Leading ’s Jewish Renaissance Strengthening Israeli Democracy 2016 Annual Report Kislev 5777 - December 2016 Written by: Yonatan Melamed Design: Anat Lustinger and Idit Yatzkan In 1958 Kehillat Har-El, the first Reform congregation a year and a half, the IMPJ established the DOMIM- been working hard to ensure that the resolution is in Israel, was established in . 50 years later, aLike – Israel-Diaspora Relations project, initiating indeed implemented. The Israel Religious Action Executive the Israel Reform Movement celebrated a Jubilee over 100 partnerships between Israeli and overseas Center (IRAC), the social and public advocacy arm to its formation. Over this time, it has become congregations and communities. Over the past year of the IMPJ, has been at the forefront of a number of a of Jewish renaissance in Israel. Today, as well, the "Yachdav" School-to-School partnership crucial Supreme Court petitions, including the law the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive program has grown tremendously and now partners on Mikvaot (ritual baths) and Kashrut. Summary Judaism (IMPJ) has 46 congregations spread across between almost 100 classrooms in Israel, North the country, from Rosh Pina in the North to the America, Australia and Europe. We invite you to join Keren b'Kavod, the IMPJ Fund for Humanitarian Arava in the South. At the end of May 2016 we this unique program and help build a greater bridge Assistance and Social Responsibility, continues to spent a weekend celebrating the 22nd IMPJ Biennial between Israeli and diaspora students. provide assistance to thousands of Israelis from all Convention at Kibbutz Shefayim, and brought walks of life. Since Operation “Protective Edge” over together 1,500 Israeli Reform Jews for a weekend This past year has also proven crucial in terms of the summer of 2014, Keren b’Kavod has been a of learning, singing and celebrating together, and public advocacy. At the end of January, a historic leader in organizing respite and assistance programs this past High Holy Day season, we had over 60 decision was made by the Israeli government, for residents of southern Israel. minyanim spread out across the country. following three years of negotiations involving the Reform and Conservative Movements, Women of None of this could take place without the hard The 2016-5777 Annual Report highlights our the Wall, the Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI) and work of our rabbis, community leadership and achievements over the past year in establishing the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), members all across the country. We are especially new congregations, spreading pluralistic education, making Azarat Yisrael, the egalitarian section of the grateful for the continued partnership and support developing young Reform leaders, providing Kotel, a State-recognized and funded plaza. Since of our friends overseas, who share our vision for a religious and life-cycle services to an increasing then, the Reform Movement and its partners have democratic and pluralistic Israel. number of Israelis, engaging in social and public action and making Israel a truly democratic society. After years of effort, two of our congregations – Kehillat “Yedid Nefesh” in Carmiel and Kehillat “Birkat Shalom” in Kibbutz Gezer, have completed constructing their permanent congregational buildings. This is an unprecedented accomplishment, giving credence to the growth and strength of the Reform Movement in Israel. Thousands of Israelis continue to turn to the IMPJ for their life cycle events, with over 500 Reform wedding ceremonies for couples from all walks of life, officiated over the past year. In cooperation with the Israeli government, 4 5 CONGREGATIONS – KEHILLOT The State of Israel will act in accordance with the Kehillat “bRosh Pluralisti” – Rosh Pina Vision of the values laid down in its Declaration of Independence: Harrarit Community Initiative as a Jewish state, embracing all forms of Jewish Kehillat “Yedid Nefesh” – Carmiel north. 13 Israel Movement religion and culture, fulfilling the moral and Kehillat Har Halutz universal values of Judaism, and serving as Kehillat “Emet v’Shalom” – Megiddo Community Initiative democratic state, protecting individual human Kehillat “Ohel Avraham” – for Reform & dignity, equality and religious freedom, promoting Kehillat “Or Haddash” – Haifa pluralism, communal life, social and environmental Kehillat “Shirat HaYam-Carmel” – Haifa Kehillat “Ma’alot Tivon” – Kiryat Tivon Progressive responsibility, and committed to all of its citizens Beit Hashita Community Initiative regardless of religion, creed, race, gender or sex. Kehillat “Sulam Ya’akov” – Zichron Ya’akov Judaism (IMPJ) Kehillat “Tfillat Ha’Adam” – Cesearia center. 18 Mission of the Israel Movement for Kibbutz HaMa’apil Community Initiative Kehillat “Natan-Ya” – Natanya Reform & Progressive Judaism Kehillat “HaSahchar” – for the State The Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Community Initiative Jerusalem Judaism, having earned significant recognition as Kehillat “Ra’anan” – Ra’anana region 7 of Israel and a leader of the spiritual, intellectual, educational Kehillat “Sha’arei Kedem” – Hertzliya Kehillat “Darcei ” – Ramat HaSharon and public discourse in Israel and in the Reform Kehillat “Bavat Ayin” – Rosh Ha’Ayin Israeli Society and Progressive Jewish world, will act as a religious Kehillat “Brit Olam” – Kiryat Ono and social movement, for all ages, dynamic and Kehillat “Achvat Yisrael” – Rishon l’Zion Kehillat “Kodesh v’Hol” – sustainable, working throughout Israel and amongst Kehillat “Beit Daniel” – Tel-Aviv a broad sector of Israeli audiences. Kehillat “HaLev” – Tel-Aviv Kehillat “Mishkanot Ruth” – Jaffa Principal Task Kehillat “Yuval” – Kehillat “Birkat Shalom” – Gezer south. 6 To significantly increase the numbers of Israelis Kehillat who enjoy experiences identified with Reform Kehillat “Yozma” – Modi’in and Progressive Judaism, in a way that promotes Kehillat “Kamatz” – Mevaseret Zion long-term identification with the values of the Kehillat “Har El” – Jerusalem Kehillat “Kol HaNeshama” – Jerusalem movement, and connection with the movement’s Kehillat “HaDror” – Jerusalem congregations and activities. Kehillat “Mevakshei Derech” – Jerusalem Kehillat “Achva b’Kerem” – Jerusalem Kehillat Tzur Haddasah Kehillat Sha’ar HaNegev Community Initiative Arava Community Initiative Kehillat “Ramot Shalom” – Be’er Sheva Kibbutz Yahel 6 Kibbutz Lotan 7 Message from the IMPJ Chairperson

