The Dead Sea Region

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Dead Sea Region The Dead Sea Region The Dead Sea (Hebrew: Yam HaMelach [= sea of salt], Arabic: Bahr Lut [= sea of Lot]) lies some 400 m below sea level at the lowest point on the earth's surface, and is a part of the Syrian - East Africa Rift Valley, flanked by the Judean Mountains to the west and the Moab mountains to the east. The name Mare Mortuum (=Dead Sea) was devised by Jerome (Hieronymus about 347-419) because the 78km long, up to 18km wide sea is one of the most saline lakes in the world. It is mainly fed by the Jordan River in the north and by perennial springs and streams from the east and west. Having no outlet, the Dead Sea is a "terminal lake" which loses more than 180 cm of water by evaporation into the hot dry air every year. These results in high concentrations of salts and minerals in a unique composition that is particularly rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, bromine and various others. The Dead Sea brine's chemical composition reflects erosion, as well as the recycling of older deposits. This region enjoys sunny and dry weather through out the year. On average it has 330 full days of sunshine per year. The low altitude also has other benefits as the ultraviolet rays are filtered through three natural layers: an extra atmospheric layer, an evaporation layer that exists above The Dead Sea, and a rather thick ozone layer. Vacationers and health-cure visitors (psoriasis) come to the many resorts on the shore. In the history of the region the Dead Sea goes all the way to remote antiquity. North of the Dead Sea is Jericho, the oldest city in the world. On the south shore of the Dead Sea were the cities Sodom and Gomorra which were destroyed in the times of Abraham. At Ein Gedi David hid from King Saul. To the Greeks the Dead Sea was "Lake Asphaltus" due to the surfacing asphalt. The Egyptians used Judean asphalt, the bituminous substance rising to the surface of the lake, for many industrial and medicinal purposes as well for embalming the mummies. Plants growing in lakeside oases (Ein Gedi), especially the balsam tree, produced valuable and highly sought-after cosmetics, perfumes and medicinal substances. Their value was of such great economic importance that wars were fought for their possession, as when Mark Anthony conquered the Dead Sea area for Cleopatra. On the Dead Sea's northern shore the Essenes settled in a community centre Qumran, who produced the famous DEAD SEA SCROLLS. King Herod had several palaces on the west bank of the Dead Sea. Massada is the most spectacular site. All our information on the history of Massada comes from Josephus Flavius Jewish War. It is there where a small group of rebellious Jewish zealots held out against the might of the Roman Legion. In the early part of the 20th century, the Dead Sea began to attract interests from chemists who deduced that the Sea was a natural deposit of potash and bromine. Dead Sea Works, a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of chemical products including various grades of Potash, KCl, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Chloride and Bromine extracted from the mineral rich Dead Sea, has been operating since 1931. Dead Sea Works Ltd. (DSW) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of potash and makes a wide range of other products based on the extraction of Dead Sea minerals. These include magnesium chloride, industrial salts, anhydrous aluminum chloride, de-icers, table salt and bath salts. DSW products are exported to over 60 countries. Another plant is Dead Sea Magnesium, a joint venture between the Dead Sea Works and Volkswagen AG of Germany who started magnesium production. In recent years, the Dead Sea area haws become a health, rehabilitation, recreation and beauty spa. The combination of the year-round favorable climate, the thriving health and beauty centers, and the unique natural and historical tourist attractions, attract both vacationers and health-cure visitors from around the world. Modern facilities and hotels line the shore. The Negev and the Arava Valley "Negev" in Hebrew means south. Israel's Negev Desert, where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tended their flocks, comprises 66%, over 13000km² of Israel. The Negev covers the greater amount of Israel's official Southern District. Triangular in shape, with the resort town of Eilat at its southern apex and Beer Sheva as its northern base; the western border is touching with the desert of the Sinai peninsula, and the eastern border is the Wadi Arava. Following a visit to Palestine in 1867, Mark Twain described the Negev Desert in his book "The Innocents Abroad" as "a desolation that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action". Five different ecological regions fall within the area of the Negev: -The Northern Negev, with 30cm of rain annually, is called the "Mediterranean Zone", with fairly fertile soils. -The Western Negev is characterized by 25cm of rain per year, with light and partially sandy soils. Sand dunes can reach heights of up to 28 feet. -The Central Negev, with the city of Beer Sheva in its midst, has an annual precipitation of 20cm and is characterized by impervious soil, allowing minimum penetration of water with greater soil erosion and water runoff. -The high plateau area of Ramat Hanegev stands 365-550 meter above sea level with extreme temperatures in summer and winter. The area has only 10cm of rain per year, with inferior and partially salty soils. -The Arava Valley along the Jordanian border stretches 180km from