12th Annual Women's Study Day at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem
Masorti Women in Israel and their Diaspora sisters who are visiting Israel are invited to the 12th Annual Women's Study Day at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, on Friday June 17, 2011 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. The theme of the study day is "Circles, Cyles and Change: Jewish Women Leading the Way."
The event will feature lectures by Israel's top scholars on Jewish Women and Gender Studies (including Schechter faculty) in four languages: Hebrew, English, Spanish, Russian. Please click here to download the full program, and here for biographies of lecturers. For more information, you can contact wleague@masorti.org.
Organized by Women's League for Conservative Judaism in cooperation with the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies and the Masorti Movement, with the generous support of the JUF/Jewish Federations of Metropolitan Chicago and the Dorot Foundation.
Check out Conservative Yeshiva's new Shavuot E-Shiur
This shiur (lesson) by Rabbi Hillel Hayyim Lavery-Yisraeli discusses the establishment of the date of Shavuot, which is not prescribed by the Torah. Click here to find out why this is and how we know when to celebrate this important holiday!
The E-shiur can be downloaded in pdf and printed out, for your convenience. The sources in the original (Hebrew and Aramaic) with translation into English can be downloaded here.
If you have not yet signed up for regular Conservative Yeshiva mailings, please click here to do so.
Shavuot All Night Study Session at Jerusalem's Fuchsberg Center
A time-honored tradition for the first night of Shavuot is to spend all night studying, then join in journey to the Kotel for shacharit services as dawn breaks. Spend Erev Shavuot at Fuchsberg, preparing to receive Torah anew with a variety of educators.
- 10:30 p.m: Introduction:
Rabbi Edward S. Romm, Director of Education, Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. - 10:45 p.m: The Book of Ruth - Contemporary Lessons
Peta Jones Pellach, Dir. Of Educational Activities, the Elijah Interfaith Institute OR -
10:45 p.m: Bet Midrash Studies in Hebrew with Rabbi Sidney Slivko, Sr. Educator:
משה קבל תורה -- מסר, מסירה ומסורת ממתן תורה ועד ימינו - 12:00 a.m: The Halachah Behind the Law: How Conflict Will Save the Torah
Rabbi Sidney Slivko (English) - 1:15 a.m: From Creating to Chaos: A Look at Parents and Children.
Rabbi Edward S. Romm - 2:30 a.m: A Variety of Optional Workshops
Led by Conservative Movement Rabbinical Students Hillary Blank, Josh Dorsh, and Josh Foster. - 4:00 a.m: Walk to the Kotel (Services are organized by the Masorti Movement)
Celebrate Shavuot at Robinson's Arch with Sunrise Davning
On Shavuot morning, all are invited to join the Masorti Movement for sunrise davening / torah reading at Robinson's Arch (Kotel HaMasorti)! For more information, of if you would like to read Torah, Haftarah, or Megilat Ruth - please let Rabbi Andrew Sacks know at raisrael1 @ yahoo.com.
Conservative Yeshiva 2011 Summer Program Announced!
USCJ's Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem will be offering two three-week sessions for it's summer program this year: July 3 to 21 and July 24 to August 1. Sessions will not be repetitive – you may attend either or both sessions.
The program includes:
- Five levels of Hebrew Ulpan each morning
- Beginning and Advanced Talmud - intensive each morning
- Classes in Rabbinic Texts, Tanach, Tefillah, & Halacha
- A chance to be part of a diverse learning community
- Daily Shaharit and Mincha minyan plus skills workshops
Click here to view class schedules and descriptions as well as tuition and sign-up information.
Conservative Yeshiva Students and Faculty Help Glean Produce for the Needy
Rabbi Gail Diamond, assistant director of the Conservative Yeshiva wrote this report after 30 CY students, faculty and family members went on a gleaning trip with Leket Israel on May 5.
Leket Israel is the country's largest food bank and food rescue network. Recently, a group from the Conservative Yeshiva participated in Leket Israel's Project Leket, in which volunteers glean produce (that has been donated or that would otherwise be left to rot) from farms across Israel.
We gathered potatoes with a school group that was there. After about 40 minutes work in full sun, we had picked all the main stuff and we spend another approx 30 minutes really gleaning and finding what was left. They said we picked 1400 kilos, enough to provide 3 kilos to 400 families for the week.
