tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72812015038096054402024-03-08T11:34:03.681+00:00Pro Zion NewsLatest news and copies of weekly e-mails from Pro Zion. We aim to keep you up to date on news and events related to Progressive Jews in Israel and Zionist events in the UK.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-32686835288809939842010-12-06T09:43:00.001+00:002010-12-06T09:43:31.141+00:00News Update<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername"></b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:Prozion1@aol.com">Prozion1@aol.com</a>></span><br>Date: Sun, Dec 5, 2010 at 6:16 PM<br> Subject: News Update<br>To: <a href="mailto:Prozion1@aol.com">Prozion1@aol.com</a><br><br><br> <div style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-size:10pt"><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Arial"> <div>Dear Members, <div><br></div> <div>Considering events in the north of Israel at the moment, we are sending a special email update this week to keep you informed about the tragedy and remarkable and ongoing efforts of our movement in Israel; who we have been in regular contact with. The recent update from the IMPJ has informed us that the fire fighters how seem to have the fire under control. Since the fire started, thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. The fire has claimed at least 42 lives and more than 4 million trees on nearly 10,000 acres of land. Israel is mourning for those they have lost, and aid for the victims is of the Movement's greatest concern at this moment. </div> <div><br></div> <div><b>During the weekend:</b></div> <div> <ul> <li>The IMPJ has been communicating with all the main agencies in charge of the crisis; agencies they have been in touch with since the Lebanon War in 2006. </li><li>The IMPJ congregation in Haifa and the Carmel (Or Chadash, Shirat Hayam, Ohel Avraham and Sulam Yaakov in Zikhron Yaacov) are in touch with their members and staff from the evacuated areas. They are all safe. <span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">The Leo Beck school assisted it's students from Tirat Carmel and Ussfiya that have been evacuated. The students and their families are all safe, and the majority of them have already returned home.</span> </li><li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma"></span><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">Congregation Ohel Avraham held Shabbat services and candle lighting in the firefighters' headquarters in Haifa university with the participation of hundreds of rescue workers and fire fighters.</span> </li><li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma"></span><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">The Leo Beck students packaged during the weekend, hundreds of kits with food and supplies for the fire fighters. The community center has been opened as a rest area for rescue workers.</span> </li><li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma"></span><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">Since this afternoon, Keren B'Kavod, with Leo Beck center are providing hundreds of hot meals for fire-fighters andrescue workers </span> </li></ul><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma"><b>In the next 24 hours</b>, a</span><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">s the focus in the North is moving from putting out the fire to rehabilitating the people and land that were affected we are adjusting to provide any help necessary.</span></div> <div> <ul> <li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">Noar Telem will assist Keren B'Kavod in packaging supplies for rescue workers and for displaced families.</span> </li><li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">Noar Telem will be heading north to organize activities for the displaced children from kibbutz Beit Oren and Ein Hod, who are now residing in Kibbutz Nachsholim. </span> </li><li><span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-family:Tahoma">Keren B'Kavod is now focusing on identifying needs for the future, with our staff on-the ground visiting the area in order to determine how we can best help in rehabilitation.</span> </li></ul> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Please pass this information around your communities. We have also attached a misheberach that was written by the IMPJ. FPJ, the UK's fundraising arm for Progressive Judaism in Israel, is organizing an appeal for which you can donate to. More information for this can be found at <a title="http://www.fpjie.org.uk/" href="http://www.fpjie.org.uk/" target="_blank">www.fpjie.org.uk</a>. Pro-Zion will send further updates throughout this crisis.</span></font></div></div> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse"><br></span></font></div> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">The Chair of the IMPJ wrote a couple of days ago asking us to reflect on the power of fire, for good and for evil, as we light the chanukah candles. We urge you to do the same and think about both the miracles of Chanukah and of the victims of the tragedy in Israel.</span></font></div> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse"><br></span></font></div> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Shavua Tov,</span></font></div> <div><font face="Tahoma"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Charlie, Daniel and all at Pro-Zion </span></font></div></div></font></div> </div><br> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-80620163822889413652010-12-05T23:04:00.001+00:002010-12-05T23:04:22.010+00:00Fwd: Update on the fire in the Carmel and on the IMPJ work<div class="gmail_quote"><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div dir="RTL"><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">Our dear friends</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">Few hours ago Israel homeland security minister announced the end of the massive operation to stop the fire in the Carmel area. The Israeli troops will remain in the area during the next few days and the overseas support teams will start their way home tomorrow morning.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">27 funerals were carried today across the country. All of the victims died on their way to save lives, including a sixteen years old fire troop volunteer from Haifa; a close friend of our NOAR TELEM group in Khilat Or Hadash. </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">Earlier today, we have asked Rabbi Gabi Dagan from Kehilat Ohel Avra'am in the Leo Beck center to share with us his fillings and thoughts. Gabbi was ordained this November in HUC Jerusalem. He grew up in a Modern Orthodox family in Hazor HaGlilit and served in the IDF as a Rabbi. In his reserve service during the second Lebanon War experienced many difficult moments as part of his duty to bring our soldieries to KEVER ISRAEL. Four years later in totally different circumstances he led his congregations in monuments of sadness and fear. When we asked him to write we didn't have any idea that his father was a fireman for more then 40 years. </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">I'm attaching a translation of Gabi's words and also the Hebrew version.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">The GMARA teaches us (Taa'nit 30 b) that those who mourn Jerusalem will rejoice with it while it is rebuilt. After 3 days of concern and mourning let us pray we will all celebrate with the rebuilding of the destroyed communities of Beit-Oren: Ein-Hod; Ein-Chod; Nir Etzion and Yemin Ord and with a flowered and green Carmel. </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy">Gilad and Yaron</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR"><font size="2" color="navy" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy"> </span></font></p> <div> <div> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold">עו"</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold">ד הרב גלעד</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold"> קריב</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green"><span dir="LTR" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:green;font-weight:bold"></span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold">התנועה הרפורמית </span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="teal" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:teal;font-weight:bold">│</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="blue" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue;font-weight:bold"> </span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold">יהדות מתקדמת</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green;font-weight:bold"> בישראל</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="green"><span dir="LTR" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:green;font-weight:bold"></span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" dir="LTR" style="text-align:right"><font size="3" color="blue" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:blue"> </span></font><font color="blue"><span lang="HE" dir="RTL" style="color:blue"></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><b><font size="2" color="blue" face="Times New Roman"><span dir="LTR" style="font-size:10.0pt;color:blue;font-weight:bold">Rabbi Gilad Kariv</span></font><font color="blue"><span lang="HE" style="color:blue"></span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><b><font size="2" color="blue" face="Times New Roman"><span dir="LTR" style="font-size:10.0pt;color:blue;font-weight:bold">Israel</span></font></b><b><font size="2" color="blue"><span dir="LTR" style="font-size:10.0pt;color:blue;font-weight:bold"> Movement for Progressive & Reform Judaism</span></font></b><b><font color="blue"><span dir="LTR" style="color:blue;font-weight:bold"></span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><span dir="RTL"></span><b><font size="3" color="blue" face="Times New Roman"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:12.0pt;color:blue;font-weight:bold"><span dir="RTL"></span> </span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="RTL" style="text-align:right;direction:rtl"><b><font size="2" color="blue" face="Arial"><span lang="HE" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue;font-weight:bold">טל': </span></font></b></p> </div></div></div></div></div> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-65111596641443862042010-12-05T15:22:00.001+00:002010-12-05T15:22:27.229+00:00IMPJ Update from Carmel fires<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Dear friends,</span></font><font face="Tahoma"><span lang="HE" dir="RTL" style="font-family: Tahoma; "></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">We are writing to update you with current news of the tragedy in the North of Israel. As thousands of people are displaced from their homes due to a massive wildfire, the fire fighters now seem to have the fire under control. The fire has claimed at least 42 lives and more than 4 million trees on nearly 10,000 acres of land. We are all in mourning for those we have lost, and aid for the victims is of the Movement's greatest concern at this moment.