Celebrating 25 Years of: The Religious Action Center Preschool Network Leading Israel's Jewish Renaissance Strengthening Israel's Democracy

Annual Report 2011-2012 l June 2012 Written by: Davida Chazan; Edited by: Chen Abrahams Graphic Design: Stephanie & Ruti Design Table of Contents A Message from the IMPJ Executive Director and Chairperson ...... 4

The IMPJ Vision, Mission & Task ...... 6

Enriching Communities across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities ...... 8

Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive ...... 12

Honoring Ganei Haim on its 25th Anniversary ...... 16

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders ...... 18

Promoting Social Justice in Israel for 25 Years - IRAC ...... 24

Strengthening Israel's Society through "Tikkun Olam" ...... 26

Reaching out to Israel's Russian Speaking Population ...... 28

Celebrating Reform & Progressive Judaism through Jewish Life-Cycle Events ...... 32

Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism ...... 34

Enhancing Israeli Culture with Progressive Values ...... 38

Witnessing the Growth of Progressive Judaism in Israel - Academic Survey Findings ...... 40

Financial Overview ...... 41

IMPJ by the Numbers ...... 42

Thank You! ...... 43 A Message from IMPJ Executive Director & Chairperson

Dear Friends,

On the first of June 2012, only days after the historical agreement with the Israel Government regarding the funding of our in regional councils (the case of Miri Gold), 1,200 members from Israeli Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) gathered in Shefayim to celebrate the 20th Biennial Conference. These two events demonstrate how on the one hand, our movement promotes the values of pluralism, freedom of religion, and equality for all Jewish streams through our legal public action, led by the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), and on the other hand, touches the lives of thousands of Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Adv. Adv. Yaron Shavit Israeli families through our growing community, educational and cultural grassroots activities. These unique forces came together during the IMPJ Biennial when we celebrated 25 years of IRAC – the legal and public arm of our movement, along with 25 years of Ganei Haim – the Jewish pluralistic network of preschools. W e w o u l d l i k e During the Biennial, leading politicians came to Shefayim to speak to our audience, t o e x p r e s s o u r giving further evidence to the impact our movement has on Israel’s society. deepest gratitude to Furthermore, the conference concluded with welcoming four new congregations into the movement: Kehillat Yovel in , Kiryat HaYovel Havurah in , all of our communities, Miskanot Ruth in Jaffa and Kehillat Halev in . rabbis, educators, lay The theme of the biennial was “To Learn and To Do”. This motto is embedded in all leaders, professional staff of our work. We are proud to present you with this annual report, which shows the growth and diversity of our activities of learning and doing. We would like to express and especially to our our deepest gratitude to all of our communities, rabbis, educators, lay leaders, supporters and partners professional staff and especially to our supporters and partners around the world. around the world. We invite you all to join us in leading Israel’s Jewish renaissance and strengthening Israel’s democracy.

Sincerely, Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Adv. Adv. Yaron Shavit Executive Director Chairman

4 5 Vision of the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) 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 , embracing all forms of Jewish religion and culture, fulfilling the moral and universal values of Judaism, and serving as democratic state, protecting individual human dignity, equality and religious freedom, promoting pluralism, communal life, social and environmental responsibility, and committed to all of its citizens regardless of religion, creed, race, gender or sex.

Mission of the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism The Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism, having earned significant recognition as a leader of the spiritual, intellectual, educational and public discourse in Israel and in the Reform and Progressive Jewish world, 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.

Principal Task To significantly increase the numbers of Israelis who enjoy experiences identified with Reform and Progressive Judaism, in a way that promotes long-term identification with the values of the movement, and connection with the movement's communities and activities.

6 7 Enriching Communities across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities

By building 37 progressive Jewish communities across the country, the IMPJ has taken a leading role in fulfilling the task of ensuring that Israeli citizens can have access to pluralistic formal and informal education, Shabbat and holiday celebrations n approximated and more. The IMPJ New Communities are being developed according to three models: 40 Reform • With communities where there are no congregations, the IMPJ works with local and pluralistic leaders to create new initiatives. In 2011 the IMPJ started two new communities A in Rosh Pina and Caesarea. Shavuot activities • With large, established communities the IMPJ helps initiate satellite communities. In 2011-12, Kol Haneshama, a veteran community in Jerusalem, worked to were planned strengthen the satellite community in the Kiryat HaYovel neighborhood. Beit Daniel in Tel Aviv worked to strengthen Miskanot Ruth in Jaffa and Kehillat HaLev across the country in Central Tel Aviv. • The IMPJ cooperates with kibbutzim and peripheral regional councils to assist for thousands of them in integrating Jewish pluralistic celebrations, traditions and study into their communities. In 2011-12 the IMPJ continued the development of three participants. new regional communities: Sha’ar HaNegev (near ), Arava (near ) and Megiddo-Yokneam (Lower Galilee).

Highlights: Looking Ahead: • A Women’s Leadership Training Course was established with the help of the • IMPJ community development will focus Women of (WRJ) in Israel and included 22 participants. on assisting the new communities in • The first national “Shaliach Tzibur”(prayer leading) course was opened in , Rosh Pina, and Caesarea. partnership with HUC-Jerusalem. • The IMPJ will also work on expanding • 10% increase in egalitarian, pluralistic Bar/Bat ceremonies. activities in fledgling communities such • Out of the over 40 communities holding Yom Kippur services, seven were held in as the Megiddo-Yokneam, Sha’ar HaNegev, new locations for the first time, with an increase in participants of 75% over last year. the Arava region, , Gedera, Shirat HaYam () and . • Communities established during 2010-11 are showing more than a 200% increase in numbers of participants over their first year’s activities. This includes celebrations • The IMPJ will continue to work to of holidays, Shabbat services, study sessions, children’s activities, and more. significantly increase the numbers of Israelis who enjoy experiences identified • An approximated 40 Reform and pluralistic Shavuot activities are planned across with Reform and Progressive Judaism the country for thousands of participants, including many “Tikkun Leil Shavuot” throughout the country. (all night study), tours and special prayer services, to include children and their families in their respective communities.