Dear friends, years. This provides us with more access to publically funded Mikvaot (ritual baths), women are (KKL) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). These communities and people around the country, prevented from worshiping in accordance with our latter funding sources are challenging to secure, We are delighted to present you with the 2016-5777 additional visibility and potential for growth in tradition at the Kotel, our rabbis are, for the most as politics are very often involved. We will have to Annual Report of the Israel Movement for Reform numbers. The challenge here is meeting the needs part, not funded by the State, and these are just a continue working closely together to ensure that and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ). The report provides for the essential professional and lay leadership. The few examples. While this may sound quite bleak, Reform-originating monies go primarily to serve an insight into the depth and breadth of IMPJ’s Hebrew Union College (HUC) has been instrumental we do have to also consider the achievements our public causes. Our efforts have also resulted in work in Israel. in helping us by increasing the number of rabbinical we have made in courtrooms, municipalities and government funding, increasing yearly, to support students and adapting the educational program to the government, with the indefatigable attorneys of the rabbinical salaries in regional councils. Recently I am confident you are well aware that these needs of the IMPJ and the Israeli audience. Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) at the forefront. we have also initiated an effort to create revenue- achievements are accomplished despite the difficulties We focus on these issues strategically, continuously yielding projects which will further enable us to fund we face. The challenges of the IMPJ are threefold: We must continue at a rapid growth rate in order to learning from successes and failures. our programs. growth, recognition and funding. We have to make continuously expand and deepen our roots in Israel. consistent and lasting inroads on every one of these This growth was demonstrated recently at the IMPJ All of this requires significant funding. Our 2016 We are deeply grateful for your friendship and fronts. This is why six years ago our board embarked on 2016 Biennial Convention, attended by some 1,500 budget now stands at NIS 25 million, which is an relentless support of the IMPJ. We look forward to development of the 2020 strategic plan, defining our people who enjoyed a rich and multifaceted program increase of close to seven million NIS over the past seeing you with us here in Israel, and visiting you in vision, mission and main goals. I believe we have made in a familial atmosphere. Our next biennial is planned two years. We have succeeded in reaching this your communities around the world. significant progress and must continue our thrust in for June 1st-2nd 2018, and will coincide with Israel’s amount through support from the World Union these directions. 70th anniversary; please consider joining us. for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), ARZA US and Sincerely, ARZA , and pledges from individual donors, Increasing our presence throughout Israel has The issue of recognition is of course far from being federations and foundations. We also receive therefore become a top priority for us, having doubled resolved. Weddings officiated by our rabbis are not institutional funding, including from the World Reuven Marko the number of congregations in just a few recognized by the State, we are deprived from using Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish National Fund Chairperson 8 9 A Message from the IMPJ President and CEO

Dear friends,

It is my pleasure to present you with the 2016- Over the past 50 years, Reform Judaism has been 5777 Annual Report. The annual report gives us touring the land, and there is no doubt that the land the opportunity to share with you all that has been is very good. Yet, there are still those things which going on in our movement over the past year; and need repair. Together with you, we will continue indeed, a lot has happened. Every year, we discover working to make Israel a pluralistic and inclusive that more and more Israelis “vote with their feet” society, one which respects all its people, regardless and choose a progressive and liberal option with of religious affiliation, gender, sexuality, disability or which to celebrate their Judaism. Recognizing any other self-identifying factor. this growing need, we continue on our track to establish new Reform congregations across the I want to thank you for joining our journey, country, through the “u’Faratztah” community at the end of which, we shall surely reach the development initiative. Our educational, social promised land. justice, youth and young adult and liturgical efforts continue growing as well, as you will be able to see in the following pages. Sincerely,