Eilat in the south to the tip of the Dead Sea in the north. Defined as very arid with barely 5cm of rain annually, the Arava has inferior soils in which little can grow without irrigation and special soil additives. Because of these poor conditions, the Negev was largely undeveloped and sparsely populated during Israel's first five decades. In spite of this, Israel has succeeded in becoming a world leader in combating the desert and preventing desertification of fertile lands. Through responsible water and soil conservation programs, Israeli techniques have become models in sustainable land management, with worldwide implications. It was Ben Gurion who said: “It is in the Negev that the creativity and pioneer vigor of Israel shall be tested”. He made it is home when he went to live in kibbutz SdeBoker. Today, the hut where he lived is a museum. For centuries, the area has been "home" to Bedouins who have increasingly given up their nomadic lifestyle and settled in permanent homes. The Bedouin tribes in the Negev and the Sinai all trace their origins back to the Arabian Peninsula, somewhere between the 14th and 17th centuries. According to Bedouin traditions and historical evidence, these tribal ancestors came to the Negev for three main reasons. Some, such as the Masa'id, Suwarka, Tyaha and Ugbi, came in search of better pasturelands. Others such as the Tarabin, Muwaytat and Ahaywat came in search of economic gain, conveying and protecting Mecca-bound Muslims pilgrims between the Suez and Aqaba. Many, such as the Ayada, Dhullam and Muzayna tribes came fleeing from blood-revenge, often as a small clan, or even as individuals. Bedouin towns in the Negev include Rahat and Tel Sheva. The Negev has a few interesting cultural and geological attractions. Among these are three machteshim, which are unique in the region. Machtesh is a Hebrew word that does not really have a translation. Machteshim are formed when water seeps into the peek of a large mountain, eroding from the inside, creating a large lake. As the water level increases, the erosion increases, until the top of the mountain collapses inwards, creating a large lake with lots of debris at the bottom. The erosion process continues, until a gap erodes in one of the walls. When this happens, the water flows out leaving something really big that looks a bit like a crater, but with much steeper walls and (depending on the size of the mountain) often much, much, much bigger. Machteshim are spectacularly impressive natural occurrences because of the sheer drop and the sheer size. Three Machteshim are in Israel: HaMachtesh HaGadol (the big machtesh), HaMachtesh HaKatan (the small machtesh) and the largest Machtesh is called Machtesh Ramon, the town built next to it, is called Mitzpe Ramon. The Eastern Negev has two of the area's larger towns. The first is Arad, a development town that serves as a convenient stopover for visitors to the Dead Sea and Masada. The town is also popular because of its clean, dry air, which makes it a haven for people suffering from asthma and allergies. Nearby is Tel Arad, a site of a biblical town that is one of the earliest known urban settlements. Further south, on the way to Eilat is Dimona, a town established in the 1950s to help absorb Jewish immigrants. Originally considered too remote and its climate too unpleasant for large-scale settlement, the town has grown to be a thriving community of more than 20,000. It is best known, perhaps, as the site of Israel's nuclear research program and is believed to be the site where nuclear weapons have been developed. It is also known as the home of the Black Hebrews, a sect that originally came from Chicago and settled in Dimona. Just beyond Dimona is Mamshit, one of the best preserved of the Nabatean towns. It was built in the first century, probably the last of the five cities the Nabateans built along the roads from their capital in Petra to the coast.
Recommended publications
  • Itinerary Is Subject to Change. •
    Itinerary is Subject to Change. • Welcome to Israel! This evening, meet in the lobby of the new Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv. After a short introduction, board the bus and head to a special venue for an opening dinner and introduction to the mission. Several special guests will join us for the evening as well. Overnight, Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv Tel Aviv • Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Eilat. Upon arrival, proceed to Timna Park. Pass through the front gates to the newly built chronosphere and become immersed in a fascinating 360-degree multimedia experience called the Mines of Time. Through a dramatic audio-visual computer simulation and state-of-the-art animation, learn about ancient Egyptian and Midianite cultures dating from the time of the Exodus - a prelude to what we’ll encounter further into the park. Solomon’s Pillars at Timna Park Following lunch by Timna Park’s lake, continue to Kibbutz Grofit for a visit to the Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center, which focuses on children from Israel suffering from mild to severe emotional and physical disabilities. A representative from the center will lead a tour of the facility and provide an update of the center’s current activities. Proceed to Kibbutz Yahel, a vibrant agricultural kibbutz with a focus on the tourism industry. JNF is continuing its long-standing partnership with Kibbutz Yahel and Mushroom at Timna Park developing a recreational and educational park in the heart of the Southern Arava that will be a tranquil, green retreat for tourists and travelers.