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="2" color="navy" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: navy; "> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <b><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold; ">During the weekend:</span></font></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <b><font size="2" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold; "> </span></font></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <b><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold; "> </span></font></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The IMPJ has been communicating with all of the main agencies in charge of the crisis: the government rescue head-quarters, the logistics center for the operation, the center for displaced families, and the mayors of Tirat Carmel and Ussfia. We have been in touch with these agencies since the Lebanon War in 2006</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="2" face="Tahoma"><span lang="HE" dir="RTL" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in; "><li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The IMPJ congregations in Haifa and the Carmel (Or Chadash, Shirat Hayam, Ohel Avraham and Sulam Yaakov in Zikhron Yaacov) are in touch with their members and staff from the evacuated areas. They are all safe. The Leo Beck school assisted it's students from Tirat Carmel and Ussfiya that have been evacuated. The students and their families are all safe, and the majority of them have already returned home.</span></font></li> <li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Congregation Ohel Avraham held Shabbat services and candle lighting in the firefighters' headquarters in Haifa university with the participation of hundreds of rescue workers and fire fighters.</span></font></li> <li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The Leo Beck students packaged during the weekend, hundreds of kits with food and supplies for the fire fighters. The community center has been opened as a rest area for rescue workers.</span></font></li> <li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; color: navy; "><font size="3" color="black" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: windowtext; ">Since this afternoon, Keren B'Kavod, with Leo Beck center are providing hundreds of hot meals for fire-fighters andrescue workers In the next 24 hours:</span></font><font face="Tahoma"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; "></span></font></li> </ul><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold; "> </span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; font-weight: bold; "> </span></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">As the focus in the North is moving from putting out the fire to rehabilitating the people and land that were affected we are adjusting to provide any help necessary.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in; "> <li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Noar Telem will assist Keren B'Kavod in packaging supplies for rescue workers and for displaced families.</span></font></li> <li class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Noar Telem will be heading north to organize activities for the displaced children from kibbutz Beit Oren and Ein Hod, who are now residing in Kibbutz Nachsholim. Keren B'Kavod is now focusing on identifying needs for the future, with our staff on-the ground visiting the area in order to determine how we can best help in rehabilitation.</span></font></li> </ul><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> In a few hours, the IRAC weekly newsletter will be published early to share this information as well as other updates with our vast group of supporters. If you have any information about relief efforts, please write to us immediately so that we may share this in the newsletter.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="2" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">In a few hours we will send you an article by Rabbi Gaby Dagan about his experience and insights from this weekend.</span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> <font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Thank you for your support, especially in times of great need.</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="2" color="navy" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: navy; "> </span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Yaron Shavit</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Anat Hoffman</span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font size="3" face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Gilad Kariv</span></font></p> </span> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-24025996499951711802010-07-05T11:16:00.003+00:002010-07-05T11:16:15.422+00:00World Zionist Congress - Ending with 2 Hatikvahs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "> <a href="http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-zionist-congress-ending-with-2.html" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); text-decoration: none; display: block; font-weight: normal; ">World Zionist Congress - Ending with 2 Hatikvahs</a></h3> <div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; ">So the World Zionist Congress is now over, and it seems that we managed to leave Jerusalem just as the city was being overrun and shut down (the journey to Tel Aviv still took an extra 40+ minutes). <br> <br>The last day of the WZC is primarily about the resolutions, and the votes which are held on all of them. The resolutions which have passed through the committee stage tend to advance relatively easily through the whole Congress. However, according to the antiquated WZC rules, a person can call for a Votum Separatum, which means that a rejected motion will still be voted on in the whole Congress, with the proposer generally speaking on its behalf at the beginning. <br> <br>For the group which I had been involved in, considering Zionist Education, there were 2 Votum Separatums on resolutions, which we had voted against. They were important items for us, and we had to make sure that they were defeated again, thankfully we were successful. <br> <br>During the voting it was clear that the pluralist, liberal parties had a majority of the votes on virtually all matters. And as members of the Orthodox right grew frustrated, towards the end of the session, a number of them invaded the stage to stall proceedings, and to sing Hatikvah. I do not think this was the Zionist dream Herzl had wanted us to pursue. And it provided a very disappointing picture: our way or no way. <br> <br>The disappointment of this spectacle, was tempered by two young Australian delegates, one from Habonim Dror, and one from Bnei Akiva. They took the stage and explained how they find ways to work together, even when they disagree; providing a wonderful model of pluralism. Hopefully it will be their voices leading our next generation. <br> <br>This was a disappointing recitation of the Hatikvah - a moment when the song was used to divide, rather than unite. But at the very end of the Congress, when we all stood together to sing Hatikvah, I felt a link back to the first Zionist Congress when this song was adopted as our anthem. It was a powerful moment. <br> <br>There were highs and lows during the course of the Congress. But despite all of that, there is something very inspiring about being a delegate at the same Congress, which Herzl founded in 1897. A lot has changed over the previous 113 years, much has been achieved and there is much left to do. We need to be worthy heirs to Herzl's vision; advancing the continued development of a pluralist, Jewish, democratic state.</div> </span> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-70943939770262301042010-07-05T11:16:00.001+00:002010-07-05T11:16:12.002+00:00World Zionist Congress – Catching up and the Voting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin-top: 0.25em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "> <a href="http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-zionist-congress-catching-up-and_17.html" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); text-decoration: none; display: block; font-weight: normal; ">World Zionist Congress – Catching up and the Voting</a></h3> <div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; ">So for the last two days with all of the meetings (and the lack of a reliable free wireless source in the hotel or the convention center) and various other things which have been going on, it has been impossible to get onto the internet to update the blog – I am sorry.<br> <br>To bring you up to speed, I have been in and out of meetings for the last two days. Some of them specifically relating to our Arzenu group (and the Reform movement), and in others which have been as a part of our combined faction with Labour and Meretz. It's been exhausting, as our meetings have begun at 7:30, and we have been working through until the late hours. <br> <br>It has been eye-opening to see the way that Zionist politics works, and it has been especially interesting to see the ways in which different groups vote together on some issues, and in opposition on other matters. <br> <br>Last night we also had the opportunity to hear President Shimon Peres and the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat, as we celebrated 150 years since Herzl's birth. <br><br>Right now, as I update the blog, we are voting in the resolution session, as the motions which were debated yesterday are being confirmed by a vote of all the delegates present at the World Zionist Congress. Right now a lot of the motions involve the rights of all streams of Judaism, and it is wonderful to watch as these motions, which we support, are being passed.</div> </span> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-47042983249765501052010-06-16T15:59:00.001+00:002010-06-16T15:59:52.594+00:00The World Zionist Congress – Being part of a world movementAnother reflection from Rabbi Danny Burkeman, Pro-Zion and Arzenu<br>representative at the World Zionist Congress<p>The World Zionist Congress – Being part of a world movement<br>In our joint faction meeting with Labour we heard today from<br>representatives of our groups from across the world.<p>In Britain we Reform Jews are a minority within a minority – it can be<br>difficult and sometimes demoralising. Being part of the Arzenu<br>delegation at the World Zionist Congress is a reminder that we are<br>part of an international movement, with members spread across the<br>world. We have allies and supporters around the globe, and we need to<br>find ways to work more closely together and to strengthen our bonds<br>and cooperation. It is always refreshing and inspiring to see Reform<br>Jews from across the globe.