Rosh HaShana Together for Those Alone in Israel

Hi! We are Natalie and Dor a mixed couple living in Israel. Natalie is originally from Los Angeles, California and has been living in Israel since 2010 and Dor is a born and raised Tel Avivi.

Our story happened in 2020 when we met during Covid and since then we have been inseparable (newly engaged!). But before 2020, Natalie spent many of her holidays alone in Israel, in particular Friday nights.

Natalie made aliyah leaving her family and friends behind to follow her Zionist dream. Part of that dream meant the sacrifice of not always having a place to call home for some of the most family oriented Jewish holidays.

I remember when Dor and I FIRST met, he had invited me to his family’s house for Friday night dinner. I was shocked because we had JUST met and he was already inviting me to meet his family. I was soooo excited because I was trying to convince myself not to let the Friday evening depression sink in as I realized I’d be alone for yet another Shabbat dinner, but then suddenly Dor called and invited me. I asked him, “don’t you think its too soon for me to meet your family for dinner…I mean we just met a week ago”, and he responded, “yes it is too soon, but my heart breaks at the fact that you’ll be alone on a Friday night”. And from that moment forward (for the past 3 consecutive years) I have spent every Shabbat and holiday with Dor and his family.

That was truly the moment I knew that I would be with this man for the rest of my life. But unfortunately not every Anglo in Israel has yet to find a knight in shining armor like I found when I met Dor. This is why Dor and I came up with the idea of hosting a Rosh HaShana dinner for those in Israel who have no where to go for the holiday.

Dor works as a private chef and we wanted to offer a long dinner of 5 courses, deserts and wine with the Rosh HaShana spirit for up to 30 guests who have yet to find a place for the holiday. Dor and I have donated 260 USD of our own money to make the event possible for as many people to attend.

We will be inviting:

One day Dor and I hope to be in the position where we can offer events like these entirely at our expense, but we are still a young couple trying our best in life. We promise to create a unique experience for our guests and to make sure they feel welcomed, feel the holiday spirit, and feel a sense of togetherness which is what the Jewish community is all about.

For the purpose of full transparency we have calculated that with our 260 USD donation, it will cost us $2600 USD to invite 30 guests to join this holiday event which will take place on a rooftop in Tel Aviv on Rosh Hashsana (Friday the 15th). The funds generated from this campaign will be used for food, drinks, rooftop rental, su chef, cleaner, chef, and two waitresses. It will cost us around 86 USD per person to attend the event so any donation you can make will bring us closer to our goal of inviting 30 guests this holiday. Thank you so much and HAPPY NEW YEAR!