    [Show full text]
  • Jnf Blueprint Negev: 2009 Campaign Update
    JNF BLUEPRINT NEGEV: 2009 CAMPAIGN UPDATE In the few years since its launch, great strides have been made in JNF’s Blueprint Negev campaign, an initiative to develop the Negev Desert in a sustainable manner and make it home to the next generation of Israel’s residents. In Be’er Sheva: More than $30 million has already been invested in a city that dates back to the time of Abraham. For years Be’er Sheva was an economically depressed and forgotten city. Enough of a difference has been made to date that private developers have taken notice and begun to invest their own money. New apartment buildings have risen, with terraces facing the riverbed that in the past would have looked away. A slew of single family homes have sprung up, and more are planned. Attracted by the River Walk, the biggest mall in Israel and the first “green” one in the country is Be’er Sheva River Park being built by The Lahav Group, a private enterprise, and will contribute to the city’s communal life and all segments of the population. The old Turkish city is undergoing a renaissance, with gaslights flanking the refurbished cobblestone streets and new restaurants, galleries and stores opening. This year, the municipality of Be’er Sheva is investing millions of dollars to renovate the Old City streets and support weekly cultural events and activities. And the Israeli government just announced nearly $40 million to the River Park over the next seven years. Serious headway has been made on the 1,700-acre Be’er Sheva River Park, a central park and waterfront district that is already transforming the city.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Israel: a Spring Migration Spectacular
    SOUTHERN ISRAEL: A SPRING MIGRATION SPECTACULAR MARCH 21–APRIL 3, 2019 Spectacular male Bluethroat (orange spotted form) in one of the world’s greatest migration hotspots, Eilat © Andrew Whittaker LEADERS: ANDREW WHITTAKER & MEIDAD GOREN LIST COMPILED BY: ANDREW WHITTAKER VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM SOUTHERN ISRAEL: A SPRING MIGRATION SPECTACULAR March 21–April 3, 2019 By Andrew Whittaker The sky was full of migrating White Storks in the thousands above Masada and parts of the the Negev Desert © Andrew Whittaker My return to Israel after working in Eilat banding birds some 36 years ago certainly was an exciting prospect and a true delight to witness, once again, one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, avian migration en masse. This delightful tiny country is rightly world-renowned as being the top migration hotspot, with a staggering estimated 500–750 million birds streaming through the African- Eurasian Flyway each spring, comprising over 200 different species! Israel is truly an unparalleled destination allowing one to enjoy this exceptional spectacle, especially in the spring when all are in such snazzy breeding plumage. Following the famous Great Rift Valley that bisects Israel, they migrate thousands of miles northwards from their wintering grounds in western Africa bound for rich breeding grounds, principally in central and eastern Europe. Israel acts as an amazing bottleneck resulting in an avian abundance everywhere you look: skies filled with countless migratory birds from storks to raptors; Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Southern Israel, 2019 rich fish ponds and salt flats holding throngs of flamingos, shorebirds, and more; and captivating deserts home to magical regional goodies such as sandgrouse, bustards and larks, while every bush and tree are moving with warblers.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 2019 Year in Review
    2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 1 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 2 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 3 OVER 10,000 Visits to JNF's Sderot Indoor 1,000 Jewish Recreation NEW JOBS Center created by JNF’s Lauder National Employment Center Fund achieved a lot 580,000 this people impacted by year! MAKOM COMMUNITIES, OUR people visited Israel's YOUNG LEADERS IN ISRAEL historical sites MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE planted trees at JNF’s Harvey Hertz Ceremonial Tree Planting Center at the Neot Kedumim Biblical Preserve HELPED 4,000 $645 people make Aliyah this year with MILLION NEFESH B’NEFESH raised towards our 1,190 Housing lots built by our HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FUND IN THE NORTH 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW AND SOUTH 4 As I travel across the country and to Israel, I am reminded daily by the opportunity I have to work with all of you as part of the