We are thankful to our friends and partners in Israel and around the world for continuing to support us and stand by our side as we make Reform Judaism a Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Adv. central part on Israeli life. We know that none of this President and CEO could be done without you. 10 11 One of the central pillars of building a Reform • The Beit HaShita, Megiddo and Harrarit COMMUNITY Movement in Israel has always been the congregational initiatives participated in the establishment of Reform congregations in cities, “Meeting Neighbors” program, promoting towns, moshavim and kibbutzim across the country. dialogue and understanding between Jewish and DEVELOPMENT – Inspired by the phrase found in the Book of Genesis Arab Israelis. – “and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to • A new Russian-speaking Reform congregation has ENRICHING REFORM the east, and to the north, and to the south” (28; 14), completed its first year of operation in Ramat-Gan, over the past 50 years, the IMPJ has established 44 joining our existing Russian speakers’ congregation CONGREGATIONS congregations, from Kehillat “b’Rosh Pluralisti” in Rosh “Shirat HaYam-Carmel” in Haifa. Pina in the North to Kibbutz Lotan in the southern ACROSS ISRAEL Arava. Over 20 of these congregations have been established just over the past six years, as part of the “u’Faratztah” community development initiative. In May 2016, Kehillat “Yedid Nefesh” in Carmiel and Kehillat “Birkat The new congregations are established in urban Shalom” in Kibbutz Gezer completed areas where there is no Reform presence, in regional councils in cooperation with kibbutzim and the construction of their new moshavim, in small towns, as well as through satellite synagogue buildings, thanks to congregations that are cultivated with the guidance funding by the Israeli government and support of established ones. and generous donors Highlights: • In August 2015, Kehillat “Yedid Nefesh” in Carmiel and Kehillat “Birkat Shalom” in Kibbutz Gezer received their permanent structures, thanks to Looking Ahead: funding by the Israeli government and donations • Kehillat “Yozma” in Modi’in opened its new from the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and educational campus, which includes a new facility supporters throughout the world. for the congregation’s activities, with the support • In 2015, Kehillat “Darchei Noam” in Ramat of the Modi’in Municipality. HaSahron completed building their new facility. • Following receipt of funding for eight regional • Kehillat “Ramot Shalom” in Be’er Sheva and Kehillat rabbis, the IMPJ is now working on applying to the “Achva b’Kerem” in Jerusalem were officially Israeli Government to set criteria that will allow its accepted as IMPJ congregations at the 2016 urban rabbis to receive government funding as Biennial Convention. well, as do municipal Orthodox rabbis. 12 13 The IMPJ Biennial Convention: On the fourth weekend of May 2016, over 1,500 IMPJ congregational members, rabbis and local and national leaders from across the country and the “Between East world came together for a weekend of learning, singing and celebrating together the growth and West” - of Reform Judaism in Israel. This year’s Biennial focused on multiculturalism and acceptance of the other. Throughout the weekend, participants sang, Multiculturalism danced, learned and prayed together. The Biennial served as an opportunity to think together on how in a Jewish and we can work to change the dialogue around the Democratic State embracing of differences.

Mark your calendars for the 23rd Biennial on June 1-2, 2018, when we will celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday.

Biennial highlights: • Live performance by Israeli singer Kobi Oz. • Premier performance of the Debbie Friedman Orchestral suite. • Presentation of four new IMPJ initiatives: DOMIM-aLike: Israel-Diaspora Relations project; “A Home for Life”: Integrating People with Special Needs; “Neighbors and Partners”: Jewish-Arab Shared Society Programming and “v’Yakhel”: Developing community-based lay leadership. 14 15 The Education Department supports and develops educational programs and facilities operating Highlights: Bringing Children, A new elementary school opened within and alongside IMPJ congregations, while • In the coming year, “Yachdav” plans to leave the Teachers and mainstreaming its pluralistic Jewish educational at Kehillat Yozma in Modi’in, confines of the classroom in order to promote content in state public schools, in an effort to promote bringing Jewish pluralistic projects between different classrooms, a stronger liberal and pluralistic Jewish identity encouraging dialogue about Jewish Parents closer throughout Israeli society. education to 350 children peoplehood and Tikkun Olam. • A steering committee has been established to to Reform and The IMPJ educational programs create a continuum develop an elementary school curriculum on of opportunities for children and their families, as well tolerance and co-existence, coinciding with Progressive Judaism as their teachers, to become acquainted with liberal the Ministry of Education program ‘Jewish Jewish experiences, take part in Tikkun Olam projects support based on individual needs. Israeli Culture’. and participate in a broad range of communal pluralistic School-to-School “Yachdav” program: and egalitarian activities. In this way, from an early age, The “Yachdav” School-to-School program runs Looking Ahead: children can begin experiencing a sense of belonging twinning programs between students in Israeli public • This school year (Fall of 2016), a new “Tarbut that comes from being part of a Jewish people. schools and those in North American, Australian and Ivrit” Gan opened in Holon, complementing the European Jewish day schools and complimentary existing successful kindergarten and joining the In the IMPJ’s 47 preschools, five elementary schools schools. This year, “Yachdav” has partnerships in 51 “Tali” school being established in the city. (grades 1-6), and two high schools (grades 7-12), schools, a 70% growth from the 31 schools who • After the success of the new preschool at progressive Judaism is an integral part of the core participated in the program in the previous year. Kehillat “Mevakshei Derech” in Jerusalem, curriculum. All institutions receive ongoing support from Through this program, Israeli and diaspora students discussions are now being held with the the education department, through teacher training, get to meet fellow students, learn about each other’s nearby Luria public school on opening an educational materials, rabbinical guidance and specific cultures and share experiences. additional classroom. 16 17 Promoting Public Action in Israel - IRAC