<p>We all face a range of different challenges and problems as a result<br>of our different national contexts. But there are some challenges and<br>problems which we all face together. Through cooperation and the<br>sharing of ideas we can face the future together, and continue to<br>advance the international message of Reform Judaism and Reform<br>Zionism.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-28457722946573829812010-06-16T15:58:00.001+00:002010-06-16T15:58:57.173+00:00The World Zionist Congress – Arzenu, Labour and MeretzAnother post taken from <a href="http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com">rabbidanny.blogspot.com</a><p>The World Zionist Congress – Arzenu, Labour and Meretz<br>This afternoon we had the first meeting of our new faction for the<br>Congress. Our Arzenu group have spent the last few years negotiating<br>with Labour to form a coalition, and more recently Meretz have joined<br>us. This means that we will together be the largest group at the<br>Congress, and it will further increase the influence we have.<p>This will be important for the work of the Zionist institutions,<br>however, it is equally, if not more important in relation to what it<br>means for our place in Israeli society. We in the Reform movement<br>remain a small percentage within Israeli society, but we are the<br>largest international stream of Judaism, and it is important that our<br>voice is heard within Israeli society. With Labour and Meretz we share<br>a broad vision of a Jewish democratic state, at peace with her<br>neighbours, and built on values of social justice and pluralism. It is<br>a partnership which is built on strong ideological foundations.<p>We in Arzenu have to use our voice, and strength, within the World<br>Zionist Congress to help our Israeli Reform movement. Through this<br>agreement we now have a formal partnership with two parties within the<br>Israeli Knesset, which can only help in the further establishment and<br>legitimisation of our movement here in Israel.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-51456609426684459182010-06-14T07:56:00.001+00:002010-06-14T07:56:45.120+00:00The World Zionist Congress - It's complicated...Another blog by Rabbi Danny Burkeman taken from <a href="http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/">http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/</a><p>The World Zionist Congress - It's complicated...<p>This afternoon we had a really interesting discussion about the<br>different ways in which our national Reform Zionist bodies responded<br>to the flotilla incident. Different countries had felt the need to<br>respond in different ways, with different agendas determining that<br>response. I was very aware that my response to the flotilla (see the<br>sermon below) was very much a response to the British national<br>context. It was not about speaking to a Reform Jewish community, it<br>was about addressing the issue for a Reform Jewish community against<br>the backdrop of the British media's negative portrayal of Israel.<p>The difficulty which we face revolves around what we do when we don't<br>agree 100% with the position, or approach, of the Government of<br>Israel. Do we voice complete support publicly out of a sense of<br>responsibility? Or are we comfortable to stand up and criticise?<p>I think it is important to always remember that our movement is the<br>heir to the prophetic tradition. When we see injustive we have an<br>obligation to speak out against it. But in the case of the Israeli<br>blockade of Gaza and the flotilla, the issue is far too complex to<br>offer 100% support or to criticise.<p>For those of us who live in the Diaspora we have to recognise that our<br>children are not drafted into the army, our families do not live in<br>daily fear of Hamas rockets, and no world leader is calling for the<br>destruction of the country in which we live. And therefore we can<br>attempt to influence Israel, we can offer help and we can try to<br>support her. But at the end of the day she has to pursue a just and<br>safe path for her and her citizens - and when she falters, we have to<br>be there to help pick her up.<p>I keep thinking about Herzl's words (appropriately as it is 150 years<br>since his birth) 'Im tirtzu, ein zo agadah' - 'If you will it, it is<br>no dream'. As Reform/Progressive/Liberal Zionists, we have a dream for<br>the State of Israel - secure in its borders, at peace with her<br>neighbours, a Jewish democratic state, and a country which serves as a<br>shining light for the rest of the world. Our job is to help her<br>citizens and Government to pursue that dream and vision.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-39133598054821775612010-06-12T23:05:00.001+00:002010-06-12T23:05:54.622+00:00The World Zionist Congress - How does the Diaspora impact upon IsraelThis post is by Pro-Zion delegate to the Congress, Rabbi Danny<br>Burkeman - it is taken from his blog at<br><a href="http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-zionist-congress-how-does.html">http://rabbidanny.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-zionist-congress-how-does.html</a><p>The World Zionist Congress - How does the Diaspora impact upon Israel<br>In the car to Jerusalem, an Israeli friend and I spent the journey<br>discussing (arguing) about the relationship between the Diaspora and<br>Israel. She just wanted us, in the Diaspora, to make the point that<br>Israel has a right to exist. For me that did not go far enough; we in<br>the Diaspora should be doing more than that. We need to be the front<br>line of Israel's PR defence. We didn't agree on this issue, but we did<br>agree it's complicated, and it left me once again thinking about the<br>role of the Diaspora in relation to Israel.<p>It was a very appropriate conversation on the way to the Arzenu<br>pre-WZC conference.<p>As I arrived at Beit Shmuel and saw the international group that had<br>gathered together it was a reminder of the fact that Israel can serve<br>as a source of unity for the Diaspora.<p>The first session I participated in was on the subject of the impact<br>the Diaspora has on Israel and Israel on the Diaspora. Listening to<br>the groups present their varied perspectives, it was clear to me that<br>it is a two way street and it is important that we allow, and ensure,<br>the traffic flows smoothly in both directions. We in the Diaspora are<br>stronger for having a State of Israel and hopefully we in turn<br>strengthen our shared Jewish homeland - and maybe that impact is<br>enough.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-9342443868276924582010-06-09T22:02:00.001+00:002010-06-09T22:02:39.168+00:00Pro-Zion Blog UpdateThough our weekly e-mails have still been going out the Pro-Zion blog<br>has been much neglected recently. It is being ressurected this week to<br>keep people up to date with our delegates at the World Zionist<br>Congress - we look forward to hearing all about their experiences over<br>the next week.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-25869110376565845292010-01-21T22:13:00.004+00:002010-01-21T22:23:34.607+00:00Recording of Anat Hoffman speaking about arrest of woman of the wallRecording of Anat Hoffman at Pro-Zion event held with Southgate Reform Synagogue on Thursday 26th November - Anat talks about the arrest of Nofrat Frankel and the history of women of the wall as well as the work of IRAC<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="85" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=10239491-7b0"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=10239491-7b0" width="335" height="85" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br /><br />Since this talk Anat has been called in for questioning by Jerusalem police. You can help the campaign for religious freedom by signing one of these petitions, one to President Simon Peres h<a href="ttp://www.petitiononline.com/ar012010/">ttp://www.petitiononline.com/ar012010/</a> and another on the IRAC website <a href="http://www.irac.org/petitionsign.aspx">http://www.irac.org/petitionsign.aspx </a><br /><br />Anat has also requested that you write to your local Israeli ambassador to express your displeasure - there is a sample letter here<a href="http://www.arzenu.org.il/profiles/blogs/letter-from-anat-hoffman-what"> http://www.arzenu.org.il/profiles/blogs/letter-from-anat-hoffman-what</a>Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-22893563838837526082010-01-21T21:54:00.001+00:002010-01-21T21:54:17.469+00:00Pro-Zion email, Anat Hoffman interrogated - resent...<div class="gmail_quote">Dear Members,<br> <br> There are three articles for you this week.<br> <br> 1. Anat Hoffman interrogated by police.<br> 2. Religious advocates decry Rabbinical statement calling conversion<br> reversible.<br> 3. Preventing mamzerot - at what cost? By Andrew Sacks<br> <br> We would like to particularly draw your attention to the first article.<br> Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of IRAC, and one of the founders of<br> Women of the Wall, was interrogated by police for her actions at the<br> Kottel. Anat is being investigated for committing a felony, with her<br> only crime as praying, reading from a Sefer Torah, and wearing a Talit.<br> Amazingly, the police overlook the violent abuse that this group<br> receive for exercising what is surely their right. If you agree that<br> this is an injustice, please find attached a pre-drafted letter and<br> send it to His Excellency Ron Prosor, Ambassador of Israel. It is<br> important that as Progressive Jews in the UK we show our support to our<br> Progressive friends in Israel and let the Israeli Government know that<br> we in the Diaspora would like to see an end to this Religious<br> discrimination. Please find the time and send the letter.<br> <br> Finally, the Institute of Jewish Policy Research has launched a new<br> survey online last week. This is the first survey of its kind asking<br> British Jewry about their thoughts and attitudes towards Israel. A<br> link to take part in the survey can be found on JPR's website<br> <a href="http://www.jpr.org.uk/index.php" target="_blank">http://www.jpr.org.uk/index.php</a>. ; This is a worthwhile project and we<br> hope you get the chance to take part.<br> <br> Shabbat Shalom to all,<br> Charlie, Daniel and all at Pro Zion<br> <br> <br> </div><br> Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-13371779079276575642008-11-10T23:26:00.001+00:002008-11-10T23:26:37.928+00:00Rabbi Miri Gold PetitionSign the petition at <a href="http://www.irac.org">www.irac.org</a><p>Shalom,<p>I was heartened to learn that over 3,500 people have signed the<br><a href="http://www.irac.org">www.irac.org</a> petition demanding recognition for Reform rabbis in Israel.