“Why Can’t Abba Be At My Bat Mitzva?“ The Impact of Extended Miluim Service on the Family and Community
Guest Speaker: Aharon Herskovitz
19:30 Sunday 10 August
In this talk, Aharon Herskovitz reflects on the emotional, relational, and communal impact of extended reserve duty through the lens of his personal experience as a father, husband, psychologist and communal rabbi. Drawing from both lived experience and clinical insight, he explores the challenges that arise when a parent is called away for weeks or months—missing milestones, struggling to reconnect, and navigating the complex transition back home. The talk addresses how children respond to absence, how families cope with repeated disruptions, and the vital role that communities play in supporting not only the soldier, but the entire family—both during and after their service. At its heart, the talk is also a message of resilience: how families adapt, reconnect, and grow stronger even in the face of ongoing uncertainty—and how moments of disconnection can ultimately become opportunities for deeper connection.
Aharon Herskovitz lives with his wife, Shira, and their five children in Kiryat HaSharon. Aharon grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, making aliya after high school and serving in a tank unit in the army as part of the hesder program through Yeshivat Har Etzion. After completing a degree in clinical psychology and semicha with the Israeli Rabbinate, the Herskovitzes travelled to London, England with the Jewish Agency, Mizrachi and Bnei Akiva UK, to work as the Rav and Rabbanit Shaliach of Bnei Akiva UK. Upon their return to Israel, they moved to Netanya, where they have lived for the last six years. Aharon is the rav of Kehillat Shevet Achim in Kiryat HaSharon and in private practice as a psychologist in Raanana.
Members pre-paid NIS 40
Members at door and Non-Members NIS 60