Founded in 1988, the Israel Religious Action Center in the health sector into other sectors of (IRAC), the social and public advocacy arm of the Israeli society. IMPJ, has been working since to advance pluralism • In 2016 IRAC initiated a campaign to mandate and defend the freedom of conscience, faith and public transportation on Shabbat and holidays religion in Israel. In so doing, IRAC aims to achieve • For the past three years, IRAC has been running civic equality and secure greater freedom of religion a “Mimuna” celebration, in accordance with and freedom from religious coercion. Through these Moroccan tradition, in both Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, efforts, IRAC has gained great prominence, winning attended by over 2,000 participants in both landmark cases in the Israeli Supreme Court. location combined. • Following the petition to the Supreme Court IRAC’s activities are focused in the following key to bring to justice the head of the “Lehava” areas: equal status for progressive religious streams; organization, which promotes racist incitement, gender segregation and the exclusion of women Bentzie Gopstein was arrested, along with eight from the public sphere; combating racist incitement; other “Lehava” activists. protecting the rights of all converts; and freedom of • In May 2015, IRAC published a report titled IRAC led a campaign to indict Bentzie marriage and divorce. IRAC uses litigation, legislation, “The Sign on the Wall” - Incitement to Racism on Gopstein, head of the “Lehava” public policy, advocacy and grassroots field work to Social Media and “What if an Arab hit on your organization with racial incitement advance its goals. sister?” as part of a major campaign to combat racist incitement. Highlights: • In 2016, IRAC led a Supreme Court petition to allow Awaiting Results: food-selling businesses and restaurants to display • Petition to Supreme Court allowing businesses to a Kashrut certificate not granted by the Chief present alternative Kashrut certificates not granted Rabbinate, without it falling under the Kashrut by the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate fraud law. • Petition to Supreme Court allowing non-Orthodox • Over the past year, IRAC has been working on a converts to bathe in public and State funded project to translate the success of co-existence Mikvaot (ritual baths) 18 19 Celebrating Reform & Progressive Judaism through Jewish Lifecycle Events

In recent years, a greater number of young Israelis Highlights: have decided to say “no” to the Orthodox option • Over the past year, more than 250,000 Israelis and “yes” to a progressive, egalitarian option to have been exposed to Reform lifecycle celebrate the most important moments in their life. ceremonies and events. This past year, the IMPJ “l’Chaim” one-stop center • Approximately 500 weddings were officiated for lifecycle events has continued to expand its by Reform rabbis, beginning with contact service provision, now assisting over 500 couples through “l’Chaim”. a year wishing to have their wedding officiated • A major online publicity campaign took place, by a Reform rabbi, as well as hundreds of families introducing Reform Bat Mitzvahs to thousands wishing to celebrate a teenage boy or girl’s arrival of Israeli families. at the age of Mitzvot in a Reform congregation. • The “Bat Mitzvah Revolution” program has been expanded through a designated website called Through “l’Chaim” and the department of Russian “Bat 12” – 12 years old. immigrants, the IMPJ offers hundreds of recent • The IMPJ has launched a campaign together immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) with the Israeli Masorti (Conservative) who are not considered Jewish according to Movement and Yisrael Hofshit (Free Israel) Halachah (Jewish law), a pluralistic, friendly, organization to raise awareness regarding through these ceremonies. conversion process. freedom of choice in marriage. • The IMPJ is planning on building a comprehensive database and website for For more information, and to learn The “Bat Mitzvah Revolution” campaign, launched Looking Ahead: all of its Jewish pluralistic lifecycle events how you can have a meaningful last year, brought the option of a meaningful Bat • In the coming year, the IMPJ plans to double the and services. lifecycle celebration in Israel, Mitzvah ceremony to the homes of thousands of number of wedding and Bar and Bat Mitzvah • The IMPJ will continue to investigate building a Israeli families through a massive online campaign ceremonies it officiates and accompanies, with progressive cemetery in central Israel and work contact [email protected] on Facebook and in the Ha’aretz Online newspaper. the goal of reaching more than 500,000 Israelis to establish a progressive burial association. 20 21 Strengthening Israel’s Society through “Tikkun Olam”

The IMPJ believes that part of its commitment • Humanitarian assistance for people who have left to promoting a pluralistic, democratic Israel is to the Orthodox world and are facing financial strain. follow the tradition of “Tikkun Olam” – repairing • A life-skills and leadership training project, which of the world, one person and one community at a includes: learning groups on women’s health, time. Through Keren b’Kavod - the IMPJ Fund for visiting cultural institutions and prevention of Humanitarian Assistance and Social Responsibility, domestic violence. the IMPJ provides assistance, empowerment and • Year-long meetings take place betweeb Jewish, respite to many thousands of Israelis every year. Muslim and Druze youth, where the participants learn about tolerance and giving back and take Over the past two years, Keren b’Kavod has placed part in joint projects for the benefit of society. an increased emphasis on Israel’s southern region, following respite and resilience programs which took Looking Ahead: place over the summer of 2014, during Operation • The IMPJ is now in the process of developing “Bait “Protective Edge”. l’Chaim” – a community integration program for people with special needs.