8 I Enriching Communities Across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities Enriching Communities Across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities

9 Rosh Pina's First Bar Mitzvah

10 I Enriching Communities Across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities Enriching Communities Across Israel with Progressive Jewish Activities

Gil & Ma’ayan Matz Building a New Pluralistic Jewish Community in Rosh Pina

Gil & Ma’ayan Matz are two members of the budding Jewish community of Rosh or nothing but when they are exposed to Pina. While Ma’ayan comes from a totally secular background, Gil had a reform Bar alternatives where no one is judging them Mitzvah at Or Hadash (Haifa). In the 1990s the couple was sent by the Jewish Agency or forcing anything on them, they are more to the USA as emissaries (Shlichim). There they worked on campuses with Hillel open to connect to their and groups and met many Reform students. This was Ma’ayan first exposure to Reform the Jewish people on a deeper level”. Judaism, which encouraged Ma’ayan to get her BA in Jewish studies. After their “There is a whole gamut of experiences yet to return to Israel, Ma’ayan continued her studies at HaMidrasha in Oranim and made be discovered and included in our lives” and their first attempts to bring Reform Judaism to the members of Kibbutz Kadarim, for the community of Rosh Pina, the seeds with little success. that people like the Matz family have sown, One of Ma’ayan’s experiences that reinforced her desire to lead a pluralistic Jewish are just beginning to sprout. life was when she went to a Simchat service with her daughters in a local . When they went to dance with the Torah, they didn’t realize they had inadvertently gone into the men’s section, as there was no separation set up. She remembers feeling both hurt and insulted when suddenly they announced … not being part of a Jewish “all women please leave”. The next year, that synagogue put up a barrier. “If I’m community is not an option. If not allowed to be totally involved, I can’t connect. It’s as if I’m not considered a I don’t go to synagogue, I feel person just because I am a woman”. Ma’ayan added, “But not being part of a Jewish like I’m breaking a link to Judaism for my community is not an option. If I don’t go to synagogue, I feel like I’m breaking a link daughters and myself”. to Judaism for my daughters and myself”. The turning point happened six years after they moved to Rosh Pina. Ma’ayan and Gil approached the IMPJ for support and guidance in building a new community. The IMPJ sent Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin, and together they helped the community understand that being Jewish isn’t “just prayer, but includes study, Gemilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and a sense of belonging”. It took time and patience for the Matz family to get the Jewish pluralistic community in Rosh Pina up and running, and according to Ma’ayan, it is an ongoing process. For now, they only hold Kabbalat Shabbat and Limmud (study) activities once a month, but the people who attend are mostly secular . “This is encouraging because Israelis seem to be more distanced from Judaism than Jews in the USA where pluralism is more acceptable. Here people think you should be either all

11 Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive Judaism

The mission of the IMPJ Department of Education is on the one hand, to support and • The IMPJ wrote the Jewish enrichment develop educational facilities operating within and alongside IMPJ congregations, curriculum to train early childhood and on the other hand, mainstream its pluralistic Jewish educational content in state teachers and coordinators for the city of public schools, in order to promote a stronger liberal Jewish identity throughout Holon. Israeli society. • New early childhood educational kits on In the IMPJ’s 55 nursery schools/kindergartens, five elementary schools (grades Judaism and the Environment and the 1-6), and two high schools (grades 7-12), progressive Judaism is part of the core Shavuot holiday have been completed. curriculum. These receive ongoing support from the IMPJ’s education department, The kits include workbooks and activities through teacher training, educational materials, rabbinical guidance, and much for children and families. more. Together, this creates a full Jewish experience for children, their families and their communities. In addition, the IMPJ is actively working within the state public school system, to implement key elements of its Jewish enrichment programs in preschools, he IMPJ is actively elementary schools and afterschool activities. These educational programs create a continuum of opportunities for children and their families, as well as their teachers, working within the to become acquainted with liberal Jewish experiences, take part in “Tikkun Olam”, and participate in a broad spectrum of communal pluralistic and egalitarian state public school activities. In this way, from an early age, children can begin experiencing a sense of T system, to implement key completeness and stability that comes from being part of a Jewish community. elements of its Jewish Highlights: enrichment programs in • In 2011 the Ministry of Education approved IMPJ’s 6th grade curriculum for their “Jewish Heritage and Culture” studies. 20 schools with approximately 800 students preschools, elementary have adopted this curriculum. schools and afterschool • The Ministry of Education approved the IMPJ curriculum for the 5th grade. • For the first time, two of the IMPJ elementary schools - Yozma in Modi’in and Leo activities. Baeck in Haifa - have created a full six-year continuity of classes from 1st through 6th grades. • All seven IMPJ schools now have educational rabbis as members of their permanent faculty. All these rabbis participate in a forum to discuss content and consult on the various aspects of the Jewish education. • 20 educators in Holon participated in the IMPJ training for after-school programs.

