. But in the Jewish New Year the concept is completely different. As this holiday season quickly approaches, it is a time of reflection and introspection. How can I do better? How can I be a better light in this world? How can I bring sweetness and joy to the world around me?

One should not aim to forget problems, rather, we should remember our problems in order to correct them. One should not attempt to forget the current situation of the world, rather, we should work to set things right. One of those things is the current situation in the Heartland of Israel.

Despite the terror, world condemnation, and many other obstacles, the Jews of Judea and Samaria continue to build a beautiful future in their land. But the battle for the Land has been intensifying this year. Terrorism has increased, illegal expansion of Palestinian cities continues, and allies Israel could once count on, have become hostile.

The solution is to stand strong in support of Israel possessing all its land. For those who love Israel around the world, the call is to do everything you can to stand with the Jewish State: Visit Israel, advocate for Israel, and buy Israeli products!

Our Heartland challenge is a way for you to come into this holiday season, in a literal way, on the right side of life. In order to enter into a sweet new year, you need honey. But not just any honey, rather, the honey that flows from the various regions of Israel. In order to make that smooth transition into this new year, you need the Oil of Joy, which arrives at your door in a matter of days. In order to cleanse yourself from the past year and prepare for the upcoming year, you need soap, from the region of Binyamin, which is good for the body and for the soul! Enter into this new season buying the best of Israel and doing your part to share its goodness with the world! Join the Heartland Challenge now