Highlights: • Over the holidays, cross-religious programs take place, including the celebration of the different holidays, preparing holiday food packages and organizing family activities. To learn more about the work of • A back to school project is held at the beginning Keren b’Kavod, contact them at of each school year and includes: provision of school supplies for families dealing with cancer, [email protected] immigrant families and single-mother households. 22 23 Keren b’Kavod – a Personal Story

Eti was one of the participants in Keren b’Kavod’s the meaning of the inner strength and the life skills development course. The course is development of their inner world. Eti shares: “At meant to teach its participants about their my age, it was important for me to develop those rights and options in regards to education, things that give me meaning and joy; that make employment, and financial planning and is me feel good and bring light into my life… I have specifically meant for women, new olim and enough problems to deal with as it is… disadvantaged populations. Following the I developed my drawing skills, something I’ve completion of the program, Eti shared her enjoyed doing from a young age… following experience, saying: “the meetings are important what I learned in the group, I realized how to me, especially for the sake of gaining a important it is that I dedicate my time to things sense of belonging and the ability to share my I like doing and which provide me with good problems with other people who share similar energies. I felt that I was receiving emotional issues. We all deal with struggles in our lives… freedom, and the strength arrives from the ability in raising our children, setting limits, dealing with to do those thing which I once thought I could violence and financial difficulties“. never do. I stopped being afraid of expressing Along with dealing with education and my feeling and consulting with others, and I financial problems, the participants learn about especially gained a sense of bravery.” 24 25 Developing the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders

The IMPJ sees the nurturing of the young generation as one of its central missions, in the belief that these young men and women will go on to become the next leaders of Reform, progressive and democratic Judaism in Israel. As such, the IMPJ runs three on- going flagship programs for young Israelis, beginning with 7 year old children all the way to young women and men in their mid-twenties.

Noar Telem, the Israel Reform Youth Movement, operates a network of 12 centers across Israel, providing social and educational programs for children and youth from 3rd through 12th grade. Local activities enable children and youth to encounter the values of the Reform Movement: a pluralistic-oriented acquaintance with Jewish tradition and culture, social justice, equality, democracy and active citizenship. National activities include seminars, tours and the Havaya Summer Camp.

Highlights • “Havaya” summer camp continues its program in Carmiel and on Kibbutz Yahel. for special needs campers – “Hamulah” – with 16 • A pre-army Garin civil service year communal children this past summer. program was launched last year for Noar Telem • Two new local Noar Telem branches have opened graduates, located in Ra’anana. 26 27 The “Mechina” - pre-army social Beit Midrash BaDerech - Tlamim – Reform Young adult Community: Developing leadership training program: Every year, upon completion of their military service, Tlamim is a framework for young adults, ages 20-35, Once having graduated high-school and before around 25 Israelis with a strong connection to the interested in exploring and developing a pluralistic the Next enlisting for between 2-3 years of service in the IDF, land meet in Kibbutz Yahel in the Arava region Jewish way of life. Tlamim currently operates in 50 young Israelis are accepted into the IMPJ pre-army for a year of agricultural labor, Jewish learning Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv and offers activities in diverse Generation of Mechina program to prepare them to be stronger and leadership development. The participants fields, including: study, experience, festival and and more effective young Israeli Jewish leaders. Over of “Beit Midrash baDerech” experience the true memorial events, social and public involvement and the course of one year, these “mechinistim” learn meaning of “being one with the land” alongside dialogue activities. Participants are encouraged to Jewish Leaders, about Reform and progressive values, give back to gaining knowledge and skills which they will carry examine issues relating to their Jewish and Israeli the community and develop leadership skills. into adulthood. identity through exposure to diverse opinions, To watch a news clip on Beit Midrash b’Derech, search approaches and experiences. continued… Highlights: for “Pioneers Model 2012” on YouTube. • 54 students have enrolled in this year’s Mechina, Tlamim fosters a sense of commitment to the including three from abroad. Highlights: Jewish people as a whole, and to the State of Israel, • The Mechina was approved by the IDF and the • The third year program received 150 applications, in a manner and from a perspective that can appeal Ministry of Education to expand its program out of which 35 were chosen to participate in the to young liberal Israelis. and add on a third semester of study, leadership two sessions. training and volunteering. • The new summer program for alumni brought 10 Highlights: • The second IDF Mechina “garin” entered the graduates back for a week-long session. • Tlamim holds study sessions and monthly army with 8 new soldiers, 6 of whom are • A new Beit Midrash baDarech program now creative and musical Kabbalat Shabbat services Mechina graduates. operates in Jerusalem, following the success of the and programs. • This past year, five Mechina participants served program in Kibbutz Yahel. • Holiday programs including Yom Kippur retreat, as Noar Telem fellows as part of their community Hannukah party, Shavuot Tikkunim (nights of service requirement. learning) and more. • This past year, the Mechina participants “Kabbalat Shabbat makes you feel like • Tlamim runs creative writing courses, where established an ecological roof-garden, complete you’re a part of something, a part of participants learn how to express their with vegetable and items all made out of thoughts in words. recycled products. such a special and diverse group of people, and makes you realize that if Looking Ahead: you weren’t here your life wouldn’t • The Mechina continues to raise funds in order to build its permanent home in Jaffa. BE THE SAME.” (A Mechina participant shares her experience) 28 29 Reaching out to Israel’s Russian Speaking Population