<br>Our court case, which began in September, 2005, reflects the resolve of<br>the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism to be pro-active on issues<br>of religious pluralism in Israel. The Israel Religious Action Center has<br>brought our case to the court and raised awareness among Israeli<br>citizens who believe that Israel must be a democracy.<p>There is another facet that I'd like to call to your attention. I was<br>picked as the "test case" because Peter Weiss, the "mayor" of our Gezer<br>Regional Council, to which my home, Kibbutz Gezer, belongs, was willing<br>to stick his neck out, risk the wrath of the Orthodox (and it has rained<br>down hard!), and come to bat for us. He wrote to the Prime Minister's<br>Office, to the person managing the Department of Religious Affairs (in<br>the short oasis of time when there was no Ministry of Religious<br>Affairs), asking that Kibbutz Gezer, populated by liberal Jews, be<br>assigned a liberal rabbi. He pointedly added that there IS a liberal<br>rabbi at Gezer, who de facto serves the community, and that rabbi, Miri<br>Gold, be recognized and salaried by the State, just like the sixteen<br>Orthodox rabbis who serve other communities in the region.<p>I believe that Peter Weiss' willingness to write this letter of advocacy<br>stems from his connections with the Kansas City Jewish Community, which<br>"partners" with the Region. This partnership shows that our connections<br>to progressive Jewish communities outside of Israel and the influence<br>that they can make will make the difference.<p>We need your support to bolster this fledgling turning point, by sending<br>a clear message to the government of Israel that the majority of World<br>Jewry will not sit idly by while intolerance reigns in the Jewish<br>homeland. We're looking for at least 10,000 signatures. Please take an<br>active role as Jewish leaders in winning this battle.<p>Bivracha,<br>Rabbi Miri Gold<br>Kehilat Birkat Shalom, Kibbutz Gezer, IsraelPro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-58078688085280968262008-07-05T13:57:00.000+00:002008-07-05T13:58:06.842+00:00Our letter in the Jewish Chronicle - full versionDear Readers,<br>You may have noticed our letter in the Jewish Chronicle this week in <br>reply to a Rabbi Schochet piece. It was a much abridged version of the <br>full letter we wrote. We have published the full version below.<p>Sir,<br>We read with interest Rabbi Schochet's article on vetting your <br>childrens' dates but feel his list of no go Jews is by no means <br>comprehensive. Why stop at Reform Jews? We are sure there are a lot more <br>Jews we can declare treif. Perhaps your childrens' dates might come from <br>single parent families? That would need some checking. Or horror of <br>horrors actually come from Israel, where we recently learned of Orthodox <br>Jewish conversions disqualified by the tens of thousands. Perhaps we can <br>look forward to the day when Rabbi Schochet will be the only "Real Jew" <br>among us, or to paraphrase a memorable tabloid headline, "Will the last <br>Jew in Britain please turn out the lights". Perhaps as the last "Real <br>Jew" that honour will be left to Rabbi Schochet.<p>DN and CG<br>Co-Chairs Pro-Zion (Progressive Religious Zionists)Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-61124295655205378382008-06-23T17:26:00.001+00:002008-06-23T17:26:06.802+00:00Invitation to meet Arzenu Director Dalya LevyDear Friends,<p>You are invited to come and meet Dalya Levy, Executive Director of <br>Arzenu, who is visiting the UK next week. As well as meetings with <br>various leaders and youth in the UK Progressive Jewish Community she is <br>visiting three London congregations. Please do invite your <br>friends/congregants/members to any events, especially the Thursday <br>evening event.<p>Thursday 26th June, 8pm, at North Western Reform Synagogue (Alyth), <br>"Israel: 60 Years of Zionist Challenges – Then and Now"<br>Dalya Levy will be looking at the relationship between Israel and the <br>Diaspora over the last 60 years and where it may be headed in the <br>future. She is the Executive Director of Arzenu, the international <br>federation of Reform and Progressive Zionists. ARZENU, a member of the <br>World Zionist Organisation, is based in Jerusalem and works with <br>Progressive communities in Europe, the USA, South America, Australia and <br>South Africa.<p>Friday 27th June, 6.30pm at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, Dalya will <br>be giving a short address during the Kabbalat Shabbat Service.<p>Saturday 28th June, 10.30am at Southgate and District Reform Synagogue, <br>where Dalya will be giving the sermon.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-13340267833144699952008-05-07T21:49:00.001+00:002008-05-07T21:49:47.667+00:00Israel 60Yom Huledet Sameach<br>60 Years of the modern State of IsraelPro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-72567254114578545132008-05-06T21:07:00.001+00:002008-05-06T21:07:12.563+00:00update 25/04/08Dear Members,<p>Moadim L'Simcha to all. As Pesach draws to a close, please find <br>attached four articles for your interest. Sorry that it is more than <br>usual, it was difficult to choose only three.<p>1. We have the latest newsletter from the New Israel Fund, an <br>organisation that works to promote equality and social justice in Israel.<p>2. The first edition of the Chavruta newsletter since the very <br>recent revival of Chavruta-Chazon L'Yisrael; who describe themselves as <br>an independent national society for spiritual-cultural and <br>social-political reform. One of the members of the editorial board is <br>Dr. Michael Livni (from Kibbutz Lotan), one of the founders of the <br>Reform Zionist Kibbutzim in Israel, and one of the founders of the <br>Reform Zionist Movement. Dr. Livni is the author of numerous articles <br>on Progressive Zionism, and the author of Reform Zionism: Twenty Years – <br>An Educators Perspective. Of prominent interest in the newsletter is a <br>statement by the editorial board regarding the Israel Movement for <br>Progressive Judaism and Zionism.<p>3. An article reporting on the Pesach Seder for foreign workers, <br>organised by Beit Daniel, the Reform Community in Tel Aviv.<p>4. Finally, Rabbi Michael Marmur provides us with his Pesach <br>reflection on Chametz, Haredim and Liberal Democracy. You'll see what I <br>mean.<p> Don't forget that Yom Hatzmaut is fast approaching, you can still get <br>tickets for the ZF's gala show at the Wembley Box Office.<p>Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,<br>Charlie, Daniel and all at Pro ZionPro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-41430204439944930762008-05-06T21:06:00.000+00:002008-05-06T21:07:08.001+00:00Chavruta NewsletterCHAVRUTA NEWSLETTER No. 11 – February 2008/ Adar Aleph 5768<br>(Translation from the Hebrew – Shaul Vardi)<br>CHAVRUTA - CHAZON L'ISRAEL, is an independent national charted society <br>for spiritual-cultural and social-political reform.<p>Editorial Board: Editor: Dr. Michael Livni, (Kibbutz Lotan). Board <br>Members: Rabbi Ofek Meir<br>(Leo Baeck, Haifa), Osnat Elnatan (Kibbutz Tamuz - Beit Shemesh), Rabbi <br>Silvana Kandel (Kvutzat Shacharut - Yokneam)<p>A Statement by the Editorial Board<br>The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and Zionism<p>The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is in crisis - both <br>financial and ideological.<br>For a number of years the IMPJ has stood at a crossroads and must decide <br>regarding its path.<br> "For the children are come to the birth and there is not strength to <br>bring forth", Isaiah, 37:3.<p>Is the "Movement" first and foremost an organization of congregations <br>offering Reform religious services to its members and others? Or, <br>alternatively, does the Movement give expression to a unique <br>comprehensive Zionist approach with an action program to reform the <br>individual, the people and the world?<p>Today the trends in the Movement stand in contradiction one to another. <br>In general, the professionals in the Movement, most of the Executive and <br>many of the rank and file wish to adopt a movement definition (a <br>"brand") which sees the IMPJ not as a movement but as a religious stream <br>only.<p>"The IMPJ is a religious stream offering contemporary Jewish identity to <br>those who wish to renew their Judaism while maintaining a freedom of <br>choice in their way of life". (IMPJ, "M'Erech L'Derech, 2006)<p>Chavruta has a wider and more comprehensive vision. The proposed <br>Movement identity quoted above is a throwback to classic Reform, the <br>Kultusgemeinde, the ritual congregation of the Diaspora. Here in our <br>national home, we cannot limit the potential inherent within Reform with <br>its roots in prophetic Judaism to the ritual congregation. Our point of <br>departure must be a Zionist one -- Judaism is not only the religion of <br>the Jewish people but also its nationality and culture. Without <br>negating the congregational ritual functions, the IMPJ should offer <br>those joining it progressive social and cultural identity and <br>identification and commitment to initiatives furthering Israel as a <br>Jewish and democratic State. Above all we see the calling of the IMPJ as <br>an educational movement educating to Jewish-Zionist democratic commitment.<p>We note with satisfaction that the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) <br>furthers Zionist democratic reforms in Israeli society. The Center <br>utilizes mainly judicial action and within that area it has indeed made <br>its mark on Israeli society. To a large extent, however, IRAC functions <br>like a battery of artillery which prepares the ground within Israeli <br>society for "foot soldiers" to move in. But in fact, there are no "foot <br>soldiers". It is not within the power of purely legal activity to change <br>basic social order and values in Israeli society. This would <br>necessitate a movement and not only submission of petitions to the <br>Israeli High Court of Justice<p>Only a movement in the essential meaning of the term, i.e. a body with <br>ideas, ideals and an action program can constitute the base for the <br>"foot soldiers" so necessary today. The current budget of the IMPJ <br>serves the needs of congregations and not the needs of national movement <br>activity.<br> "Halukka"* Funding for the IMPJ until When?<br>Much of the ongoing expenses of the congregations are subsidized by <br>Diaspora Jewry. This situation is problematic both financially and <br>morally. True: Israel discriminates against the non- orthodox religious <br>streams. Nevertheless, it would be an illusion to believe that even <br>after this injustice has been rectified that the State will fund <br>congregations at their current level.<p>Admittedly, funding from the Diaspora is necessary for investments in <br>infrastructure and the development of the national work of the <br>Movement. However, is it credible that the financing of the ongoing <br>expenses of the congregations of the IMPJ should be comparable to the <br>way in which pre-Zionist "Halukka Jewry" was financed and whose mode of <br>existence was challenged by Zionism at its outset?