It was very hot and we were grateful that the madrich from Leket Israel asked us to stop by 1:30 pm. The madrich Amir was terrific and really gave people a sense of what we were doing and its importance.
We then went to picnic in Yaar Hulda on the way home, and arrived back here at the Yeshiva only 5 minutes after our planned time, and davenned mincha here.
I think people enjoyed themselves. It was nice to have parents of two students join us.
Greetings from the President of the State of Israel to the Jewish Communities in the Diaspora on the occasion of Israel’s 63rd Independence Day - via MERCAZ USA
President Shimon Peres (GPO archive photo from www.mfa.gov.MFA)
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate 63 years of statehood, we can look back on the historic miracle of the birth of a nation – the State of Israel. And we can laud one of our greatest leaders, David Ben-Gurion, for declaring the establishment of a Jewish state – a homeland – one momentous day in May 1948. Immediately afterward we were attacked – outmanned, outnumbered, outgunned.
From the debris of the War of Independence arose one of the best and most moral armies in the world. The desert turned into a model of state-of-the-art agriculture admired by all. Israel’s development in fields such as hi-tech, science, technology and medicine has placed her at the forefront of advances in these areas the world over.
On the day of the proclamation of the State of Israel, it was stated that this newly founded nation would be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel. We abide by the Jewish code of moral values instilled in us...
For the rest of the speech, please click here.
Go Global, Go Local With The Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages
Friends,
Are you taking advantage of the Project Reconnect Yellow Pages?
The Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages, provides a compelling experience for both North Americans and Israelis who are searching for businesses, professions and services in Israel that will help them live their daily lives more richly and efficiently. My own son, Giddy, "the electrician", can testify to the success he has had upon signing up to the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages.
Explore, stay connected and "advertise" now, to local Israelis, tourists, long term and short term visitors to Israel and consumers from abroad, through the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages. The categories are rich and varied. They are just awaiting you.
Help us to support our own. Go to www.projectreconnect.org/yellow_pages/ and sign up today.
Contact me, Rabbi Paul Freedman, rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org if you have any questions or for further information regarding the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages.
Rabbi Paul Freedman
International Liaison, Project Reconnect
59 King George Street, Jerusalem, Israel. Telephone: 02 6256205, Mobile:052 604 8292, Fax:02 6222254
rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org
Nativ Earns Top Score in Gap Year Programs Survey
We are pleased to announce the results of an evaluation conducted of the Nativ College Leadership Program in the 2009-2010 year. All MASA programs received the same evaluation conducted by an outside source hired by Masa and the Jewish Agency.
The results are extremely positive with regards to all aspects of the Nativ program. Most notably, Nativ received the highest markings in the following categories: knowledge of the land of Israel, volunteering with the Israeli population, exposure to Israeli culture and art, pre-arrival preparation, and education throughout the year. Comparisons were made with other gap year programs of a similar nature as well as with all MASA programs, and Nativ scored highest in all of those categories, amongst many others.
Click here to find out more.
"Fire the Racist Rabbis" - Rabbi Andrew Sacks
Rabbi Andrew Sacks
Director of the Masorti Movement's Rabbinical Assembly Rabbi Andrew Sacks has a scathing new blog post. He writes "Our religion demands that we fight prejudice and provide for the weak of all peoples. For this very reason I was deeply shocked and appalled to read of an edict signed by scores of Israeli rabbis forbidding the rental, or the sale, of homes or apartments to non-Jews (read: Arabs). Only a short time earlier, the revered former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav Ovadia Yosef, stated, 'Goyim were born only to serve us. Without that, they have no place in the world – only to serve the People of Israel.'
Soon after, a letter was been issued by twenty seven Rebbizens (wives of Israeli rabbis) calling upon Jewish women not to work in places where Arabs are employed and not to volunteer for national service with them. The letter indicates that the Arab men will act nicely but, once in their clutches, their behavior 'will turn into curses, beatings, and humiliations.' Just imagine if European religious leaders were to say this about citizens having contact with Jews."
Read the full article at the Masorti Matters blog.