12 I Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive Judaism Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive Judaism

Looking Ahead: • In 2012-13, the IMPJ will open a pluralistic kindergarten in Holon. This will be the first specialized and only pluralistic kindergarten for the city. • The Sidney and Freda Davidson Educational and Cultural Center at Kehillat Mevakshei Derech in Jerusalem will be completed in 2012 and will open three new kindergarten classes. • 100 after-school frameworks in Holon will receive enrichment programs written by the IMPJ. • The IMPJ “Jewish Heritage and Culture” curriculum for the 5th grade approved by the Ministry of Education will start implementation for the 2012-13 school year. • Two School-to-School (S2S) programs will be offered for the 2012-13 school year. “Yachdav” (together) will connect 25 classes in Israel, with 25 in the USA, and a joint IMPJ-JAFI Bar/Bat Mitzvah pilot program will match 10 Israeli schools with 10 Jewish schools in the USA and the UK.

13 14 Bringing Children, Teachers and Parents Closer to Progressive Judaism

Leora Ezrachi-Vered Following in a Family Tradition

With a family that has always been highly involved in pluralistic and Reform Judaism in Israel, it was only natural that Leora Ezrachi-Vered was a member of the first class of Ganei Haim, which opened 25 years ago. While some children turn away from religion as they grow up, Leora instead became equally active in the IMPJ. “As a child growing up... I clearly remember leading Kabbalat Shabbat when I was 14. It was the first time I stood up in front of hundreds of people ... Besides the excitement... I remember how much it meant to me to lead a community in prayer and the responsibility of the occasion”. Leora is the mother of one-year old Eitan. When she was asked what she would tell other parents about her experience in a pluralistic kindergarten, she answered “... a reform pluralist kindergarten gives you the foundation for the way to view Jewish life, as something integral, authentic and part of who you are. It gave me a language for Jewish living and learning and a way to frame it as “fun” and enjoyable. I think it also gave me a deeper outlook on life and an understanding that I am a part of .” “Today, I realize that the IMPJ has given me the ability to access Jewish texts and rituals and create a meaningful, personal and family experience through study, prayer and communal activities. Being in the movement has also given me a political ... a reform pluralist kindergarten and social outlook on life and Israeli society, which makes me a more active and gives you the foundation for caring citizen”. the way to view Jewish life, as something integral, authentic and part of Now Leora is the director of Noar Telem (the IMPJ Youth Movement), and recently who you are…” decided to pursue a rabbinical degree at HUC (where her mother is the Dean). So it seems Leora’s growing up in the IMPJ is far from finished.

15 Honoring Ganei Haim’s 25th Anniversary

25 years ago, a group of professionals and HUC rabbinical students with young children were looking for a different Jewish education for their children. At that time, these families lived in areas where only orthodox or secular options were available. ... we wanted HUC-JIR Dean Rabbi Na’ama Kelman remembers “we wanted to establish a Reform Jewish educational initiative, which would grow from the kindergarten, and continue to establish all the way through High School. We dreamed of nurturing Israelis who could ‘speak Reform’. Today, children in Jerusalem can have a progressive Jewish education from a Reform Jewish age 2 through 18”. When asked how she feels when she looks at these kindergartens today, Rabbi Kelman can only say: “nachas, nachas, nachas”. educational initiative, With Jewish pluralism in mind, Ganei Haim is shaping its curriculum to fit the needs of the children and their families. Every week starts with a Havdalah service and which would grow ends with a Kabbalat Shabbat. Hands-on Jewish activities are integrated in the daily programs and special attention is taken for learning about the various holidays from the kindergarten, as well as celebrating Rosh Hodesh with a festive communal breakfast. No less and continue important are the “Tikkun Olam” activities such as clothing and food drives, donating birthday gifts to underprivileged children and making Mishloach Manot for Soldiers all the way through prior to Purim. Families are included through weekly newsletters and by being invited to events in the schools throughout the year such as Pesach, Hanukkah and High School.” a special “Seder” for Tu Be’Shevat, and Holiday kits are made available with activities for the whole family, which are also used in their respective communities. Ganei Haim teaches tolerance and acceptance through its unique makeup. This is reflected in the staff which includes teachers that are Haredi, Arab, Ethiopian, and Looking Ahead: Russian. Ganei Haim also prides itself in accepting children with special needs that • For 2012-13, Ganei Haim will open another other preschools have turned away. Furthermore, major organizations such as Yad new kindergarten class for 27 children in b’Yad (the National Jewish Council for Disabilities) and USAid have contacted Ganei the newly built Sidney and Freda Davidson Haim regarding both its Jewish enrichment and its “Tikkun Olam” programming. Educational and Cultural Center at Kehillat Ganei Haim is playing an active role in shaping the pluralistic educational alternatives Mevakshei Derech in Jerusalem. for preschool children in the Jerusalem area. • Further focus will be on Jewish enrichment staff training, and obtaining recognition Highlights: from the Jerusalem Municipality’s Dept. • Ganei Haim now has seven classes, serving over 140 children, in four different of Education. locations, including one in Even Yehuda in coastal plain region. • The IMPJ is investigating extending the • Four classes located in the Beit Shmuel complex, including the new kindergarten Gan Mechina to open a 1st Grade class for for children of asylum seekers and migrant workers, called Gan Mechina. children of asylum seekers and migrant • Two new classes opened in the Tali Bayit Vegan campus in Kiryat HaYovel. workers.