greatest movement ever created—Jewish National Fund-USA. By all accounts, 2019 has been our best year yet and that’s saying something for an organization with a 118-year history. We have, and continue, to make a difference in the Jewish world and we are uniquely situated to realize our strategic vision of building and connecting young and old alike to our ancestral soil. Your investment as a partner with Jewish National Fund is critical to our achievement. We must inspire and engage the next generation to continue the legacy of our people; we connect thousands of our young people from the United States to the land and people of Israel better than anyone through our platform, “from birth to the boardroom.” When I meet our teenagers and our JNFuture members (22 to 40-year-olds), the fastest growing segment of our donor base, their enthusiasm and passion for Israel is clear.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Birding in Israel & Trip Report for 25 April – 5 May 2019
    A Guide to Birding in Israel & Trip Report for 25th April – 5th May 2019 Trip Report author: Steve Arlow [email protected] Blog for further images: https://stevearlowsbirding.blogspot.com/ Purpose of this Trip Report / Guide I have visited Israel numerous times since spring since 2012 and have produced birding trip reports for each of those visits however for this report I have collated all of my previous useful information and detail, regardless if they were visited this year or not. Those sites not visited this time around are indicated within the following text. However, if you want to see the individual trip reports the below are detailed in Cloudbirders. March 2012 March 2013 April – May 2014 March 2016 April – May 2016 March 2017 April – May 2018 Summary of the Trip This year’s trip in late April into early May was not my first choice for dates, not even my second but it delivered on two key target species. Originally I had wanted to visit from mid-April to catch the Levant Sparrowhawk migration that I have missed so many previous times before however this coincided with Passover holidays in Israel and accommodation was either not available (Lotan) or bonkersly expensive (Eilat) plus the car rental prices were through the roof and there would be holiday makers everywhere. I decided then to return in March and planned to take in the Hula (for the Crane spectacle), Mt. Hermon, the Golan, the Beit She’an Valley, the Dead Sea, Arava and Negev as an all-rounder. However I had to cancel the day I was due to travel as an issue arose at home that I just had to be there for.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter: Energy Storage June 2013
    6/23/13 www.pulseem.com/Pulseem/PreviewCampaign.aspx?CampaignID=100987&ClientID=49535710 Subject: Capital Nature/ Eilot Eilat Renewable Campaign Name: Newsletter June 2013 ­ English , Energy Newsletter 5Send test From Name: Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy From Email: [email protected] If you cannot see this email please click here Newsletter: Energy לקריאה בעברית | Send To Friend | Join Us On Facebook Storage June 2013 Save the date!! Energy Storage & Demand Management Workshop ­ November, 2013 Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy continues to lead discourse in its field and is happy to present a unique platform to discuss technological solutions and regulatory infrastructure related to energy storage. The workshop will take place on Thursday, 21st November 2013 at Kibbutz Neot Smadar in the Southern Arava. Read More www.pulseem.com/Pulseem/PreviewCampaign.aspx?CampaignID=100987&ClientID=49535710 1/3 6/23/13 www.pulseem.com/Pulseem/PreviewCampaign.aspx?CampaignID=100987&ClientID=49535710 Capital Nature grants Chakratec first round of funding Capital Nature has invested in the young start­up company 'Chakratech', which develops storage systems and energy supply through the use of flywheels. Read More Wind Turbine Project in Kibbutz Elifaz This exciting project is taking place on Kibbutz Elifaz through the joint effort of DND Energy, Eilat. The unique venture is the first of its kind in Israel, where wind turbines are connected to the national electricity grid. Read more Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy Project ­ the perfect place to test your storage technology Test your storage technology at the Capital Nature Test and Validation Site Join our ground breaking future grid projects: Kibbutz Samar Micro Grid Project ­ combining PV, thermo solar tower and various energy consumers The future Eilat Eilot Mini Grid Project ­ providing a unique platform for implementing storage and eliminating the need to export energy to Northern parts of the country.