Today, there are around one million immigrants Ha’Yam-Carmel, now in its fifth year of operation, from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) living and the new community initiative developing in Israel, many of whom are not considered in , is just some of the proof to the Jewish according to Orthodox Halacha (Jewish strength and acceptance the Reform Russian law). In recent years, the IMPJ has made great community in Israel is receiving. efforts in welcoming the Israeli Russian- speaking community and providing them with a Highlights: pluralistic Jewish home. One of the major ways • In 2015, a new Russian-speaking Reform of doing so has been through the work of Rabbi community began operating in Ramat-Gan. Gregory Kotler, a long-time Israeli originally • In 2015, the IMPJ conversion court converted from the FSU, who assists all Russian speakers 220 Russian-speaking Israelis. who turn to the IMPJ. Over the past year, the • Rabbi Gregory Kotler appeared on Channel 24 IMPJ conversion court has converted over 200 and radio programs numerous times, discussing Israelis from FSU countries, a process recognized the status of Reform conversions and growth of by the Israel Ministry of Interior for citizenship the Russian-speaking community. registration; the Legal Action Center for Olim • A fully-Russian language Facebook page has (LACO) of the Reform Movement has assisted an opened, where Russian-speaking Israelis can additional 150 Israelis in various bureaucratic ask questions on conversion and other matters challenges they face; and dozens of Russian concerning recent immigrants. speaking couple have had their wedding officiated by a Reform rabbi. Looking ahead: • A new, first-of-its-kind, Russian-speaking The success of the IMPJ Russian speaking community leadership course opened at Beit congregation in Haifa, Kehillat Shirat Daniel in Tel-Aviv. 30 31 Promoting a Shared Society in Israel

Over the past two years, the IMPJ, committed to Congregational initiatives: the belief that all people were created b’Tzelem IMPJ congregations across the country have Elohim – in the image of God, has significantly developed unique programs responding to the increased its programing initiatives in promoting increased tensions experienced in Israeli society a shared society between Jewish and Arab Israelis between Jews and Arabs. A great example of this and combating racial and hateful incitement. is a special initiative developed by Sha’ar HaNegev The need for this type of programing has greatly called v’Nislach – And we Shall Forgive, inviting increased over the past two years as a result Jews and Arabs to post thoughts, reflections and of events over the summer of 2014, as well as prayers over the forty days of forgiveness during continued “price tag” and other attacks motivated the month of Elul (https://goo.gl/K6cWx5). by hatred of the “other” on both sides. The IMPJ is addressing this phenomenon through Educational Curriculum: three main projects, as well as the work being Last year, the IMPJ education department wrote done by the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) and distributed a curriculum titled “Adabrah na to combat racist incitement. Shalom” – And I Shall Speak the Word of Peace, combining Jewish texts to teach about religious “Meeting Neighbors”: tolerance, acceptance of the other and the Through this project, Jewish and Arab families promotion of a shared society. meet for a series of seven facilitated meetings, where they get to know one another on a personal level, break stereotypes and develop meaningful, long-term friendships. Over the past year, three IMPJ congregations participated in the “Meeting Neighbors” program, and an additional group is scheduled to open in the coming months.

32 33 DOMIM – aLike Israel – Diaspora Relations Project

In May 2015, The IMPJ established DOMIM – aLike – Main aspects of the project include: the Israel-Diaspora relations Project, in partnership • The Establishment of the Diaspora-Israel Day with the Israeli government. holiday on the 7th of Mar-Cheshvan. • Face to Face visits. “DOMIM - aLike” has established a widespread network • Service trainings and conferences. of relationships between Reform congregations, rabbis, • Written educational and community-based lay and professional leaders in Israel and around the materials. world at a ratio beginning with the engagement of 20 • Next generation leadership training. Israeli Reform congregations with 80 from throughout • Forming partnerships with other organizations the world (70% from North America and the remainder working in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations. from the rest of the world). The program focuses on communal programming The program will also serve as a central axis for around and educational content with an emphasis on 1,000 Reform leaders in the Diaspora and hundreds the Jewish calendar and Jewish life cycle. The of thousands of liberal Jewish community members main mission of this initiative is to significantly around the world. strengthen and solidify the existing relations between Reform community leadership in Israel and around the world and to create new WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AND TAKE PART IN relationships by initiating and implementing new THIS IMPORTANT INITIATIVE. YOU CAN DO SO and groundbreaking work models in the field. The focus of the relationships will be on establishing FIRST AND FOREMOST BY “LIKING” DOMIM - routine and on-going communication between the ALIKE, AND YOU CAN CONTACT DOMIM AT partners throughout the entire year, rather than [email protected] sporadic and inconsistent occasions. 34 35 Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism

Hand in hand with the growth of IMPJ an authentic cross-cultural atmosphere, exploring Highlights: congregations across Israel, the IMPJ places great the connections between new forms of ecological • The “Yachdav” program was nominated for efforts on building and strengthening relationship identity and stewardship, social justice and the National Association of Temple Educators with partner communities and educational community in Israel. (NATE) Yad B’Yad award by Congregation facilities overseas. In addition to Domim-aLike, the B’nai Israel of Bridgeport, CT, which is one IMPJ does so also through these three programs: of the synagogues participating in this congregation-to-congregation partnerships, Tikkun Olam Program of Daniel Centers twinning program. school-to-school “Yachdav” program and Masa on for Progressive Judaism in Tel-Aviv - • This year, 29 Israeli campers traveled to North Kibbutz Lotan. Jaffa: America to take part in URJ summer camps. This program offers English speaking Jews from Masa on Kibbutz Lotan: around the world (including Israel) between the ages of 21-29 the opportunity to live, study and Looking Ahead: The Masa (Journey) program, in partnership with volunteer in -Jaffa for a period of between • A special study program on Jewish Peoplehood JAFI, takes place at the ecoCampus of Kibbutz Lotan 5 to 10 months. Participants choose between two for 20 Israeli students culminated in their and provides young Jews from around the world tracks – social action or coexistence. Each of the participation at seven Reform Movement the opportunity to experience a different side of tracks provides participants the opportunity to summer camps across North America. Israel. The program includes gap-year program meet diverse Israeli populations and engage in • The Daniel Centers will launch the first Israeli participants, college students on a semester or year volunteering and learning. For both tracks, study non-profit Internship Track to give participants abroad and post-graduate young Jews seeking days focus on the issues that participants encounter valuable career experience in the third sector, a unique experience. Participants engage with in their volunteering, along with classes on Jewish while living amongst the populations with issues of sustainability through a Jewish lens, in identity, Israeli culture and Hebrew. which they work. 36 37 Riding and Hiking to support Pluralism in Israel At the end of February 2016, 15 riders took off on the 12th annual Ride4Reform. This year, the riders rode along the Mediterranean coast, beginning in , riding up through Tzur Hadassah and finishing off in Jerusalem. Friendship, sportsmanship and comradery were combined together for a very successful ride.

