Special Guest November 2

Our weekly Shabbat service will be even more special on Saturday, November 2 when Amit Swisa, our new Israeli emissary will join us. Amit will give the D’var Torah that morning followed by a special kiddush lunch.

Here is an introduction to Amit:

Shalom, Greater Fairfield County! My name is Amit Swisa, and I am very excited to be your new emissary for the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County. I grew up in Pardesiya, Israel, with my family—four brothers and two amazing parents. My family comes from Morocco and Iraq, and I am proud of my heritage. Two of my older brothers also served as emissaries for Jewish Federations, and now, I am happy to continue this tradition and join your community.

After finishing high school, I decided to delay my military service to attend the Academy for Leadership, Ein-Prat in Kfar Adumim. There, I spent time studying Jewish texts, volunteering, living in a community, and traveling across Israel to connect more deeply with our land. I also had the chance to learn about North American Jewish life, visiting different communities in the U.S. and Canada, and meeting many inspiring people.

I served in the IDF’s artillery corps from 2019 until March of this year, working as a Combat Officer in a special unit. During my service, I led basic training and later became Vice Captain of a new platoon, where I was responsible for around 40 people.

I have also had some international experience, like working as a counselor at Camp Kadimah in Canada in 2018 and as a lifeguard at Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk, NY, this summer. These experiences helped me to connect with Jewish communities outside of Israel, and I am looking forward to bringing that same energy and excitement to Greater Fairfield County.

I am eager to make this community my second home, to share stories and experiences from Israel, and to get to know all of you. I look forward to having meaningful conversations, learning about your diverse backgrounds, and working together to strengthen our community. I can’t wait to meet everyone and start this journey together!