16 I Honoring Ganei Haim’s 25th Anniversary 17 Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

The IMPJ is committed to cultivating young, Israeli citizens who both acknowledge • A 3-way meeting between 40 Israelis from and celebrate their Jewish identity. These are the leaders of the future who are Noar Telem with another 40 NFTY (USA) dedicated to a pluralistic Jewish and democratic State of Israel and can take an participants and 80 Jewish youth from NSY active role in the advancement of Reform and Progressive Judaism in Israel. (UK) took place on the subject “The Thread that Binds us Together”. Noar Telem is the IMPJ’s youth movement, providing year-round experiential activities for thousands of children from grades 3-12, focusing on Jewish traditions, • During the summer of 2011, Noar Telem culture, social justice, equality and democracy. On a national level, activities include joined the Social “Tents” Protest by having seminars, tours and summer camps. Noar Telem combines the usual youth group their own tent and hosting Kabbalat activities with ones that answer the question “what makes it Reform or progressive”. Shabbat services for the protesters. Each year’s theme is chosen by the High School leadership, using Noar Telem’s • Noar Telem also has a Forum Bamah (stage) vision, “Tikkun Olam”, a love of the land and the ideals from Israel’s Declaration of which encourages political activism to Independence for pluralism and equality in a democratic and Jewish State of Israel. promote equality between religious and secular Israelis. Highlights: • Branches are now in 10 locations from Eilat to Haifa, with weekly activities Looking Ahead: involving anywhere from 20 to 150 children in each locality. • Future locations for new Noar Telem branches are being planned for , • Four new centers opened in Kibbutz Yahel, Zichron Yaakov, Kiryat HaYovel Carmiel and possibly Gedera. (Jerusalem) and Tzur Hadassah (in the Judean Hills). • The newly designed Noar Telem uniforms • Havaya camp now serves between 500-600 children each summer. will be distributed. • To answer the need for youth programs for the disabled, a pilot program for 5-7 children with special needs will be held during the 2012 Havaya camp. • Work has begun on a program for Bar/Bat Mitzvah for children with special needs as well as a leadership development training program. • Initiation has begun on a cooperative program with the Israeli Scouts Movement and the Noar Telem group from Haifa’s Leo Baeck School. • Connection with Netzer that Noar Telem's New Uniform began two years ago has received funding for a new seminar for April 2013.

18 I Developing the Next Generation of Leaders Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Mechina is a Jaffa based pre-army one-year program, offering high-school • 60 alumni participated in a program that graduates a unique environment in which to explore their Jewish identity, learn was held on Simchat Torah, and 90 alumni about the current issues facing Israel, and become involved in “Tikkun Olam” by attended a Shabbat event held for all volunteering in the local Jaffa community. This leadership training experience classes together, which focused on sharing army experiences. endows young participants with the skills and commitment to become future leaders in Israeli society in general, and the Reform and Progressive Jewish community in • Each and every alumni class met for one particular. Shabbat gathering at the Mechina.

Highlights: Looking Ahead: • The IMPJ looks forward to building the • 52 participants enrolled for the 2011-12 year, including four participants from abroad. Mechina a permanent home in Jaffa • Through their volunteer work, participants helped several hundred children and on land allocated by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa close to 100 elderly Jaffa residents in need. municipality, and the campaign to raise necessary funds continues. • Participants went on a four-day seminar through Judea and Samaria, offering them the opportunity to meet with both and Jews, for a complete, • Due to the growing demand for this balanced experience. program far beyond the 52 maximum participants allowed by the Ministry • Through the curtsey of the Avi Chai Foundation, at the beginning of the year, of Defense, the IMPJ is considering the Mechina counselors received initial training and coaching sessions. possibility of starting a partner Mechina in the north of Israel. • The (IDF) has decided to establish a special unit (“garin” meaning seed) of 15 Mechina graduates to serve as a group in the Nachal Brigade. These soldiers will return to Jaffa for one year of their regular army service, to continue their study and volunteering work. This important development inaugurates a second year of Mechina for these soldiers.

19 Beit Bederech is a unique program designed for young adults ages 20- 24 from across Israel’s society. During the 6-8 month program, 20-30 young adults create a community on Kibbutz Yahel in the Arava (near Eilat). Participants combine MPJ has become agricultural Kibbutz work, “Tikkun Olam”, volunteering and Jewish study. Through its unique programming, Beit Midrash Bederech offers participants the opportunity the primary guide to explore an active and vibrant Zionist Jewish identity and cultivates the next generation of leaders in Israeli civil society. The IMPJ aims to replicate this model and advisor to other for young Israelis across the country. I organizations who Highlights: have already begun • 30 qualified people were chosen out of 150 applicants (compared to 45 last year) to participate in the second year’s program. This shows a growing demand for to duplicate its Beit the program. • IMPJ has become the primary guide and advisor to other organizations who have Midrash Bederech already begun to duplicate its Beit Midrash Bederech model in other parts of the country. model in other parts of the country. Looking Ahead: • Due to the growing demand, the IMPJ is considering opening 1-2 groups for a mid-year session in October. • To make this into a nation-wide program, the IMPJ has begun negotiations with other kibbutzim to host this program.

20 I Developing the Next Generation of Leaders Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Beit Midrash Bederech at Kibbutz Yahel

21 Mechina Tours the Country (Alexis, second from the right)

22 Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Alexis Ziebelman An American in the Israeli Mechina