<p>Chavruta sees itself as a Reform Zionist lobby both within the IMPJ and <br>without. For this purpose we are renewing publication of the "Chavruta <br>Newsletter" which was published in the years 2000 – 2002 (you may find <br>these newsletters on line at HYPERLINK "<a href="http://www.chavruta.org.il/">http://www.chavruta.org.il/</a>" <p><a href="http://www.chavruta.org.il">www.chavruta.org.il</a> .) The Chavruta general meeting held on 30th <br>January 2008, decided to further our principles (see below) not only to <br>the general public but in particular among those who may in any case be <br>close to our point of view.<p>*Halukka – the system of charitable distribution of Diaspora money to <br>19th century Jewish communities in pre-Zionist Palestine.<p>We in "Chavruta - Chazon L'Israel" Believe That: The State of Israel <br>was established as a Zionist state constituting the National Home of the <br>Jewish people. The state was founded as a result of the physical and <br>spiritual distress of the Jewish people in the modern age. It has given <br>an answer to the physical survival of the people. However we have not <br>yet related to the spiritual and cultural dimensions of our lives.<br>Potentially, the Jewish state is the beginning of our redemption. In <br>order to realize the prophetic vision, we need reform (tikkun) of our <br>values in the following areas:<br>A Genuine Peace between Ourselves and Our Neighbors<br>The Equal Value of all Humankind and the Sanctity of Human <br>Life. <br>This value grants all citizens of the state of Israel equal rights <br>before the law and imposes obligations of equal value on all to the <br>State. The educational and economic gaps existing in Israel at present <br>are incompatible with the equal value of all citizens.<br>3. Protecting the <br>Environment <br>The sanctity of the Land of Israel demands intensive action in order to <br>fulfil the injunction "do not destroy". At present, our way of life, the <br>way we produce and the way we consume, desecrates and befouls the <br>holiness of the land and the people who inhabit it.<br>Creative Commitment to the Jewish <br>Heritage <br>Every generation stands before Sinai. It is its right and obligation to <br>interpret the heritage and its symbols by means of democratic process <br>in order to ensure the continued creative existence of the Jewish people <br>wherever it may be in our time.<br> "But the just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). In a <br>democratic Zionist state no one has the right<br> to impose a particular way of interpreting the heritage. We <br>must obey the injunction - "tell your<br> children" (Exodus 13: 8) through experience and learning, <br>in a manner that will ensure mutual respect<br> between different attitudes.<p> The idea of the Divine expressed in its many forms by holidays <br>and feasts, by the Sabbath and in<br> everyday, in the life of the individual and the life of the <br>community, is an ever-present bond focusing the<br> Jewish people in its infinite mission for the reform (tikkun) of <br>the individual, the Jewish people and the<br> World<p><br>CHAVRUTA and the Arrangements Law<p>At its meeting on Wednesday, 30 January 2008, Chavruta decided to join <br>the Forum of Organizations to Abolish the Arrangements Law. The <br>Arrangements Law constituted a milestone in the worship of the <br>individual and materialism that led to the emergence of social gaps over <br>the present generation. This newsletter was written close to Shabbat Ki <br>Tisa: "And all the people took off the golden rings which were in their <br>ears … and made it into a molten calf; and they said: 'This is your god, <br>O Israel…'" (Exodus 32:3,4). See the comments by H.N. Bialik below.<br>The Forum of Organizations to Abolish the Arrangements Law is organized <br>by Shatil - The New Israel Fund's Empowerment and Training Center for <br>Social Change Organizations in Israel. We reproduce here sections from <br>the information material of the Forum as published on its website: <br>HYPERLINK "<a href="http://www.hesderim.social.org.il">http://www.hesderim.social.org.il</a>"<p><a href="http://www.hesderim.social.org.il">www.hesderim.social.org.il</a> .<p>The Forum of Organizations to Abolish the Arrangements Law was <br>established in September 2007. The Forum includes approximately 50 civil <br>organizations that have come together to secure the joint objective of <br>abolishing the "Arrangements Law," beginning from the next financial <br>year (2008). The Forum emphasizes the antidemocratic and <br>anticonstitutional nature of this law, and urges the government to <br>transfer the hundreds of articles it includes into regular legislation.<p>About the Arrangements Law<br>The Economic Arrangement Law was first passed in 1985, as a one-time <br>measure (an emergency law) complementing the economic plan to stabilize <br>the economy. Since then, each year's Budget Law has been accompanied by <br>an Economic Arrangements Law. The Arrangements Law differs from other <br>laws in that it includes a wide number of laws and legislative <br>amendments on different issues. These are passed by the Knesset as a <br>single unit, without meaningful and orderly discussion in the Knesset <br>committees and in the government as is usual in the case of ordinary <br>legislation.<p>Over the years, the Arrangements Law has expanded considerably; it now <br>comprises some 200 articles. As mentioned, the law is passed by an <br>accelerated procedure described by the Israeli Supreme Court as "a <br>procedure inconsonant with the democratic legislative procedure."<p>The Arrangements Law has come to be used by the Ministry of Finance as a <br>tool for imposing its neo-liberal approach on the economy and on the <br>Knesset.<p>Examples of the problems inherent in the Arrangements Law<br>( Authorities are usurped from the earmarked parliamentary committees <br>and transferred to the Finance Committee: According to practice, the <br>Arrangements Law is discussed by the Knesset Finance Committee, despite <br>the fact that many of the laws it includes should be discussed by the <br>specific Knesset committees according to each committee's fields of <br>expertise. In recent years, some of the articles in the Arrangements Law <br>have been separated and discussed by the specific committees. This <br>process of separation is limited and partial, however, and the influence <br>enjoyed by the specific committees is still limited.<p>( Inadequate discussion: The short period of time allocated for <br>discussion of the Arrangements Law as a whole, and of its different <br>articles in particular, makes it difficult for the Members of Knesset to <br>engage in full discussion and to ensure proper control of the <br>legislative and budgetary process.<p>( Political and coalition constraints: The fact that the Arrangements <br>Law is presented alongside the Budget Law, and the dependence of the <br>budget on the Arrangements Law, intensify political pressure on Members <br>of Knesset and reduce their room for maneuvering. The representatives of <br>the coalition (in the Knesset plenum and in the committees) are required <br>to work to secure authorization of the legislation included in the <br>Arrangements Law, with the goal of ensuring the ongoing control of the <br>government and the coalition in which they are members. This situation <br>reduces the chances of raising substantive objections.<p>( Transparency and accountability toward Members of Knesset and the <br>general public: The current format of debates, the tight schedule, and <br>the large number of details included in the Arrangement Law all damage <br>and impair the ability of Members of Knesset (and of the general public) <br>to understand the true ramifications of this act of legislation. This <br>situation is incompatible with the desire to ensure the transparency, <br>responsibility, and accountability that may be expected in proper <br>administrative proceedings.<p>( The dominance of the Ministry of Finance and the Budgets Division: The <br>Arrangements Law, and indeed the budget process as a whole, underscore <br>the power and centrality of the Ministry of Finance, and the Budgets <br>Division in particular, relative to the Knesset and the government.<p>The Attorney General:<br>"The inclusion of numerous amendments to different laws on different <br>subjects in a single proposed law is inconsonant with proper legal policy."<p><br>Chaim Nachman Bialik Reproves His People<br>SURELY THE PEOPLE IS GRASS<p> Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it… surely the people is <br>grass.<br> Isaiah 40:7<p>Surely the people is grass, become as dry as a tree<br>Surely the people is a void, an infinitely heavy void;<br>-----------------------------------------------------<p>In the clamor of a foolish people around the golden idols<br>God's voice is hidden, His mighty thunder suppressed.<br>And in the heart of scoundrel and villain, and with shameful spittle<br>The word of the Lord will be degraded, turned into scornful laughter.<p>Surely the people wither, full of levity and venom<br>Rotten and dissipate from head to toe!<br>For on a day of anguish and pain it has failed to bring forth<br>One that was mighty in works, a living man with a beating heart<br>One in whose heart a spark might burn, the spark that makes the blood boil<br>One from whose head a spark might shine to light the way for the people;<br>One who would treasure the name of the entire nation and its God<br>Far over wealth of gold – more than the falsehood of idols.<p><p><p><br>Renewing a Reform Zionist Think Tank in Israel<br>An initiative of Chavruta – Chazon L'Israel in cooperation with Tzell <br>HaTamar<p>Monday,March 31, 1:00 pm – Tuesday, 1 April 2008, 2:00 pm<br>Rabin Youth Hostel, 1 Avigad St., Jerusalem<br>(Behind and below the Bible Lands Museum – bus route 17)<p>The think tank will focus on three subjects:<br> <br>1. Outlines for a Reform Zionist action plan within the Israel Movement <br>for Progressive Judaism.<br>2. Cohesion in Israeli society – can the gulfs be mended, and if so – how?<br>3. Chavruta – Chazon L'Israel as a Reform Zionist lobby inside the IMPJ <br>and elsewhere. <p>The IMPJ Conference, which will take place on May 22-24, will provide a <br>suitable opportunity to raise formal proposals and to engage in informal <br>contacts with rank-and-file members in order to promote Reform Zionism <br>within the movement.<p>A detailed program will be distributed by email to all those who <br>register for the event two weeks in advance. Registration: through <br>March 10, 2008.<p>Please send the registration slip by snail mail, email or fax to Dr. <br>Michael Livni (see below)<p>Please write clearly and legibly<br>First name and family name) …………………………………….. Telephone …. …………..