The 2011 Masorti Convention in Jerusalem
Opposition Leader MK Tzipi Livni of the Kadima Party
Likudnik Gideon Saar, Minister of Education
Over three hundred delegates - chairs of kehillot from all over the country, rabbis, leaders of NOAM and MAROM and many volunteers - participated in the Masorti movement convention, held at Beit Avi Chai in Jerusalem.
It was a convention of a vibrant and growing movement. Five new congregations started up this year. The NOAM youth movement has grown impressively and is a source of great pride. The Masorti movement became an important factor in public discourse in Israel over the past year, and this was well reflected in the contents of the convention, with three key political leaders greeting conference participants: Minister of Education Gideon Saar (Likud), Social Services Minister Isaac Herzog (Labor) and opposition leader MK Tzipi Livni (Kadima). (Herzog is among the Labor Party MKs who have since left the government.)
"This was a conference like no other," concluded one of the participants. "You could feel that something good happened to the Masorti movement. There was electricity in the air. There is a great awakening, a desire to join the activity, and there is hope. I wish we succeed. We can!” Please view the whole article here.
Conversion Bill Update from the USCJ Leadership
Dear Friends:
We are all pleased to share with you the news that the government of Israel has agreed to a further moratorium on the Rotem bill, the controversial bill that would increase the ultra-Orthodox establishment’s hold on conversion, to extend until July 1, 2011. During that time no further action on this legislation, which we so strongly oppose, will take place. During this period, Masorti and the Reform movement also will suspend efforts related to certain pending litigation concerning the registration of those converted by the Masorti and Reform movements.
During this moratorium, Natan Sharansky, chair of the Jewish Agency, will continue efforts to develop a broad consensus. Israel’s cabinet secretary, Tzvi Hauzer, who has represented the prime minister in our deliberations, also will continue to be involved on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
There are two more significant points worth noting. One is that our representatives were told that Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beitenu party, agreed with this moratorium, and that it was the clear position of the government. The second is that the agreement includes the creation of an official professional working group that will address bureaucratic delays and obstacles encountered by converts whom the non-Orthodox movements believe already are clearly entitled to full status under existing Israeli law. This working group will be headed by the chair of the Jewish Agency and the cabinet secretary and will include representatives of various government ministries. It also will include representatives of the Masorti and Reform movements. The creation of this working group, and its official inclusion of representatives of non-Orthodox movements, is a positive development.
In reporting on these developments, we must say thank you and especially note the leadership of Natan Sharansky in Israel and of Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, on this continent.
Also, thanks to all of you whose efforts helped demonstrate to the government of Israel the critical importance of these issues.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO
Richard Skolnik
International President
Recommended Viewing from the President of USCJ
USCJ President Richard Skolnik personally recommends this moving tribute to the Jewish Homeland, entitled "I Am Israel." Please enjoy and share with your friends!
President Skolnik
Check out the Masorti "Yellowpages" Ad
The Masorti Movement in Israel has published a thought-provoking new ad. The "Yellowpages" style blurb features noted Torah scholars like Rashi and Rambam listed with their profession, challenging the notion that a great Torah scholar can't hold down a job. The ad can be found in the original Hebrew here.
New: Regular Friday Night Services in Petach Tikva
Kabalat Shabbat will now be held at the new Conservative Congregation of Petach Tikva every Friday at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
The synagogue is located at Payis Center, 11 Meisner St., Petach Tikva. Feel free to contact Naama at
facebook.com/naama.bg or Yoel at bg.yoel@gmail.com for more details.
Masorti Foundation wins prestigious prize for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
Masorti's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs has been recognized by one of Israel’s foremost national social service organizations working to support and highlight the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Masorti program – unique in Israel – has won the coveted 2010 Shalem Foundation Excellence Prize, awarded each year to a project, program or staff benefiting this population. The Shalem Foundation was established in 1983 by the Center of Local Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare.
The Shalem Foundation described the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs as an innovative model and a break-through, citing its role in pioneering the development and utilization of state-of-the-art alternative communications devices, such as computerized sound kits; sign language for Torah reading; and visual pedagogy. In addition to readying youngsters for group bnai mitzvah, which take place in Masorti kehillot, the program also provides a course of Jewish enrichment, lasting three to six months, through the special needs schools the children attend. Eligible children are identified by their schools, and the Masorti movement provides all services, including teacher training, at no cost to the schools or to the families.
