As Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, draws near, there has been a rising demand for services at Israel's kibbutzim, and other traditionally secular communities.
The B'ayin Yehudit - "With a Jewish Eye" - organization, which seeks to strengthen Jewish identity in southern Israel throughout the year, has noted an increase in communities who desire to join the ‘circle of Jewish identity and spirit’ this year.
Rabbi Moshe Black, director of the organization, says that in light of numerous requests from the kibbutz and moshav movements this year, there is a great need for volunteers to participate in, and lead prayers, in these communities.
"While we have assigned volunteers to dozens of these communities, dozens more are desperately needed," Rabbi Black told Arutz Sheva.
"These days," Rabbi Black said. "The kibbutz has opened the door to discover Judaism and good will is required of us. We need knowledgeable leaders for services, please come and join the special spirit of the holiest day of prayer."
Religious youth groups, Bnai Akiva and Ezra send their members to secular neighborhoods, kibbutzim and moshavim every year to lead Yom Kippur services, as do many religious Zionist high schools.
"There's no reason we should leave a single Jew without services [on Yom Kippur]," Rabbi Black added.
In addition, Jewish Eye has launched a Succah building initiative for kibbutzim and moshavim in southern Israel. Rabbi Black told Arutz Sheva there is a need for both volunteers to build Succot, and the Succot themselves.
Those interested in volunteering to help with Yom Kippur prayers or the Succot initiative can contact Jewish Eye at 0525-361114.