The Kohen who didn't know about the Priestly Blessing – and the bullet that became a Star of David

Daniel Garon, a member of Kibbutz Revadim who grew up in the Hashomer Hatzair movement and became more religious after the army, describes the process of introducing Jewish tradition to the kibbutz. This year, a 73-year-old kibbutz member ascended for the Priestly Blessing for the first time in his life, and Garon's father prayed with him during Ne'ila. Meanwhile, the story is told of a bullet that created a Star of David shape at the gate of Kibbutz Gevim.

Daniel Garon, 39, a member of Kibbutz Revadim, recounts his return to religious observance and the introduction of Jewish tradition to the kibbutz, which was founded by the Hashomer Hatzair movement. After initial resistance, Yom Kippur prayers in the dining hall now attract a growing crowd. This year, an extraordinary moment occurred: a 73-year-old kibbutz member, who had never known about the Priestly Blessing, ascended to bless for the first time in his life. Garon's father, a veteran kibbutz member, sat beside him during the Ne'ila prayer and prayed with him for the first time. Meanwhile, the story is told of a bullet fired by terrorists at the gate of Kibbutz Gevim on October 7, whose impact left a Star of David shape. The author, Yedidia Meir, describes the symbolism of the bullet creating a Star of David, linking it to a Jewish awakening since October 7.