Read more here.
Limited Civil Marriage Law coming to Israel, Masorti Movement CEO wants to expand its scope
The Knesset Law Committee on Wednesday approved an NIS 600 registration fee for individuals who want a civil marriage, paving the way for the implementation of the law allowing the procedure in the next few days.
The law will permit non-Jewish Israelis, or citizens defined by the state as lacking religious denomination, to have a civil marriage and be recognized as a married couple.
Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Conservative Movement, said in response to the Knesset’s decision Wednesday, “Not with ease, but in honesty, we wish to congratulate MK David Rotem on the Law Committee’s decision this morning.
The fact that in the State of Israel there is now an official role to manage the registration of civil marriages will pave the way for – and for this we are fighting – an expansion of the civil unions law to include all those who wish to marry [via an artery] other than through the Chief Rabbinate.
“Currently, and absurdly, only those who can show a certificate saying that they are ‘without denomination’ can benefit from the law, but we will fight to change this. I’m not sure if he meant to do it, but MK Rotem built the framework for the establishment of civil marriage in Israel,” said Hess.
Please read the entire article at the Jerusalem Post's website
The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center's "Kol Haot"
Kol Haot is an offering of the Fuchsberg Center to help United Synagogue affiliated groups visiting Israel enhance and enrich their experience. Designed by well known artists, David Moss and Rabbi Matt Berkowitz, the program utilizes the arts to help touch the individual's emotions and affect. The goal of the program is to stimulate the participants to use their creative spirit to think and feel about their time in Israel and consider how it might affect their lives.
On Friday morning, July 8, a group gathered at the Fuchsberg Center to participate in the Kol Haot experience. From the beginning moments the enthusiastic participants were guided to use their own creative energies to interpret values and narratives through visual and literary arts. The participants walked away an hour and a half later with words like. "Wow!," Amazing!", '"Transformative" and "Electrifying." To take advantage of Kol Haot, and for more information, please email KolHaot@gmail.com
"What we need is an Enlightened Judaism, one that accepts truth wherever it may be found".
Rabbi Reuven Hammer
Rabbi Reuven Hammer has a fascinating Op-Ed in the Jerusalem Post inspired by a Holiday visit to the US.
"But among all too many Israelis there is an aversion to religion, sometimes bordering on intense dislike. Yet, like it or not, Judaism throughout its history has been based on religious tradition. Take it away, and the heart of our being has been removed.
I am not expecting all Israelis to suddenly become observant and believing Jews. And I certainly do not want to do anything that would compel anyone to do so. But I am concerned to remove the barriers that stand between Jews and Judaism and to abolish the misapprehension of what the Jewish religion is...
The full article is available at http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/PersonalNotes/Article.aspx?id=191381.
Israel Internet Resource Guide
Produced by the USCJ Israel Commission & The Department for Zionist Activities, WZO
A resource list to help you in finding and developing meaningful Israel and Zionist programs.
Current Issue of "Today's Israel"
Visit www.uscj.org/todaysisrael for the latest issue.
The MAROM Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice Academic Program
The Conservative Movement presents....a new study abroad option! A special track at Ben Gurion University in Sustainable Development, presented in cooperation with the Masorti Movement. Click here for an application and details!
Planning to visit Israel?
Project reconnect is committed to bringing "neshama" to our movement and to truly making you feel at home in our spiritual Homeland. Alumni, friends of alumni or even acquaintances of alumni who are planning a trip to Israel should contact Rabbi Paul Freedman at rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. Rabbi Paul and his wife Nina are committed to your not feeling like a tourist when coming to Israel but at home, amongst family, beginning with a visit to their home in Jerusalem (schedule permitting) and to our Jerusalem Fuchsberg Center, the home of the Conservative movement in Israel.
Reaching out to Alumni
We are still enrolling alumni from USY, Atid, Nativ, Koach, and the Conservative Yeshiva who have made aliyah. Anyone knowing of someone, please send his/her name and e-mail to Rabbi Paul Freedman rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. It is amazing how many of our alumni have made aliyah and we are now "reconnecting.