New York born Alexis Ziebelman is one of the few non-Israelis accepted to Mechina for 2011-12. While many Americans take a year off before entering university, for Alexis joining Mechina was “less about having a gap year and more about coming It’s been the hardest, to Israel.” When she was in High School she visited Israel as part of a JAFI Partnership 2000 tour, and got her first glimpse into the Mechina in Jaffa, which “sounded too most challenging interesting a possibility to pass up”. thing I’ve ever done, but it’s Alexis said “I’ve learned more in this non-school environment than I ever thought I been amazing”. could learn” about Israel, about Judaism and about community. “I would go into a lecture thinking I knew my opinion about something and then I would hear another side of the story and realize there was so much more to think about and absorb”. She added, I found “people ... who were passionate about the importance of Jewish education and how it affects their lives”. Regarding the differences between Israelis and Americans, Alexis said the Israelis had stereotypes about her just as she did about them, and found there was “a lot we can learn about each other to change these attitudes.” For instance, “the environment I grew up in was a very intense. You had to give100%, all the time, not give up, and finish what you started. That was a big part of me and who I am. While I’m learning how to calm down a bit, I think I’m also teaching them how to take things to the next level”. Alexis also witnessed that “here there is a real sense of community and together they’re fighting for what they want.” That was precisely the type of Israeli experience Alexis was hoping for. For Alexis, Mechina has been a fascinating chapter of her life, “people in America think they know what Reform Judaism is, and that’s the norm... But the more I learn, the more questions I have. ... It’s been the hardest, most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but it’s been amazing”.

23 Promoting Social Justice in Israel for 25 Years - IRAC

With 25 years of advancing pluralism and defending the freedoms of conscience, Looking Ahead: faith and religion, the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) is one of the preeminent • IRAC will continue to work towards civil and human rights organizations in Israel today. getting state recognition for reform and During 2011-12, the issue of gender segregation, which IRAC has long been conservative rabbis in the cities. championing, received increased attention. Stories of harassment of women on • IRAC will advance non-orthodox buses and young religious girls going to school, as well as advertisements that representation in the public management remove or blur the faces of women and girls received widespread media attention. council of the site through By the end of 2011, through IRAC’s work, gender segregation and exclusion of public and legal means. women topped the agenda of three major Knesset committees. • IRAC will work to end the work of state IRAC is also addressing the huge backlog of conversion case disputes, which rabbis that use their pulpits to incite prevents converts and their families from making . Through its Legal Aid against non-Jewish citizens and migrant Center for Olim (LACO), IRAC offers indispensable services to hundreds of converts workers. pursuing successful Aliyah by providing legal representation and advice, all the way • IRAC will expand its battle against gender to the Supreme Court, if necessary. segregation in the public sphere.

Highlights:

• In an historical precedent, the Attorney-General agreed to recognize Reform and Conservative rabbis for government funding, beginning with Rabbi Miri Gold of n an historical the Regional Council. precedent, • The Supreme Court ruled that mandatory gender segregation on public buses was illegal, and that victimized women could file civil suits for damages. the Attorney- • A reform rabbi was nominated to the religious council of the Jerusalem suburb of I Mevasseret Tzion, and two liberal representatives were nominated to the religious General agreed to council in . recognize Reform and • The court ordered the Municipality to give the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance (JOH) the same funding that it grants to all other community Conservative rabbis for centers, and required them to pay NIS 130,000 to the Open House. government funding, • A joint position paper was published with the “Coalition against Racism in the Knesset” regarding the legislative proposal granting immunity to rabbis for all beginning with Rabbi racist statements made in their capacity as rabbis. As a result, this legislation was not approved by the Knesset. Miri Gold of the Gezer • The Court ordered the Municipality to allocate and Regional Council. renovate a municipal building for the IMPJ congregation Natan-Ya.

24 I Promoting Social Justice in Israel for 25 Years - IRAC Promoting Social Justice in Israel for 25 Years - IRAC

The Telephone Call An ultra-Orthodox woman speaks anonymously with the IRAC Hotline

“I am a young ultra-Orthodox woman, and I would like to thank the Israel Religious Action Center for its battle against segregation. I thank Hashem every day for Reform Jews. "… I would like to thank the Israel “There are many ultra-Orthodox women who oppose the gender segregation, but Religious Action Center for its we are not able to express our opposition. I think that most of the rabbis will say that battle against segregation. I thank the demands for segregation are nonsense, but no one dares to be the “permissive Hashem every day for Reform Jews …" rabbi,” for fear of the extremists (primarily from the Sikrikim*). It drives me crazy that people, such as Amnon Levy (television talk show host), say that the ultra-Orthodox must be allowed to “live their lives,” because no one actually checks to see what the ultra-Orthodox want. “With regard to the buses, the fact that the back door remains open is a catastrophe. “Despite the battle against the segregated If we were to board by the front door, there might be some possibility of sitting up bus lines, I don’t see any change on them. It’s front, but now it’s not an option at all. Even as a group, we can’t sit at the front of important for me to say that there is no such the bus under any circumstances. Only when there’s a secular woman sitting at the thing as a voluntary arrangement, and this is front, does it give us the courage to sit there as well, because many ultra-Orthodox done by coercion and against my will”. people are afraid to make comments to secular women. (*Sikrikim or (Latin for zealots) are a small group of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews, known for “Only once did I see an ultra-Orthodox girl who, when she was told to move to the their extreme views who have been known to commit back, pointed to the sticker on the bus saying that everyone has the right to choose his acts of violence, even against the Orthodox, who do or her seat, and that helped her. But the fact that the sticker is there doesn’t help at all. not comply with their strict demands of modesty.)

