2025 was a challenging and moving year, a year in which it was not possible to go on automatic and lead a normal routine life, as I perhaps wanted and prayed it would be.

It was a year that required us to stop, listen, be precise, and reexamine not only what we do – but from where we do it. For me, it was and still is a period of deep inquiry: Where am I heading? Which of my pursuits do I continue with and which do I not?

I came to know that my strong point is writing – an occupation that brings with it pleasure, expansion, and life. This is not just writing, but writing in the light of Scripture and in the light of God. Through this writing, I underwent a constant inquiry of values, boundaries, and intention. In some cases, I chose to act with fewer compromises and more inner truth.

This year in other areas of life, I slowed down. I strengthened certain areas and gave them extra attention. For example, my body, in the last two years experienced a decline in immunity. Illnesses that seemed so simple have stuck with me for days and even months. Therefore my body received full attention this year. I made sure to eat better and sleep more. I took nutritional supplements and tried to do good to my body. I tried to start every morning with gratitude, and to direct my heart before the day began.

I pray for moments of peace and serenity—in the coming year and in life as a whole. Here with my grandson Aviel Shalom.

Amidst all the voices around me this year, I chose to focus on YOUR voices. Amidst the complex reality in which we live, your choice to continue being with us – to read, listen, purchase, participate and trust – was not for a moment self-evident, nor taken for granted. Your loyalty is not just loyalty to a product or service, but loyalty to a path that has meaning, depth and faith – loyalty to the Word of God, to the Land of Israel, and to the Jewish people.

For this I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

More than once, an email I received or a personal message brightened my day and reminded me why I do what I do.

This year reminded me again that faith is not an abstract idea or a general statement.

The fact is the kidnapped captives finally did return home from Gaza! Many prayers and endless faith were part of this exhausting and painful process. Another fact is that the reservists who for two years served the country again and again, left their homes, their jobs and their livelihoods – thank God – returned home and are trying to rebuild a normal life.

I know; I am not deluding myself that the suffering is over. I know that there is no magic solution, and that the enemies are still as bitter and tough as ever. But we were given a respite, and for that I am very grateful.

I was born in 1966, and I almost do not remember life without war. The Six Day War, Yom Kippur, the 1st and 2nd Lebanon Wars. Military operations almost every year, and now the last and cursed Iron Swords. I feel that I need to take advantage of this time of respite and continue to thank and pray and beg for days of peace and blessings, of rest and a healthy routine.

I ask you with love: Please continue to pray for peace. Not for struggle, nor even victory, not for more geographical area. We all need peace more than anything else. I know and understand today with every inch of my being what we lose when we are busy with the struggle. How many lives were cut off? How many were wounded in body whose entire lives are needing to be restored? The wounded in soul cannot even be counted – tens of thousands and even more.

We get worn out when the heart gets accustomed to fighting instead of building. I believe that peace can happen when the intention of our hearts, together with a critical mass of people, is directed there. Not out of weakness, but out of a conscious choice of a different way – a way of responsibility, of listening with trust and faith and spirit. Faith is a daily act, and it is tested precisely in times of uncertainty, when the answers are not clear and the heart is asked to hold tension, pain and questions. Faith is the choice to continue acting with integrity even when it is difficult, to choose goodness even when it is less noticeable. Faith is the ability to remain connected to values ​​even when reality itself is cracked. Jesus came and made peace, and I want to continue his teaching of grace.

As we approach the New Year, I would like to wish you:

• A year of depth and clarity,
• A year of resilience and more precise choices,
• A year of renewed connection to what really matters.
• A year of love and lots of it.

May this be a year of meaningful living, of faith that sees miracles both visible and invisible along the way.

I thank you for your trust, for the shared path, and for the privilege of being part of your journey. We will continue to act with integrity, depth, and responsibility, out of faith in life, in man, and above all – faith in the Creator of the world.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

This is the peace I choose to pursue – not as a slogan, but as a way of life of faith, kindness, and responsibility.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!