Welcoming new Olim and supporting potential Olim
At the very beginning, Project Reconnect-Israel adopted as one of its goals reaching out to anyone contemplating aliyah and to do whatever we can to assist them, in addition to the other agencies that do this. Recently, the Masorti Movement asked Rabbi Freedman to voluntarily serve as its Kesher for matters relating to aliyah and klitah (absorption). To this end, if you know anyone who is thinking about making aliyah please send his/her name and mail to Rabbi Paul (see above). Often an email from Jerusalem while the individual/family is considering aliyah as an option is especially welcome. The first communication will always contain an invitation to the Freedman's home in Jerusalem for some good food and good talk.
A final thought from the Rabbi
We in Israel really want to hear from you in North America... and welcome any ideas, thoughts and suggestions you might have for how we can increased the relationship between our two communities. Just drop an email to Rabbi Paul at rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org
Project Reconnect is an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) that seeks to identify and attract alumni of USY, Nativ, Koach, the Conservative Yeshiva, Atid, and related programs in order to reconnect with other alumni and with the USCJ.
The Project Reconnect website is dedicated to Jerry Gottesman (1936-2004) - Mentor, Mensch, Technical Guru and Advocate of Project Reconnect.
On Shavuot morning, all are invited to join the Masorti Movement for sunrise davening / torah reading at Robinson's Arch (Kotel HaMasorti)! For more information, of if you would like to read Torah, Haftarah, or Megilat Ruth - please let Rabbi Andrew Sacks know at raisrael1 @ yahoo.com.
Conservative Yeshiva 2011 Summer Program Announced!
USCJ's Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem will be offering two three-week sessions for it's summer program this year: July 3 to 21 and July 24 to August 1. Sessions will not be repetitive – you may attend either or both sessions. The program includes:
- Five levels of Hebrew Ulpan each morning
- Beginning and Advanced Talmud - intensive each morning
- Classes in Rabbinic Texts, Tanach, Tefillah, & Halacha
- A chance to be part of a diverse learning community
- Daily Shaharit and Mincha minyan plus skills workshops
Click here to view class schedules and descriptions as well as tuition and sign-up information.
Conservative Yeshiva Students and Faculty Help Glean Produce for the Needy
Rabbi Gail Diamond, assistant director of the Conservative Yeshiva wrote this report after 30 CY students, faculty and family members went on a gleaning trip with Leket Israel on May 5.
Leket Israel is the country's largest food bank and food rescue network. Recently, a group from the Conservative Yeshiva participated in Leket Israel's Project Leket, in which volunteers glean produce (that has been donated or that would otherwise be left to rot) from farms across Israel.
We gathered potatoes with a school group that was there. After about 40 minutes work in full sun, we had picked all the main stuff and we spend another approx 30 minutes really gleaning and finding what was left. They said we picked 1400 kilos, enough to provide 3 kilos to 400 families for the week.
It was very hot and we were grateful that the madrich from Leket Israel asked us to stop by 1:30 pm. The madrich Amir was terrific and really gave people a sense of what we were doing and its importance.
We then went to picnic in Yaar Hulda on the way home, and arrived back here at the Yeshiva only 5 minutes after our planned time, and davenned mincha here.
I think people enjoyed themselves. It was nice to have parents of two students join us.
Greetings from the President of the State of Israel to the Jewish Communities in the Diaspora on the occasion of Israel’s 63rd Independence Day - via MERCAZ USA
President Shimon Peres (GPO archive photo from www.mfa.gov.MFA)
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate 63 years of statehood, we can look back on the historic miracle of the birth of a nation – the State of Israel. And we can laud one of our greatest leaders, David Ben-Gurion, for declaring the establishment of a Jewish state – a homeland – one momentous day in May 1948. Immediately afterward we were attacked – outmanned, outnumbered, outgunned.
From the debris of the War of Independence arose one of the best and most moral armies in the world. The desert turned into a model of state-of-the-art agriculture admired by all. Israel’s development in fields such as hi-tech, science, technology and medicine has placed her at the forefront of advances in these areas the world over.