The annual Ride4Reform is a great way for you to see Israel in a unique and exciting way, while supporting the Reform Movement. Contributions collected go directly to support the multitude of Reform programs across the country. To learn more about the Ride4Reform, go on the website: www.riding4reform.org

Search “Riding4Reform2014” on YouTube to watch a video from the 2014 ride, created by one of the riders

We are already getting ready for 2017 Ride4Reform, which will take place between March 26-30, 2017 in northern Israel. JOIN US FOR THIS UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCE! 38 39 A Message from the Vice-Chairperson for Financial Affairs

Dear friends, consultation with currency exchange experts to for revenue yielding ventures. The result of that ensure rate fluctuations do not impact our budget, study, carried out in tandem at Tel Aviv University As IMPJ Chair Reuven Marko has already noted, and creating budgetary reserves, set aside should and at Temple University in Philadelphia, is a detailed our annual budget has grown by roughly seven darker days ensue. business plan regarding one of those proposals million NIS in the past two years, testimony to which we are now examining. expanding areas of activity, new communities and These continue to be challenging economic times, Without“ –אם אין קמח אין תורה, אם אין תורה אין קמח congregations and novel endeavors. Through times requiring proactive and creative actions to this labor of love and devotion, the IMPJ is truly guarantee we can continue to deepen and broaden bread there is no Torah; without Torah there is no influencing Israeli society. our fields of activity. Through dynamism and bread” – This truism from Pirkei Avot (3:17) succinctly commitment, our professional staff tirelessly seeks expresses the inescapable nexus between the IMPJ’s Continued development could not be maintained out new avenues and sources of potential support, holy work here in Israel today and the need to find without exceptional on-going support from friends in Israel and abroad, and this past year we have appropriate funding for that work. It also articulates and partners around the globe, but also without been fortunate to add new backers for some of our the understanding that our continued success is concerted efforts to retain and broaden funding of undertakings. We are thrilled that these supporters central to our ability to generate new funding. programs and enterprises by the Zionist National recognize the importance of our work. Institutions and Israeli government ministries. Knowing we have partners like you around the world, But our Board has also come to understand that the we are certain the IMPJ will continue to go from In overseeing and being involved in IMPJ financial IMPJ cannot rest on these laurels and must explore strength to strength. matters, our persistent goal is to ensure fiscal independent enterprises whose goal will be to stability – building sound, realistic annual budgets generate revenue for our Movement. With that in Sincerely, and being hands-on to make certain we operate mind, this year we worked with Tel Aviv University’s within our means. In that vein we have taken Recanati School of Management’s Global Business measures to mitigate financial risks, including Studies program to examine three unique proposals Yair Lootstein, Adv. 40 41 Financial Overview expenses income 9% 16 % 8% Israeli Government Relation with world Administration 25% Jewry & Tikkun Olam Private donors 10% Self-generated income 33% % Congregation and 15 % 30 youth programing Legal & public advocacy Reform institutions (IRAC) (ARZA RIA, WUPJ) 23% JAFI, JFNA, JNF, national institutions 13% 18% Education Foundations and Jewish Federations