<br>Full postal address (including zip code) ………………………………………………………………<br>Do you require sleeping arrangement in Jerusalem? ………………. Email …………………………<p>The number of rooms in the hostel is limited. Singles will be <br>accommodated two or three to a room<br>Fee per person – NIS 100. Couple: NIS 150. Payment in cash during <br>registration.<br>Travel expenses above NIS 50 by public transport will be returned to <br>those coming from far afield.<br>For questions, please contact Dr. Michael Livni, 054-9799055<br>=======================================================<p>CHAVRUTA – A Vision For Israel Fax – 08 6356827 E-Mail: <br>ml-lotan@zahav.net.il<br>Registered Society No. 58 032 212 1<br>Kibbutz Lotan, D.N. Chevel Eilot,<br>ISRAEL 88855Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-39656361617696391832008-05-06T20:56:00.001+00:002008-05-06T20:56:50.893+00:00Welcoming Strangers to the SederWelcoming strangers to the Seder<br>By SOLOMON ISRAEL<br>After finishing his first cup of wine Sunday night, Alusine Swaray <br>dipped his matza into maror and happily went back for a second helping, <br>undeterred by the spicy reminder of affliction.<br>Jack Jakainte, Alusine Swaray and Allan Bangura dip their matza into the <br>maror at the Pessah Seder for foreign workers.<br>Swaray, 48, a Christian from Sierra Leone, was one of some 45 foreigners <br>enjoying the sixth annual Pessah Seder for foreign workers at the Beit <br>Daniel Synagogue in Tel Aviv.<br>The Seder is a joint effort by Beit Daniel, Keren B'Kavod - the social <br>action branch of the Israeli Reform Movement's Israel Religious Action <br>Center - and the Mesila Aid and Information Center for the Foreign <br>Community, a Tel Aviv municipal organization dedicated to providing <br>social services and information to Tel Aviv's large population of <br>foreign workers.<br>"We felt that we needed to do more," explained Rabbi Meir Azari of Beit <br>Daniel. "If you are in Tel Aviv, you can't ignore the presence of the <br>foreign workers... This is an opportunity to meet them, to show them <br>that we care."<br>After musical and dance performances by children from the African, Latin <br>American and Filipino foreign worker communities, the adults retired to <br>a more traditional Seder while the children participated in special <br>activities such as painting their own Seder plates.<br>Maya Vamosh, a Jewish educator at Beit Daniel, explained that the Seder <br>was designed to accommodate the diverse religious views of its <br>participants.<br>"I took the most important elements from the Haggada and left room for <br>the people from Mesila to explain themselves," she expounded. "For <br>instance, where we say the Hallel [prayer], I asked one of the women to <br>bring their praise of God into the Seder."<br>Despite the multi-religious nature of the Seder, the participants were <br>still able to appreciate the Jewish elements of the ceremony.<br>Rose Roxas, 40, is a domestic helper from the Philippines and a <br>volunteer with Mesila who assists members of the Filipino community in <br>navigating the difficulties involved in being a foreign worker.<br>"It's amazing, really, how God took care of the Israelites when they <br>were about to leave Egypt," said Rose, an Evangelist. "It's the same as <br>in the days of the Torah."<br>Life in the Jewish state has impacted Rose's family beyond simply <br>teaching them about Jewish history. Her 11-year-old son, David Israel, <br>plays nearby.<br>"King David is my favorite Bible character," explained Rose, regarding <br>her Judaic taste in names.<br>Jewish history and religion were not the only issues in the spotlight at <br>this Seder - the politics of foreign workers played a role in the <br>proceedings, as well.<br>"We like you, we love you, we support you, and we want you to get the <br>rights you deserve," Azari said in his speech to the workers.<br>Mesila director Tamar Schwartz delivered a similar address, discussing <br>the significance of the Pessah story to the situation of foreign <br>workers. "Thousands of years, and nothing has changed?" she said. As <br>Schwartz spoke of Moses's famous demand to "let my people go," Swaray <br>nodded in deep agreement.<br>"It is necessary for the government to give the same rights to the <br>children who are born here," said Swaray.<br>"Regardless of how their parents entered," added his colleague Edwin <br>Brownie of Liberia.<br>The two men were referring to the campaign of their NGO, the African <br>Workers Union, to achieve Israeli citizenship for the children of <br>foreign workers. In addition to their regular jobs as house cleaners, <br>the two men have been petitioning the government on the behalf of <br>foreign workers since 1997.<br>Politics aside, however, the Seder served as a multicultural learning <br>experience. Teresa Rodriguez, 40, a Colombian domestic helper, <br>highlighted what she saw as the beauty of the event.<br>"It's beautiful because here today, it doesn't matter if you are <br>African, Latin American or Asian," she said.<br>Azari also commented on the diversity of the event.<br>"I don't think that you will be able to see a lot of synagogues in <br>Israel hosting non-Jews for the Seder," he said.<br>But he added, "For most of them, probably this is the first time that <br>they are sitting and not serving. This is an opportunity for them to <br>feel welcome."Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-55821897936873171322008-05-06T20:55:00.001+00:002008-05-06T20:55:46.683+00:00Reform Reflections: Inspiration from the Haredi communityReform Reflections: Inspiration from the Haredi community<br> <br>Posted by Rabbi Michael Marmur<br>Although they will not thank me for the endorsement, I have decided to <br>come out in favor of the Haredi community in Jerusalem. Many in the <br>Ultra-Orthodox world are disgusted by the decision of the courts, <br>supported by the Attorney General, not to force businesses in Jerusalem <br>to refrain from selling chametz during the festival of Passover this <br>year. Following the decision of the court, representatives of the edah <br>charedit have sent letters to some sixty businesses and outlets pleading <br>with them not to sell leavened products during Pessach in the City of Gold.<br>I like this response. By turning to these fellow Jerusalemites and <br>asking them to reconsider their decision, these Haredi representatives <br>are playing according to the rules of a modern liberal democracy. It <br>remains to be seen if some within the community escalate their <br>opposition to the dreaded chametz, and move from words to sticks and <br>stones. But so long as the opposition is reasoned, respectful and <br>peaceful, it should be supported.<br>I write these words in the midst of my own battle with the forces of <br>leaven, the chametz which lies around my house, in my car, and even more <br>elusively - in my heart. I perceive these days of Passover preparation <br>as some of the most significant and profound of the Hebrew calendar. The <br>Passover of which I dream is indeed leaven-free. But the Israel I dream <br>of living in is one in which leaven should not be outlawed. Exploiting <br>the institutions of state in order to enforce the great teachings of <br>Judaism is a tragic error, and it helps contribute to alienation and anger.<br>A representative of the Haredi community (this is a confusing and <br>imprecise term, since there are almost infinite variations and nuances <br>within the Ultra-Orthodox world) was interviewed on the radio this <br>morning, and he explained why it was so crucial to keep all chametz out <br>of Jerusalem. He told the tragic tale of Orthodox grandchildren visiting <br>with their secular grandparents in Jerusalem who were given pizza to eat <br>on the festival of Passover because their ignorant and innocent <br>grandparents did not know better. They had assumed that Jerusalem <br>restaurants would only sell Kosher for Passover comestibles, and as a <br>result the sanctity of the festival was sullied. The spokesman went on <br>to state that Jerusalem, city of holiness, must be pure during the <br>festival of Passover.<br>The story about the mistaken grandparents tells a great deal about the <br>weird configurations of Jewish identity in our times. Within three <br>generations there are radical transitions from secular to Orthodox, and <br>vice versa. But the idea that legislating against the owner of the kiosk <br>will make the complexity go away is wrongheaded, short-sighted and <br>laughable.<br>Jerusalem should be pure this Passover. It should be purged of poverty, <br>and garbage, and corruption, and prejudice, and hate. I passed some <br>graffiti on the wall in a "good" neighborhood in Jerusalem this week. <br>Its author, clearly an honorable son of our people, expressed gross <br>anti-Arab sentiments. Now that is chametz of the worst kind, and that <br>needs to be removed - before Pessach, and every day.<br>On this Festival of Freedom, we should defend the right of our neighbors <br>to do things we don't like, and defend the weak from assault and <br>oppression. It's actually fine in my book to engage others in <br>conversation, to try to persuade them to act differently. Persuasion is <br>better than legislation, and much better than aggression.<br>One more thought, for those of you who are ahead in your house cleaning, <br>or those of you who don't clean your house in a special way for Pessach, <br>or those of you who are limited in the amount of physical work you can <br>do. Open your Inbox and delete all the unnecessary e-mails which have <br>just been lying around for a year: this is a new additional version of <br>chametz for the twenty-first century. I don't want the courts to outlaw <br>e-mail (although that does sound tempting). I wasn't proposing a new law <br>- I was just making a suggestion. It's a technique I have learnt from <br>the Haredi community.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-69826666974416889602008-05-06T20:52:00.001+00:002008-05-06T20:52:50.967+00:00Pesach Update 16th April 2008Dear Members,<p>Just a quick reminder that the Zionist Federation's Yom Hatzmaut, Israel <br>@ 60 Gala Show, with Jackie Mason and Sarit Hadad performing, is coming up.<p>For more info. or to purchase tickets please visit <a href="http://www.zionist.org.uk">www.zionist.org.uk</a>.<p>Please find attached three articles for your interest this week. First <br>is the recent newsletter from IRAC. Next we have an article written by <br>Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the President the Union for Reform Judaism, the <br>American Reform Movement, commenting on the current situation that <br>Israel is faced with in Gaza. Finally there is a piece written by Rabbi <br>Reuvan Hammer who served recently as interim Rabbi at New London Masorti <br>Synagogue, about 'the missing fifth' cup at the Seder. We hope you <br>enjoy these articles.