On the day of the proclamation of the State of Israel, it was stated that this newly founded nation would be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel. We abide by the Jewish code of moral values instilled in us...
For the rest of the speech, please click here.
Go Global, Go Local With The Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages
Friends,
Are you taking advantage of the Project Reconnect Yellow Pages?
The Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages, provides a compelling experience for both North Americans and Israelis who are searching for businesses, professions and services in Israel that will help them live their daily lives more richly and efficiently. My own son, Giddy, "the electrician", can testify to the success he has had upon signing up to the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages.
Explore, stay connected and "advertise" now, to local Israelis, tourists, long term and short term visitors to Israel and consumers from abroad, through the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages. The categories are rich and varied. They are just awaiting you.
Help us to support our own. Go to www.projectreconnect.org/yellow_pages/ and sign up today.
Contact me, Rabbi Paul Freedman, rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org if you have any questions or for further information regarding the Project Reconnect Israel Yellow Pages.
Rabbi Paul Freedman
International Liaison, Project Reconnect
59 King George Street, Jerusalem, Israel. Telephone: 02 6256205, Mobile:052 604 8292, Fax:02 6222254
rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org
Nativ Earns Top Score in Gap Year Programs Survey
We are pleased to announce the results of an evaluation conducted of the Nativ College Leadership Program in the 2009-2010 year. All MASA programs received the same evaluation conducted by an outside source hired by Masa and the Jewish Agency.
The results are extremely positive with regards to all aspects of the Nativ program. Most notably, Nativ received the highest markings in the following categories: knowledge of the land of Israel, volunteering with the Israeli population, exposure to Israeli culture and art, pre-arrival preparation, and education throughout the year. Comparisons were made with other gap year programs of a similar nature as well as with all MASA programs, and Nativ scored highest in all of those categories, amongst many others.
Click here to find out more.
"Fire the Racist Rabbis" - Rabbi Andrew Sacks
Rabbi Andrew Sacks
Director of the Masorti Movement's Rabbinical Assembly Rabbi Andrew Sacks has a scathing new blog post. He writes "Our religion demands that we fight prejudice and provide for the weak of all peoples. For this very reason I was deeply shocked and appalled to read of an edict signed by scores of Israeli rabbis forbidding the rental, or the sale, of homes or apartments to non-Jews (read: Arabs). Only a short time earlier, the revered former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav Ovadia Yosef, stated, 'Goyim were born only to serve us. Without that, they have no place in the world – only to serve the People of Israel.'
Soon after, a letter was been issued by twenty seven Rebbizens (wives of Israeli rabbis) calling upon Jewish women not to work in places where Arabs are employed and not to volunteer for national service with them. The letter indicates that the Arab men will act nicely but, once in their clutches, their behavior 'will turn into curses, beatings, and humiliations.' Just imagine if European religious leaders were to say this about citizens having contact with Jews."
Read the full article at the Masorti Matters blog.
The 2011 Masorti Convention in Jerusalem
Opposition Leader MK Tzipi Livni of the Kadima Party
Likudnik Gideon Saar, Minister of Education
Over three hundred delegates - chairs of kehillot from all over the country, rabbis, leaders of NOAM and MAROM and many volunteers - participated in the Masorti movement convention, held at Beit Avi Chai in Jerusalem.
It was a convention of a vibrant and growing movement. Five new congregations started up this year. The NOAM youth movement has grown impressively and is a source of great pride. The Masorti movement became an important factor in public discourse in Israel over the past year, and this was well reflected in the contents of the convention, with three key political leaders greeting conference participants: Minister of Education Gideon Saar (Likud), Social Services Minister Isaac Herzog (Labor) and opposition leader MK Tzipi Livni (Kadima). (Herzog is among the Labor Party MKs who have since left the government.)
"This was a conference like no other," concluded one of the participants. "You could feel that something good happened to the Masorti movement. There was electricity in the air. There is a great awakening, a desire to join the activity, and there is hope. I wish we succeed. We can!” Please view the whole article here.
Conversion Bill Update from the USCJ Leadership
Dear Friends:
We are all pleased to share with you the news that the government of Israel has agreed to a further moratorium on the Rotem bill, the controversial bill that would increase the ultra-Orthodox establishment’s hold on conversion, to extend until July 1, 2011. During that time no further action on this legislation, which we so strongly oppose, will take place. During this period, Masorti and the Reform movement also will suspend efforts related to certain pending litigation concerning the registration of those converted by the Masorti and Reform movements.