42 The IMPJ annual budget for FY 2016 is $6,700,000 43 Lois and Dick Gunther Massachusetts Federation (h) Richard and Barbara Harrison The MAZON Foundation Julie Ann Sandler and Joel Edan List of Major Donors Walter and Elise Haas Fund Memphis Jewish Federation Friedlander Robert Helman Lemsky Endowment Fund – Memphis Sillins Foundation Horwitz Memorial Fund Jewish Federation Jeff Singer Rabbi Geoff Huntting Jewish Federation of Greater The Jewish Federation of St. Louis None of the important work Gay Block Shoshana Dweck (i) Israel Ministry of Cultural Affairs MetroWest New Jersey The Alan B. Slifka Foundation laid out in the pages above Vivian Brass The Dweck Family Foundation Israel Ministry of Culture and Sport Bob Meyer Carole and Jay Sterling could have been accomplished Soref Breslauer Texas Foundation (e) Einhorn Family Charitable Trust Israel Minister of Education Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff (t) Temple Beth Shalom Miami without the partnership and Todd Brecher Lois England Israel Office of the Prime Minister Family Funds Temple Beth Shalom Santa Fe support of our generous donors. Marion Brucker Legacy Fund Richard and Lois England Foundation (j) Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Harvey Miller Foundation Temple Beth El Stamford, CT Below is the list of the major (c) Carmiel Municipality European Union Jewish Helping Hands Minneapolis Jewish Federation Temple Emanuel of Cherry Hill IMPJ and IRAC donors who Central Conference of American Edith Everett Jewish Federations of North Rabbi Yecheved Mintz Temple Emanuel San Francisco contributed in 2015-2016. We Rabbis (CCAR) E.V. Fund America (JFNA) Moriah Fund Temple Emanu-El of the City of thank them and many others for Central Synagogue of (f) Farber Family The Jewish National Fund (KKL) David and Inez Myers Foundation New York their on-going support Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Federation of Liberal Jewish Women Jewish Federation of the East Bay (n) New Israel Fund Temple Israel of Hollywood Chicago in the Netherlands Jewish Federation of Greater Federation of Liberal Jewish Women Temple Ohabei Shalom of Brookline Donald Chaiken Rabbi Karen Fox Kansas City in the Netherlands Temple Shaarei Emeth of Manalapan (A) The Aidekman Family Foundation John and Noeleen Cohen Rabbi Daniel Freelander Jewish Federation of St. Louis (o) Or Chadash Vienna Temple Sholom of Vancouver The Albert B. Glickman Family Ruth and Harvey Cohen FJC (k) Peter Kalikow The Jewish Federation of Greater Rachel Tiven Foundation Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Penny Fine James and Sue Klau Orlando (u) The Union for Progressive Kathryn Ames Foundation Foundation Friends of the IMPJ (l) Ruth and Sid Lapidus (p) Kathleen Peratis Judaism Australia ARZA US Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Friends of Progressive Judaism UK Gary and Laura Lauder Rabbi Amy and Gary Perlin Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) ARZA Canada The Donald and Carole Chaiken (g) The Genesis Foundation Levisson Institute Permian Basin Youth Chaverim The Embassy in Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Foundation The Gimprich Foundation Seymour Lipton Pratt Foundation Tel-Aviv, Israel Jewish Federation of Greater Arizona Congregation B’nai Israel of Joan Garson and David Baskin Peachy Levy (r) Paul Rissman University of California – Santa Avi Chai Foundation Sacramento Gold Family Foundation Michael Linderman John Roth and Jillian Segal Barbara (B) Beck Family Foundation Congregation Shaare Emeth of St. Bob Goodman and Jane Lipman Werner Loval Arthur and Betty Roswell (w) Arthur and Barbara Wernicke Berman Foundation Louis Raul Gottlieb and Marina Ventura Reed and Melanie Lowenstein The Ruderman Family Foundation Westchester Reform Temple Leslie Bergman Congregation Shir of Los Gottlieb Bente Lyons Daniel S. Reich Women of Reform Judaism – YES Austin and Nani Beutel Gatos Dennis and Nancy Gilbert (m) Machon l’Halacha Bat Zmanenu Congregation Rodeph Sholom – Fund Congregation Beth Am – Los Altos (d) Dennis Darryl Sally Gottesman Dan and Lenore Mass New York World Union for Progressive Judaism Bert Bilsky Isabel Dunst Green Family Fund Jewish Endowment Foundation Loni Rush (WUPJ) Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation Miriam Daniel and Lawrence Wolff Lisa and Josh Greer – Jewish Federation of Western (s) San Francisco Jewish Community The World Zionist Organization 44 45 IMPJ by the Numbers

12 5,000 200 people helped Reform conversions 8 annual regional council by Keren b’Kavod performed annually Rides4Reform annually rabbis funded by the Israeli government 500 weddings 105 officiated 47 Reform 60 45 by IMPJ IMPJ-affiliated Minyanim during 15,000 rabbis in the last High Holy Congregations “likes” on Hebrew & rabbis preschools & Israel Days season nation-wide English Facebook pages annually kindergartens

46 47 Support Us Please support our efforts to lead Israel’s Jewish renaissance and strengthen Israel’s democracy by making a contribution towards our work.

Tax-Deductible Donations For more information about how you can get Tax deductible donations to IMPJ may be involved, please contact: made via the following organizations: David Bernstein Director of Development & Overseas Relations Arza Canadian Friends Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism 633 Third Avenue of the WUPJ 13 King David Street, Jerusalem 94101, Israel New York, NY 10017 Canadian Council for Tel: +972-2-6203489, Mobile: +972-54-779-1101 212-650-4280 Reform Judaism Fax: +972-2-6203446 | Email: [email protected] [email protected] 3845 Bathurst Street, www.arza.org Suite 301, Toronto Direct Donations Ontario, M3H 3N2 to donate to IMPJ or IRAC directly, please send a check World Union for to IMPJ at the address above. Progressive Judaism FPJ - Funding 633 Third Ave. 7th Floor Progressive Judaism in New York, NY 10017 Israel, Europe and The (212)452-6530 Former Soviet Union To join our mailing list please email www.wupj.org PO Box 3998 [email protected] Gerrards Cross SL9 1AS UIA Progressive Trust Great Britain Like us on Facebook: 7 Ocean Street (440) 7765 55 2830 Reform Judaism in Israel Woollahra NSW 2025 www.fpjie.org.uk Follow us on Twitter: Australia (02) 93287644 ReformJudaismIsrael www.arza.org.au Thank you! 48

For more information about IMPJ and to find out how you can get involved please contact: Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism 13 King David Street, Jerusalem, 94101, Israel Telephone: 02-620-3448 | Fax: 02-620-3446 e-mail: [email protected] | www.reform.org.il Like us on Facebook: Reform Judaism in Israel