<p>We wish you Chag Sameach,<p>Charlie, Daniel and all at Pro ZionPro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-3652804459732234792008-05-06T20:51:00.001+00:002008-05-06T20:51:34.790+00:00Reform leader argues that Israel will soon be forced to drop its 'restraint' policy.Preparing U.S. Jews For Assault On Gaza<br>Reform leader argues that Israel will soon be forced to drop its <br>'restraint' policy. <p>by Eric H. Yoffie<br>A few weeks ago, I sat with a Jewish delegation that met with some <br>important Protestant leaders here in the United States. The conversation <br>quickly turned to events in Gaza. In a perfunctory sentence or two, our <br>Protestant colleagues said that of course they condemned the rocket fire <br>directed at Israeli cities, but in their view the real problem was the <br>suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza and the wildly <br>disproportionate nature of Israel's response to Palestinians attacks.<br>Deeply pained and angry, I replied: You are absolutely right. Israel's <br>response has been wildly disproportionate because it has been far more <br>restrained than what would be expected from any other civilized, <br>democratic government.<br>Did they understand that since 2001, more than 7,000 rockets had been <br>fired from Gaza at civilian targets in Israel? Did they realize that a <br>"proportionate" response would involve 7,000 Israeli rockets fired at <br>civilians in Gaza? Did they appreciate that the relatively small number <br>of civilian casualties in Israel resulted not from the humanitarian <br>intentions of Hamas but from the crudeness of their weapons, and that <br>those weapons were now improving? Did they know that the traumatized <br>children of Sderot lived in constant fear? On what basis, I asked, did <br>they expect Israel to tolerate these attacks?<br>And what would their congregants be saying if their churches in Michigan <br>had been subjected to seven years of hostile fire from across the <br>Canadian border? Would church leaders be calling for "restraint" from <br>the American government in these circumstances? And did they really <br>expect that any American president would show such restraint?<br>What followed, of course, was the suggestion that the "occupation" was <br>responsible for the rocket fire. I replied: Excuse me, but Prime <br>Minister Sharon pulled out of every inch of Gaza in 2005, and his <br>successor was elected on a platform calling for unilateral withdrawal <br>from most of the remaining territories. And yet there has not been a <br>single day of quiet following that withdrawal. Indeed, rocket strikes <br>significantly increased after it was completed.<br>Yes, I assured them, I shared their concern for Palestinian suffering in <br>Gaza. But the simple fact is that if terror and rocket fire were to come <br>to an end in Gaza, the suffering of her people would end as well.<br>There was nothing surprising in these exchanges, but they reminded me of <br>how much American Jews have yet to do to educate their fellow citizens <br>about Israel's current plight.<br>And there is some urgency in this task because I have little doubt that <br>Israel's restraint will soon come to an end.<br>During my recent visit to Jerusalem, I met with the prime minister and <br>more than a dozen Knesset members from across the political spectrum. <br>Virtually all of Israel's political leaders are reluctant to escalate <br>the military conflict with Hamas; they fear the uncertain results of <br>such an escalation, as well as heavy casualties on both sides. <br>Nonetheless, from most of those to whom I spoke, what I heard was that <br>there would soon be no alternative to a more aggressive military posture.<br>The reason for this is simply that the attacks on Sderot threaten <br>Israel's very existence.<br>Once again, most of the world has found a way to take an utterly <br>intolerable situation - nearly daily attacks on Israeli civilian centers <br>- and turn it into something that is both tolerated and even routine. <br>And as the accuracy of the rockets increases along with the Iranian role <br>in supplying Hamas forces, the circle of cities under attack has begun <br>to expand.<br>It is only a matter of time before Hamas cells in the West Bank begin <br>firing rockets as well.<br>The result is that it is now possible to imagine a scenario under which <br>Israel, without ever losing a war, would cease to be a viable state.<br>As a result, there is a strong likelihood that in the months ahead, <br>Israel will move against Hamas forces in Gaza. With or without an <br>invasion, her army will likely target all of Hamas' military <br>installations, institutions and leaders. Since for years Hamas fighters <br>have hidden themselves in civilian centers such as schools and <br>hospitals, Palestinian civilian casualties are certain to grow. But <br>Israel will almost surely decide that it can no longer protect <br>Palestinian civilians at the cost of sacrificing the well being of her own.<br>This is not a welcome scenario. It would be preferable by far if <br>international diplomacy could arrange a ceasefire that would end the <br>rocket fire without allowing Hamas to build up her forces for future <br>attacks. But chances for such a diplomatic resolution are small, and <br>Israel must prepare for the worst.<br>Israel must also continue to support American diplomatic efforts to <br>advance what is left of the peace process. President Bush hopes for a <br>diplomatic breakthrough this calendar year, and while he is unlikely to <br>succeed, he has earned, by word and deed, the trust of Israel and the <br>American Jewish community. Surely, as he pursues this diplomatic course, <br>he is entitled to the goodwill and cooperation of Israel's government.<br>In that regard, we should keep in mind that an Israeli attack on Gaza is <br>certain to unleash a barrage of international criticism. American <br>support will be essential if Israel's military is to have the time it <br>needs to complete its mission. For that reason, current tension between <br>Israel and the American government over Israel's settlement policy is a <br>potential disaster.<br>An unpopular president who is being asked to take the heat for support <br>of an unpopular Israeli military operation is entitled to some <br>consideration from Israel's leaders. Whatever the differences, Israel <br>needs to get its settlement policies in line with American expectations <br>and to do so now.<br>With all this said, the responsibilities of American Jews are clear. A <br>centrist Israeli government has done everything within its power to <br>escape a military confrontation.<br>Nonetheless, confronted by challenges to its sovereignty, by expanding <br>attacks on its civilian population, and by the unrelenting hatred of an <br>anti-Semitic, religiously fanatic regime, it is moving toward the <br>military action in Gaza that it had desperately hoped to avoid.<br>Let us remember, then, that the Jewish state came into being for just <br>such a time as this, when Jewish lives are in danger and no one but a <br>Jewish army will come to their rescue. And let us remember too that our <br>task now is to support Israel in her time of need, to make her case to <br>our fellow citizens, and to do all that we can to rally the Jewish <br>people and good people everywhere to her side.<br>Rabbi Yoffie is president of the Union for Reform Judaism.Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-73455907211071668762008-05-06T20:50:00.001+00:002008-05-06T20:50:41.424+00:00IRAC Passover UpdateIn This Issue: Celebrating Passover with Keren B'Kavod<br>• Celebrating Passover 'B'Kavod'<br>• Israeli Helping Israeli<br>• A Philosophy in Action<br>• Israel 2006: More kids under poverty line<p>For more information, please e-mail:<br>Rita Konaev<br>Development Associate<br>rita@irac.org<br>Visit IRAC on the RAC website!<p> The Pluralist<br>Newsletter from the Israel Religious Action Center <p>________________________________________<br>April 13, 2008<br>Dear Friend of the Israel Religious Action Center,<br>In Israel, the week of Passover is a popular time to take your family on <br>a vacation--to float in the Dead Sea or to play in what's left of Lake <br>Kinneret. Yet Passover demands that we relive events that shaped our <br>history and our people. We are encouraged to consider the "other": the <br>stranger, the orphan, the widow. We might say in Israel, 'To walk a <br>kilometer in another's sandals.' The seder is a great chance to <br>reconnect with loved ones but it is also the time to welcome the <br>stranger. In the past few years, IRAC has hosted pre-Passover seders for <br>foreign-workers and their families. It astounds me how well people from <br>as diverse regions as southeast Asia and western Africa can identify <br>with the story of Moses leading the Israelites. Passover is a time for <br>reliving our own past, but also for considering on the lives of our <br>neighbours and our guests. Everyone has a story of Exodus, a story of <br>seeking a home or a refuge, a search for meaning and identity. This <br>Passover, I hope all of Israel will take the opportunity to reflect and <br>consider. In our rough neighbourhood, a little empathy can go a long way.<br>Wishing you a meaningful Pesach, Anat Hoffman<br>________________________________________<br>Celebrating Passover 'B'Kavod'<br>Keren B'Kavod is the humanitarian aid and social action program of the <br>Israel Religious Action Center and the Reform Jewish Movement in Israel. <br>Keren B'Kavod provides food packages, warm clothes and other necessities <br>to needy families and facilitates cultural and educational activities <br>for disadvantaged youth across Israel, regardless of their ethnicity or <br>religion.<br>As the Passover holiday is approaching, Keren B'Kavod brought together <br>volunteers to prepare food packages to be distributed in the coming <br>weeks. The Passover food package project is the program's biggest <br>project and its oldest. This past week, the Keren B'Kavod staff, <br>community volunteers, and hundreds of Israeli high school students <br>gathered in the parking garage of Beit Shmuel, the center of the Israel <br>Movement for Progressive Judaism, and at a school in Haifa. A testament <br>to the Keren B'Kavod staff and volunteer-leaders, the energy of these <br>teenagers was focused on an assembly line where more than 2,000 boxes <br>containing food, games, toiletries and in some cases clothing coupons, <br>were quickly put together. The Keren B'Kavod boxes were passed from <br>hand-to-hand, quickly filling with non- perishable food-items. Between <br>the packing shifts, children from the Beit Shmuel kindergarten were <br>brought in and shown around the garage-turned- assembly plant and were <br>explained the importance of the project. Even the preschoolers did their <br>part, putting their colourful hand-drawn Passover cards in the packages.