    [Show full text]
  • The Israel National Trail
    Table of Contents The Israel National Trail ................................................................... 3 Preface ............................................................................................. 5 Dictionary & abbreviations ......................................................................................... 5 Get in shape first ...................................................................................................... 5 Water ...................................................................................................................... 6 Water used for irrigation ............................................................................................ 6 When to hike? .......................................................................................................... 6 When not to hike? ..................................................................................................... 6 How many kilometers (miles) to hike each day? ........................................................... 7 What is the direction of the hike? ................................................................................ 7 Hike and rest ........................................................................................................... 7 Insurance ................................................................................................................ 7 Weather .................................................................................................................. 8 National
    [Show full text]
  • BR IFIC N° 2779 Index/Indice
    BR IFIC N° 2779 Index/Indice International Frequency Information Circular (Terrestrial Services) ITU - Radiocommunication Bureau Circular Internacional de Información sobre Frecuencias (Servicios Terrenales) UIT - Oficina de Radiocomunicaciones Circulaire Internationale d'Information sur les Fréquences (Services de Terre) UIT - Bureau des Radiocommunications Part 1 / Partie 1 / Parte 1 Date/Fecha 30.09.2014 Description of Columns Description des colonnes Descripción de columnas No. Sequential number Numéro séquenciel Número sequencial BR Id. BR identification number Numéro d'identification du BR Número de identificación de la BR Adm Notifying Administration Administration notificatrice Administración notificante 1A [MHz] Assigned frequency [MHz] Fréquence assignée [MHz] Frecuencia asignada [MHz] Name of the location of Nom de l'emplacement de Nombre del emplazamiento de 4A/5A transmitting / receiving station la station d'émission / réception estación transmisora / receptora 4B/5B Geographical area Zone géographique Zona geográfica 4C/5C Geographical coordinates Coordonnées géographiques Coordenadas geográficas 6A Class of station Classe de station Clase de estación Purpose of the notification: Objet de la notification: Propósito de la notificación: Intent ADD-addition MOD-modify ADD-ajouter MOD-modifier ADD-añadir MOD-modificar SUP-suppress W/D-withdraw SUP-supprimer W/D-retirer SUP-suprimir W/D-retirar No. BR Id Adm 1A [MHz] 4A/5A 4B/5B 4C/5C 6A Part Intent 1 114095204 AUS 3.1665 MANGALORE AUS 146°E04'37'' 26°S47'13'' AM 1 ADD 2 114095209
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter March 2012 Three New Projects in the Region
    Newsletter March 2012 pantone 3035 c pantone 478 c pantone 180 c pantone 124 c What's new in the Eilat-Eilot forum on renewable energy policy: The forum, the first of its kind in Israel, took place on February 22-23, and was a resounding success. Some 350 participants took part in 17 different workshops on sustainable energy matters. Visitors were also able to attend the festive launch for 'Shikun & Binui's experimental thermo-solar facility. We would like to begin by thanking all of the leaders in the field who ran fascinating, relevant workshops, and who also and perhaps more significantly, contributed to formulation of position papers which will help us lead the field in Israel during the coming years. We like to additionally thank the leaders, Tashtiot company and SIT for their great contribution, the extra hours they put in and their outstanding willingness to be of assistance. We invite you to peruse the special magazine which we published following the forum, with interesting articles on the events of its two content-rich days, as well as detailed summaries of the workshops. http://www.renewable-energy-eilat.org/sites/default/files/u2/interactive.pdfTo read the Eilat-Eilot forum magazine read the detailedhttp://www.renewable-energy-eilat.org/he/content summaries of the workshops /סיכומי-סדנאותTo פורום-פברואר http://www.renewable-energy-eilat.org/he/gallery/To the forum photo gallery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHWA-ZIuNAI&context=C4d987ccADvjVQa1PpcFPInOINZs0BjAf6aLZytjRphOj-hHYbVj4=To watch the greeting sent by Energy Minister Uzi Landau to the forum's guests A new employee at the Initiative Avital Rosen joined us last month as a community coordinator.