During this moratorium, Natan Sharansky, chair of the Jewish Agency, will continue efforts to develop a broad consensus. Israel’s cabinet secretary, Tzvi Hauzer, who has represented the prime minister in our deliberations, also will continue to be involved on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
There are two more significant points worth noting. One is that our representatives were told that Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beitenu party, agreed with this moratorium, and that it was the clear position of the government. The second is that the agreement includes the creation of an official professional working group that will address bureaucratic delays and obstacles encountered by converts whom the non-Orthodox movements believe already are clearly entitled to full status under existing Israeli law. This working group will be headed by the chair of the Jewish Agency and the cabinet secretary and will include representatives of various government ministries. It also will include representatives of the Masorti and Reform movements. The creation of this working group, and its official inclusion of representatives of non-Orthodox movements, is a positive development.
In reporting on these developments, we must say thank you and especially note the leadership of Natan Sharansky in Israel and of Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, on this continent.
Also, thanks to all of you whose efforts helped demonstrate to the government of Israel the critical importance of these issues.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Executive Vice President and CEO
Richard Skolnik
International President
Recommended Viewing from the President of USCJ
USCJ President Richard Skolnik personally recommends this moving tribute to the Jewish Homeland, entitled "I Am Israel." Please enjoy and share with your friends!
President Skolnik
Check out the Masorti "Yellowpages" Ad
The Masorti Movement in Israel has published a thought-provoking new ad. The "Yellowpages" style blurb features noted Torah scholars like Rashi and Rambam listed with their profession, challenging the notion that a great Torah scholar can't hold down a job. The ad can be found in the original Hebrew here.
New: Regular Friday Night Services in Petach Tikva
Kabalat Shabbat will now be held at the new Conservative Congregation of Petach Tikva every Friday at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
The synagogue is located at Payis Center, 11 Meisner St., Petach Tikva. Feel free to contact Naama at facebook.com/naama.bg or Yoel at bg.yoel@gmail.com for more details.
Masorti Foundation wins prestigious prize for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
Masorti's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs has been recognized by one of Israel’s foremost national social service organizations working to support and highlight the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Masorti program – unique in Israel – has won the coveted 2010 Shalem Foundation Excellence Prize, awarded each year to a project, program or staff benefiting this population. The Shalem Foundation was established in 1983 by the Center of Local Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare.
The Shalem Foundation described the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs as an innovative model and a break-through, citing its role in pioneering the development and utilization of state-of-the-art alternative communications devices, such as computerized sound kits; sign language for Torah reading; and visual pedagogy. In addition to readying youngsters for group bnai mitzvah, which take place in Masorti kehillot, the program also provides a course of Jewish enrichment, lasting three to six months, through the special needs schools the children attend. Eligible children are identified by their schools, and the Masorti movement provides all services, including teacher training, at no cost to the schools or to the families. Read more here.
Limited Civil Marriage Law coming to Israel, Masorti Movement CEO wants to expand its scope
The Knesset Law Committee on Wednesday approved an NIS 600 registration fee for individuals who want a civil marriage, paving the way for the implementation of the law allowing the procedure in the next few days.
The law will permit non-Jewish Israelis, or citizens defined by the state as lacking religious denomination, to have a civil marriage and be recognized as a married couple.
Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Conservative Movement, said in response to the Knesset’s decision Wednesday, “Not with ease, but in honesty, we wish to congratulate MK David Rotem on the Law Committee’s decision this morning.
The fact that in the State of Israel there is now an official role to manage the registration of civil marriages will pave the way for – and for this we are fighting – an expansion of the civil unions law to include all those who wish to marry [via an artery] other than through the Chief Rabbinate.
“Currently, and absurdly, only those who can show a certificate saying that they are ‘without denomination’ can benefit from the law, but we will fight to change this. I’m not sure if he meant to do it, but MK Rotem built the framework for the establishment of civil marriage in Israel,” said Hess.