25 Strengthening Israel’s Society through “Tikkun Olam”

The IMPJ is committed to the vital Jewish tradition of “Tikkun Olam” - repairing the tent sites across the country, enriching the world - through its dedication to social justice, solidarity for its own communities as protest with a pluralistic Jewish perspective well as caring for those who live among us. This ethic is embedded within all IMPJ of social justice. Some of the youth and programs and communities, through Keren B’Kavod, the IMPJ’s flagship initiative for young adults of the IMPJ were integrated “Tikkun Olam”. Keren B’Kavod assists all sectors of the Israeli society, regardless of into the leadership of the protest movement, religion, place of origin or political affiliation in order to minimize the gaps in Israeli thereby strengthening the relationship of the society and promote social justice, with an emphasis on social empowerment. With IMPJ with these social and civic action groups. over 1,200 volunteers, Keren B’Kavod gives direct assistance to an estimated 3,000 people, and reaches tens of thousands more through all the IMPJ’s programs. Keren Looking Ahead: B’Kavod’s annual budget is mainly supported by IMPJ community members, in-kind • Havaya summer camp will include more donations as well as friends and foundations abroad. children with special needs. In the IMPJ’s preschools and schools, Keren B’Kavod melds the Jewish values of • The IMPJ will develop together with WIZO tolerance and “Tikkun Olam” with pluralistic enrichment. This is done through an educational Bar/Bat mitzvah program initiatives such as donating birthday gifts and collecting clothing for disadvantaged for underprivileged children children, and much more. In the IMPJ Noar Telem youth movement, Mechina pre- • Expansion of the volunteering work in Jaffa army program, and Beit Midrash Bederech for young adults, volunteering is a for the Mechina pre-army program. core element in all their activities, working with various weak or disadvantaged populations of all ages. In communities, Keren B’Kavod also encourages innovation, and social involvement eren B'Kavod through various programs developed to meet the needs of each community and their particular surroundings. Two of the key elements of the Keren B’Kavod activities are “paying it forward” and empowerment. The concept of “paying it forward”, also runs a encourages those who receive support from Keren B’Kavod to assist others. For example, teens from the Gypsy community in Jerusalem making food packages for program for Muslim families. The empowerment aspect is manifested in various activities, and K young adults who have especially in life-skills courses for different target groups such as single mothers, Ethiopian immigrants and Druze. Keren B’Kavod also runs a program for young left their Orthodox adults who have left their Orthodox families, and a program for Arab, Druze and Jewish youth to partner through volunteering. families, and a program Highlight: for Arab, Druze and During the summer of 2011 all of the IMPJ sectors took part in the social “Tent” protest movement, by bringing the aspect of Jewish values of social responsibility Jewish youth to partner and “Tikkun Olam” to the public discourse. From the time when the tents were first erected on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, the IMPJ was there to hold Kabbalat through volunteering. Shabbat services and lead study and discussion sessions. These activities spread to

26 I Strengthening Israel’s Society through “Tikkun Olam” Strengthening Strengthening Israel’s Society through “Tikkun Olam” Israel’s Society through “Tikkun Olam”

27 Reaching out to Israel’s Russian Speaking Population

The IMPJ is making inroads in reaching out to Israel’s largest immigrant population - combined with learning about the land Russian speakers from the Former Soviet Union. Nearly one third of these Israelis are through tours of places such as Masada, not considered Jewish by the religious and government authorities, and even more Qumran and . of them have little to no Jewish identity due to a lack of positive Jewish experiences • The 2nd Russian edition of the Plaut under Communism. This distances them from the general Israeli population, and Bible (with commentary and cantillation) hinders their absorption into Israeli society. Led by the first Russian speaking published in Israel with an initial printing ordained Reform Rabbi, Gregory Kotlyar, the IMPJ is beginning to change this. of 3,000 copies, will be distributed throughout the country. Highlights: • Congregation Shirat HaYam is planning its • Rabbi Kotlyar is gaining a high profile in Russian Israeli media on the issues of first Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Jewish pluralism. • Conversion classes held in English, Russian and Hebrew with approximately 200 conversions performed a year. Courses take place in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Ra’anana. early one • The Reform Rabbinical Council (MARAM) decided to institute a shortened third of these conversion process for immigrants with patrilineal Jewish roots. These courses take only 2-3 months to conclude. Israelis are not • Congregation Shirat HaYam Carmel in Haifa is the first Reform community for N Russian speakers and now serves dozens of young families. Their activities considered Jewish include Kabbalat Shabbat for children, a bi-monthly pluralistic Beit Midrash, holiday celebrations and touring the country so these Olim can better familiarize by the religious and themselves with their new home country. government authorities, • Leadership seminars for young (aged 20+) Russian speakers brings former members of Netzer (the Jewish youth groups in Russia, the Ukraine and Belarus) and even more of who made Aliyah in the past five years to connect with the IMPJ and its activities. In each seminar there are 30 young participants from across the country. them have little to no • Over 1,000 copies of the informational booklet in Russian “Progressive Judaism in Israel” have been distributed across the country to Olim, converts, Russian Jewish identity due to language groups/clubs and at lectures given by Rabbi Kotlyar. a lack of positive Jewish Looking Ahead: experiences under • The Genesis Philanthropy Group has given the IMPJ a grant to conduct four seminars in Jewish identity and leadership. Traditional Jewish content will be Communism.