    [Show full text]
  • Annex I List of Ongoing and Completed Projects
    Support to DG Environment for the development of the Mediterranean De-pollution Initiative “Horizon 2020” Review of Ongoing and Completed Activities ANNEX Prepared for DG Environment European Commission December 2006 Contract No 070201/2006/436133/MAR/E3 LDK-ECO S.A. Environmental Consultants Off 21 Thivaidos str. Athens GR 145 64 Greece Tel: +30 210 6255300 Fax: +30 210 6254871 Web: www.ldkeco.gr E-mail: [email protected] Support to DG Environment for development of the Mediterranean De-pollution Initiative “HORIZON 2020” No 070201/2006/436133/MAR/E3 Annex I List of ongoing and completed projects LDK ECO SA Support to DG Environment for development of the Mediterranean De-pollution Initiative “HORIZON 2020” No 070201/2006/436133/MAR/E3 COUNTRY: ALGERIA Programme/ Country Field of Activity Project ID Project Title Project Description Project Location Implementing agency Beneficiary Budget Donor/ Lender National Duration Starting Date End Date Implementation Actors (urban wastewater, Contribution/ status municipal solid waste, Local (ongoing or industrial emissions) Financing completed) National Algeria urban wastewater Rehabilitation of treatment plants of Tipaza Rehabilitation of treatment plants of Tipaza and Tiemcen Tipaza and public funds ongoing Program of and Tiemcen Tiemcen Economic Development National Algeria urban wastewater Treatment plant (new) of Jijel, Oran, Skikda Treatment plant (new) of Jijel, Oran, Skikda and Annaba (El Bouni) Jijel, Oran, Skikda public funds ongoing Program of and Annaba (El Bouni) and Annaba (El Economic
    [Show full text]
  • GE06L/10 BR IFIC Nº 2720 Special Section
    BR IFIC Nº 2720 Special Section GE06L/10 Date : 29.05.2012 International Frequency Information Circular (Terrestrial Services) Radiocommunication Bureau Date of limit for comments on Part A pursuant to §4.2.2.7 or §4.2.3.1 : 08.07.2012 Date of limit for comments on Part A pursuant to §4.2.4.8: 12.08.2012 Comments should be sent directly to the Administration originating the proposal and to the Bureau. Information included in the columns No. AP4 Description 1 BR identification number 2 B ITU symbol for the notifying administration 3 1A Assigned frequency (MHz) 4 4B/5B ITU symbol of the country or geographical area 5 4A/5A Name of the location of the transmitting/receiving station 6 4E Geographic area to which the typical station is applicable (for typical stations only) 7 4D Nominal radius (km) of the circular area (for typical stations only) 8 6A Class of station 9 7A Necessary bandwidth 10 7A Class of emission 11 System type code 12 8B Maximum effective radiated power (dBW) 13 ITU symbols of administrations considered to be affected 14 ITU symbol designating the administration with which coordination has been successfully completed, as indicated by the administration responsible for the submission. Note: *For information only. In accordance with the provision of No.5.316 of the Radio Regulations, this frequency assignment shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, the broadcasting service of the administration listed in Column 13 and referred to in this Note. BR IFIC Nº 2720 10 النشرة اﻹعﻻمية الدولية للترددات
    [Show full text]
  • Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism
    Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism Leading Israel’s Jewish Renaissance Strengthening Israel’s Democracy Annual Report 2010-2011 June 2011 Table of Contents A Message from IMPJ’s Executive Director and Chairperson 6 Bringing Progressive Judaism to Communities Around Israel 8 Galit Cohen Kedem – Building Community 11 Rabbi Benjie Gruber – Bringing Judaism to the Arava 12 Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive Judaism 14 Frida - It’s Not Just About Training 15 Jacob - School to School Hosts 15 Promoting Social Justice in Israel - Strengthening Israel’s Democracy 16 Tamar Chinn, Telem Co-chair 16 Neta Ravid – a personal story 19 Developing the Next Generation of Leaders 20 Beit Midrash Baderech 22 Progressive Judaism and the Jewish Life Cycle 24 Enriching Israeli Culture with Progressive Values 26 Financial Overview 27 IMPJ in Numbers 27 written and prepared by: Pamela Deutsch Graphic Design: Stephanie & Ruti Design Thank You! 28 Vision of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism for the State of Israel and Israeli Society The State of Israel will act in accordance with the values laid down in its Declaration of Independence: as a Jewish state embracing all forms of Jewish religion and culture, fulfilling the moral and universal values of Judaism, and serving as the center for the Jewish people from all over the world; and as a democratic state, protecting individual human dignity, equality and religious freedom, promoting pluralism, communal life and social and environmental responsibility, and committed to all of its citizens regardless of religion, race, gender or sex. Mission of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism will act as a religious and social movement, for all ages, dynamic and sustainable, working throughout Israel and amongst a broad sector of Israeli audiences, having earned significant recognition as a leader of the spiritual, intellectual, educational, and public discourse in Israel and the Reform world.
    [Show full text]