<br>________________________________________<br>Israeli Helping Israeli<br>The Passover package project unites Israel's Reform Movement to aid all <br>Israelis. The volunteers come primarily from Noar Telem, the Israeli <br>Reform youth movement, TALI Beit Chinuch, a Reform high school and <br>Mechina, the Reform Movement's pre-army program. The volunteers were not <br>only involved in assembling the holiday boxes but also in fundraising, <br>spending evenings calling members of Reform communities around Israel. <br>Tens of thousands of shekels have been raised through canvassing the <br>congregants from Israel's 24 Reform synagogues by the youth and adult <br>volunteers of the Reform Jewish Movement. In addition, the suppliers of <br>the components of the packages in many cases donated their products or <br>services or provided them at a discount.<br>The finished packages, stacked to the ceiling by the end of the flurry <br>of work, are distributed to Israeli families in need, regardless of <br>where they live or their ethnic and religious backgrounds. Reform <br>communities are in touch with their regional welfare councils to <br>determine the amount of need in each area. Keren B'Kavod distributes to <br>Jewish, Christian and Muslim families, to veteran Israelis and new <br>immigrants, to residents in cities and in development towns, to <br>residents of unrecognized Bedouin villages, and to foreign workers in <br>South Tel Aviv. The boxes are distributed throughout the year around the <br>time of a religious holiday: Rosh Hashanah, Christmas, Easter, and the <br>(Muslim) Feast of the Sacrifice, or in this case, Passover.<br>________________________________________<br>A Philosophy in Action<br>While helping families in need is the main goal of Keren B'Kavod, the <br>steps it takes in accomplishing these goals are in many ways an end unto <br>themselves. The continued success of the Passover project stems from the <br>culture of ownership and responsibility for the project and its goals <br>that is developing in the Israeli Reform Movement. "We are building a <br>circle of people to help," says Yoav Shafranik of B'Kavod. Keren B'Kavod <br>makes a concerted effort to work through welfare channels in order to <br>have a degree of anonymity towards the families it helps. Says Yoav, "We <br>are trying to be respectful of the families." That is the goal of Keren <br>B'Kavod: to make sure all Israelis live b'kavod (in dignity).<br>________________________________________Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-61157755540129050342008-04-11T17:41:00.001+00:002008-04-11T17:41:29.858+00:00Weekly Update 11th April 2008Dear Friends,<p>I was lucky enough to spend a fascinating weekend last weekend at the<br>Liberal Judaism Biennial Conference. Though the theme was Creation &<br>Creativity there was much Israel content for participants to get their<br>teeth and brains into with at least one Israel related choice every<br>session. My Friday night spent away from the main conference with the<br>young adults was made extra special by the presence of a group of<br>musical students from the Leo Baeck High School in Haifa (and their<br>guitar maestro teacher). They were a pleasure to meet and wowed the<br>conference on the Saturday night with their concert of Israeli music at<br>the Israel themed dinner. Another highlight was Professor Rafi Walden of<br>Israeli organisation Physicians for Human Rights. Rafi is a speaker<br>every Zionist organisation in this country should bring over here - his<br>message of cooperation, peace and coexistence was heart warming and<br>motivating despite the organisation dealing with great hardships faced<br>by Israeli minority groups and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.<p>Before the articles a reminder to get your tickets for the Israel 60<br>celebration at Wembley Arena featuring Jackie Mason and Sarit Hadad.<br>Pro-Zion are proud to be sponsoring the event. For further information<br>see the poster at<br><a href="http://www.zionist.org.uk/new/cms/include/files/v_1204983174.jpg">http://www.zionist.org.uk/new/cms/include/files/v_1204983174.jpg</a><p>This weeks we have three articles on completely different topics<br>1. A Brilliant opinion piece on conversion in Israel by Donniel Hartman<br>of the Shalom Hartman Institute.<br>2. An interesting perspective by a German Journalist on an alternative<br>Shabbat in Tel Aviv<br>3. An article from the New York times on the Aims of Hamas<p>Shabbat Shalom<br>Daniel, Charlie and all at Pro-ZionPro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281201503809605440.post-85013398775322089712008-04-11T17:40:00.001+00:002008-04-11T17:40:18.013+00:00The challenge and crisis of conversion in IsraelThe challenge and crisis of conversion in Israel (31/03/2008)<p> <br>A major in the Israeli Army came to me recently and said, "Rabbi <br>Hartman, I need your help. Three years ago I adopted my first child. I <br>wanted the child to be Jewish; and I converted my child, and in order to <br>do so, I had to lie (about keeping an Orthodox lifestyle). In two months <br>I am getting my second child, and I don't want to lie anymore."<br> <br>Why is it that within the borders of the State of Israel, this <br>individual cannot convert his child to be a Jew like he is? Why is it <br>that the State of Israel determines not merely the citizenship, but in <br>essence who is an authentic Jew?<br> <br>Under Israel's law of return, which grants automatic citizenship to <br>anyone who Hitler would have killed as a Jew (an individual born from a <br>Jewish mother or father, one who converted or married a Jew, or with one <br>Jewish grandparent), approximately 325,000 individuals moved to Israel <br>from the former Soviet Union. While citizens of the State, they are not <br>Jewish in accordance with the standards set by the Israeli Rabbinate, <br>which requires that a person be born from a Jewish mother or be <br>converted to Judaism according to Orthodox halakha.<br> <br>In much of the Jewish world, Jews of different denominations may <br>disagree – for example, in the U.S., patrilineal descent is accepted by <br>the Reform movement, while Conservatives and Orthodox hold to <br>matrilineal – but each denomination there has its own rabbinate, which <br>allows the ideological community to function independently. In Israel, <br>however, there is only one rabbinate for issues of marriage, conversion, <br>kashrut and burial, and this rabbinate is controlled by Orthodoxy, and a <br>non-modern one at that. <br> <br>Over the last 15-20 years, only a few thousand Russians have chosen to <br>convert, and today, only 1,000-1,500 convert a year. However, with a <br>natural birthrate of 3,000, the problem is only getting more acute. The <br>reasons why the vast majority of non-Jewish Israelis from the former <br>Soviet Union are not converting are numerous. One of the most central is <br>the fact that conversions through the existing channels are limited to <br>individuals who want to be Orthodox, a denomination that most immigrants <br>from the former Soviet Union, and indeed most Jews around the world, <br>find unacceptable.<br> <br>New conversion initiative not enough<br> <br>The current conversion predicament has bothered numerous political and <br>religious officials and private organizations. The office of the Prime <br>Minister, now the central location for the issue of conversions, has <br>recently announced a new initiative to expand the number of judges on <br>conversion courts and to alleviate the difficulties inherent in the <br>conversion process. But these steps do not address the fundamental <br>issue. The question is not the number of judges but their affiliation <br>and orientation.<br> <br>To date the most promising and active solution has been the Israeli <br>Army's Nativ program, where individuals in the context of their army <br>service are able to learn Judaism from different streams. But in the <br>end, it, too, faces the same bottleneck, because conversions are still <br>exclusively conducted by the Orthodox military rabbinate, a fact that <br>causes the vast majority of soldiers to drop out without converting.<br> <br>Israel is the national home of all Jews – it is not the synagogue of <br>this or that particular denomination – and cannot be governed by the <br>rules of any single denomination. As the home of all Jews, Israel must <br>be a space in which the diverse Judaisms of the Jewish people all have <br>equal status – legal, economic and religious. As an Orthodox Rabbi, the <br>question is not what I believe, but whether I believe that I or any <br>single denomination can control the State of Israel.<br> <br>The State of Israel cannot give preference to one ideological <br>perspective over the other and retain its status as homeland of all <br>Jews. There are many types of Jews – Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, <br>Reconstructionist, Renewal, and Secular. All types live within Israel, <br>as they do in the Jewish world at large. All are building meaningful and <br>vibrant Judaisms. It is not the place of the State of Israel to <br>determine which denomination lays claim to the authentic title of <br>Jewishness. As the state of all Jews, the State of Israel must be <br>neutral on this question.<br> <br>It is a travesty that one cannot convert into being a Reform, <br>Conservative, traditional or secular Jew within the confines of the <br>State of Israel. As long as conversions are limited to the Rabbinate, it <br>will still be under the control of one denomination, and as long as the <br>access points to Judaism are limited to that denomination, most people <br>will stay outside.<br> <br>The laws of Israel must represent more fully the meaning of a national <br>homeland for all Jews. Only when that happens will we be able to turn to <br>our fellow citizens of the former Soviet Union and elsewhere who serve <br>in the Army with us, study in our schools, pay taxes and contribute to <br>our society and offer them a pathway into the Jewish people commensurate <br>with the type of Jews they want to be.<br> <br>I don't expect the Rabbinate to accept conversions not in accordance <br>with its understanding of Orthodox law. I do expect the State of Israel <br>not to give to one single rabbinate the sole authority of determining <br>the Jewish identity for the whole state. If we choose to have a <br>government-sponsored Rabbinate, we must have multiple rabbinates.<br> <br>If we want to solve the problem of the integration of non-Jews from the <br>former Soviet Union into Israeli society, as well as the injustice <br>facing non-Orthodox Jews in Israel on daily basis, Israel must adopt the <br>model of world Jewry, where Jews of different beliefs have multiple <br>access points into their tradition. Religious tolerance must not be <br>limited to Diaspora Jewish life, but must be the foundation of our <br>national homeland.<br><a href="http://www.hartman.org.il/Opinion_C_View_Eng.asp?Article_Id=74">http://www.hartman.org.il/Opinion_C_View_Eng.asp?Article_Id=74</a>Pro Zion Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18030383689875741660noreply@blogger.com0