Please read the entire article at the Jerusalem Post's website
The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center's "Kol Haot"
Kol Haot is an offering of the Fuchsberg Center to help United Synagogue affiliated groups visiting Israel enhance and enrich their experience. Designed by well known artists, David Moss and Rabbi Matt Berkowitz, the program utilizes the arts to help touch the individual's emotions and affect. The goal of the program is to stimulate the participants to use their creative spirit to think and feel about their time in Israel and consider how it might affect their lives.
On Friday morning, July 8, a group gathered at the Fuchsberg Center to participate in the Kol Haot experience. From the beginning moments the enthusiastic participants were guided to use their own creative energies to interpret values and narratives through visual and literary arts. The participants walked away an hour and a half later with words like. "Wow!," Amazing!", '"Transformative" and "Electrifying." To take advantage of Kol Haot, and for more information, please email KolHaot@gmail.com
"What we need is an Enlightened Judaism, one that accepts truth wherever it may be found".
Rabbi Reuven Hammer
Rabbi Reuven Hammer has a fascinating Op-Ed in the Jerusalem Post inspired by a Holiday visit to the US.
"But among all too many Israelis there is an aversion to religion, sometimes bordering on intense dislike. Yet, like it or not, Judaism throughout its history has been based on religious tradition. Take it away, and the heart of our being has been removed.
I am not expecting all Israelis to suddenly become observant and believing Jews. And I certainly do not want to do anything that would compel anyone to do so. But I am concerned to remove the barriers that stand between Jews and Judaism and to abolish the misapprehension of what the Jewish religion is...
The full article is available at http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/PersonalNotes/Article.aspx?id=191381.
Israel Internet Resource Guide
Produced by the USCJ Israel Commission & The Department for Zionist Activities, WZOA resource list to help you in finding and developing meaningful Israel and Zionist programs.
Current Issue of "Today's Israel"
Visit www.uscj.org/todaysisrael for the latest issue.
The MAROM Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice Academic Program
The Conservative Movement presents....a new study abroad option! A special track at Ben Gurion University in Sustainable Development, presented in cooperation with the Masorti Movement. Click here for an application and details!
Planning to visit Israel?
Project reconnect is committed to bringing "neshama" to our movement and to truly making you feel at home in our spiritual Homeland. Alumni, friends of alumni or even acquaintances of alumni who are planning a trip to Israel should contact Rabbi Paul Freedman at rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. Rabbi Paul and his wife Nina are committed to your not feeling like a tourist when coming to Israel but at home, amongst family, beginning with a visit to their home in Jerusalem (schedule permitting) and to our Jerusalem Fuchsberg Center, the home of the Conservative movement in Israel.
Reaching out to Alumni
We are still enrolling alumni from USY, Atid, Nativ, Koach, and the Conservative Yeshiva who have made aliyah. Anyone knowing of someone, please send his/her name and e-mail to Rabbi Paul Freedman rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org. It is amazing how many of our alumni have made aliyah and we are now "reconnecting.
Welcoming new Olim and supporting potential Olim
At the very beginning, Project Reconnect-Israel adopted as one of its goals reaching out to anyone contemplating aliyah and to do whatever we can to assist them, in addition to the other agencies that do this. Recently, the Masorti Movement asked Rabbi Freedman to voluntarily serve as its Kesher for matters relating to aliyah and klitah (absorption). To this end, if you know anyone who is thinking about making aliyah please send his/her name and mail to Rabbi Paul (see above). Often an email from Jerusalem while the individual/family is considering aliyah as an option is especially welcome. The first communication will always contain an invitation to the Freedman's home in Jerusalem for some good food and good talk.
A final thought from the Rabbi
We in Israel really want to hear from you in North America... and welcome any ideas, thoughts and suggestions you might have for how we can increased the relationship between our two communities. Just drop an email to Rabbi Paul at rabbipaul@projectreconnect.org
Project Reconnect is an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) that seeks to identify and attract alumni of USY, Nativ, Koach, the Conservative Yeshiva, Atid, and related programs in order to reconnect with other alumni and with the USCJ.
The Project Reconnect website is dedicated to Jerry Gottesman (1936-2004) - Mentor, Mensch, Technical Guru and Advocate of Project Reconnect.
|
|