28 I Reaching out to Israel’s Russian Speaking Population 29 Svetlana Notkin Becoming Jewish, Reform and Israeli

Svetlana was not born Jewish in fact until she met a Jewish man in Kharkov in the Ukraine she had no connection to anything Jewish. Through his Jewish friends and involvement in the Hashomer Hatzair (Jewish Socialist Zionist) movement in the Ukraine, she began to learn about both Jews and Israel. Although that relationship ended, her love for Judaism was just beginning. After moving to the Ural, she took a job with the (JAFI) working with Jewish youth. Not only did she meet her future husband there, but she soon realized that for her job, she needed to learn more about Jewish history and traditions. She soon realized she wanted to convert to Judaism, and found the vision offered by the reform movement to be most similar to her own. “In the Reform movement, men and women are equal. They help people decide how they wish to celebrate their Judaism”. This brought her to the in Moscow, where she met Rabbi Gregory Kotlyar, who helped with her conversion. Naturally, Svetlana wanted to move to Israel with her Israeli husband. However, making Aliyah wasn’t a smooth ride. When Svetlana came in 2005, the Minister of Interior was willing to let her enter the country, but only as the wife of a Jewish, Israeli citizen. That wasn’t enough for Svetlana. She was now Jewish and wanted to Svetlana and Michal be recognized as a , with all the rights and privileges of a full citizen. Even with the help of a lawyer from the IMPJ’s Legal Aid Center for Olim (LACO), it took four and a half years for her conversion to be accepted by the Ministry, so that she could obtain Israeli citizenship. Today, Svetlana and her husband live in Jerusalem with their 3-year-old daughter, These get-togethers help Michal. Svetlana keeps in contact with Jews in the FSU through her work for Limmud (the international Jewish study program). Svetlana’s involvement with the IMPJ Svetlana feel she is not continues as she regularly joins in and even helps run activities with Netzer Olami alone in Israel, and that she graduates from the FSU. With no reform congregation near her home, these get- togethers help Svetlana feel she is not alone in Israel, and that she is “part of both is part of both the Israeli the Israeli community and the Jewish people”. community and the Jewish Although it was her husband that was born Jewish, Svetlana proudly says “I’m the people. one who brought Jewish tradition into our home. There are now two Jews on my side of the family - me, and my daughter.”

30 I Reaching out to Israel’s Russian Speaking Population Reaching out to Israel’s Russian Speaking Population

31 Celebrating Reform & Progressive Judaism through Jewish Life-Cycle Events

It has become more and more obvious that the Israeli public is becoming Looking Ahead: increasingly interested in including pluralistic Jewish traditions and ceremonies • The IMPJ will continue positioning the in their lives. According to the latest Avi-Chai Guttman Survey “A Portrait of Israeli “One-Stop Center” and its services. Jews: Beliefs, Observance, and Values of 2009”, 31% of all Jews in Israel • A radio and Internet campaign focus have experienced at least one life-cycle event ceremony in Reform and progressive on life-cycle events for women will be , including Bar/Bat , weddings and High Holy Day services. launched. That same survey showed that 92% of Israeli Jews believe that celebrating a Bar Mitzvah is important to their family’s Jewish identity, and 85% believe that the same • The IMPJ aims to expand the Bat Mitzvah is true of a Bat Mitzvah. The IMPJ has identified these life-cycle events as one of the and the Adult Bat Mitzvah programs and increase dramatically the number of Israeli main platforms to spread pluralistic values within Israel’s society. girls and women becoming a Bat Mitzvah. With that in mind, the IMPJ Board of Directors decided to build a “One-Stop • The IMPJ will launch a campaign to build Center” for life-cycle and religious services that will help Israelis obtain information a progressive cemetery in central Israel about these activities, as well as connect with pluralistic rabbis and communities and work to establish a progressive burial across the country. Another venue to spread the Jewish pluralistic values throughout association. Israeli society is the Jewish Holiday Website (www.hagim.org.il), which is updated • The IMPJ will investigate launching a post- before each holiday with articles, family activity kits and suggestions, liturgy and Bar/Bat Mitzvah outreach program for much more. children not affiliated with a community or congregation, aiming to involve them Highlights: in Noar Telem activities. • A campaign was launched on Facebook and Google to promote the Jewish Holiday website. • The Jewish Holiday website had over 100,000 visitors. he IMPJ has • Thousands of Israelis attended over 40 “Tikkun Leil Shavuot” events held across the country. identified life- • HUC’s opened its first Cantorial studies course. This 18 month “Shaliach Tzibur” cycle events program trained 15 students in leading prayer services. T as one of the main platforms to spread pluralistic values within Israel's society.

32 I Celebrating Reform & Progressive Judaism through Jewish Life-Cycle Events Celebrating Reform & Progressive Judaism through Jewish Life-Cycle Events

33 Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism

The IMPJ is a key player in the global partnership of Reform and Progressive Jewish movements around the world, promoting Zionist values, strengthening the status of Israel among world Jewry and bolstering Israel’s democracy. abbi Gaby The concept of Jewish peoplehood is imbedded in all of the IMPJ’s projects. The Dagan of Ohel IMPJ leadership regularly takes part in national and international educational events geared towards creating a strong, vibrant relationship between the progressive Avraham said community in Israel and in the Diaspora. A special emphasis on shaping Jewish peoplehood is being developed through the following three flagship programs. R "Congregations that Twinning: succeed in connecting To connect Israeli communities with their counterparts in the Diaspora, the IMPJ’s Twinning project now links 15 Israeli communities to 47 different congregations their shared history, abroad. The newest communities participating are Brit Olam of Kiryat Ono with the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Ohel Avraham in Haifa with Shaaray culture, roots and Tefila in New York and Kol HaNeshama in Jerusalem with Rodeph Shalom in New York. Rabbi Gaby Dagan of Ohel Avraham said “... to my mind, the most significant heritage, will eventually aspect in the connection between congregations in Israel and congregations in the diaspora, is reaching a profound level of caring. Congregations that succeed in be able to create an connecting their shared history, culture, roots and heritage, will eventually be able to create an atmosphere where this experience of caring can happen”. atmosphere where the

School-to-School: experience of caring can The IMPJ has developed a School-to-School (S2S) educational module called Yachdav (together) to connect Israeli 4th and 5th graders with schools in North America and happen". Britain. In addition, the IMPJ has developed a Bar/Bat Mitzvah pilot program with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) - Partnership Together for 6th and 7th graders. These two modules will connect children in both Israeli public and IMPJ schools with their peers in the Diaspora. of their accredited university coursework or as a post-graduate adventure. Participants Looking Ahead: The Yachdav program for 2012-13 will connect 25 classes in Israel, look at sustainability through a Jewish lens with 25 in the USA and the UK. The joint IMPJ-JAFI project will start a pilot program in an authentic cross-cultural atmosphere, in 10 Israeli schools matched with 10 Jewish schools in North America. exploring the connections between new forms of ecological identity and stewardship, Masa on Kibbutz Lotan: and social justice and community in Israel. Another IMPJ program in cooperation with JAFI is Masa (Journey) at the ecoCampus Masa now has over 300 graduates, and of the Reform Jewish kibbutz Lotan. This project is aimed at young Diaspora Jews participants have come from every continent wishing to experience a different side of Israel, either during their gap-year, as part across the globe.

34 I Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism

Looking Ahead: Masa has developed an iPhone/iPod/iPad app on Jewish values and green living which will soon be published as a free download on the internet and via iTunes. This summer, three of Kibbutz Lotan’s teens will build copies of the ecoCampus domes as counselors at the Green Family Camp in Texas.

Tikkun Olam of Daniel Centers in Tel Aviv-Jaffa: This program offers English speaking Jews from around the world, (including Israel) between the ages of 21-29 the opportunity to live, study and volunteer in Tel Aviv-Jaffa for 5 or 10 months. Participants choose between two tracks: Social Action or Coexistence. The Social Action Track takes place in South Tel Aviv, working with new Israeli immigrants, at-risk Jewish populations, refugees from Darfur and Eritrea, and migrant workers from all over the world. The Coexistence Track is located in one of the diverse neighborhoods of Jaffa, volunteering with organizations that promote Arab-Jewish understanding and coexistence. For both tracks, study days focus on the issues that participants encounter in their volunteering, along with classes on Jewish identity, Israeli culture and studies. Children draw a Yachdav Flag

35 36 Building Global Partnerships for Reform & Progressive Judaism

Twinning (WJR) Initiate Women’s Twinning Programs between Israelis and Americans

According to Sharon Mann of Kehillat Emet VeShalom (EVS) in Nahariya, this all started thanks to Resa Davids’s idea to match a WRJ sisterhood with Israeli women. Mann’s story on this Twinning experience appeared in the online summer issue of “Because Israel is the Reform Judaism Magazine: nine hours ahead of Tucson, Emanu-El’s Saturday Women in U.S. & Israel Celebrate Simultaneous Shabbat morning service was held “Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) members in Arizona and Israel [recently] celebrated the joys of Shabbat and Havdalah together through a joint simultaneous concurrently with EVS’s Shabbat service led, chanted, and sung by women in both Temple Emanu-El (Tucson) Havdalah service.” and their “twinning” Congregation Emet Ve Shalom (Nahariya). “Because Israel is nine hours ahead of Tucson, Emanu-El’s Saturday morning service was held concurrently with EVS’s Havdalah service. Both communities discussed the Torah portion B’Shalach in which Miriam leads the Israelites’ procession in celebration of their escape from Egypt; the women of Emanu-El re-enacted the procession with vocals, tambourines, and hand drums. The two congregations also exchanged drashot (commentaries on the week’s Torah portion), a woman at EVS reading the drasha written by a woman in Tucson and vice versa, and distributing packages of previous drashot written by women at each congregation. In addition the women cooked each other’s dessert recipes and served them after services.” Copyright © 2012 used with permission. Sharon Mann added “This was wonderful ... we worked hard here at EVS, as did our counterparts in Tucson, in conducting their first women led service. There was strong ruach [spirit] generated both there and at our kehilla by all who participated in planning and attending the services”.

37 Enhancing Israeli Culture with Progressive Values

The influence of the IMPJ has begun to touch more fields than ever with the movement gaining attention from such famous Israeli figures as A. B. Yehoshua, Amos Oz, and Yair Lapid. At the closing plenary of the recent 20th IMPJ Biennial, a he growing new award was given to honor two of these Israeli writers and artists who embody the IMPJ’s open-minded and pluralistic attitudes in their creative work. The first interest in award went to singer/songwriter Shlomo Gronich whose recent work has included putting modern music to Jewish texts and prayers. The other award was given to writer and playwright Yochi Brandes whose works are infused with pluralistic T Jewish values as well as modern and personal interpretations of biblical figures and can also be seen stories. Ms. Brandes was also involved in the early stages of the IMPJ’s Beit Midrash program. through the IMPJ The growing interest in Jewish renewal can also be seen through the IMPJ publications initiative, publications initiative, and has translated into a growing demand for books on Jewish topics. This allows many more outlets for Reform and Progressive Rabbis and has translated into to publish works and thereby reach a more varied population through extensive exposure. a growing demand

Latest Publications: for books on Jewish • “Parashat HaMayim” (Watershed) – edited by Rabbi Maya Leibowitz, Dalia Markus, topics. Alona Lisitzia and Tamar Duvdavani – on the role of water and emersion in the progressive and tradition. • A Hebrew translation of Prof. Eugene Borowitz’s book “Renewing the Covenant”. • The first 3,000 copies of the 2nd Russian edition of the Plaut Bible with commentary and cantillation published in Israel.

Looking Ahead: • The IMPJ began work together with the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) on writing a Women’s commentary on the Torah, to be completed within the next year. • The IMPJ will continue to publish 2-4 books a year to help enrich the creative and pluralistic Jewish book-shelf, making it accessible to all Israelis.

38 I Enhancing Israeli Culture with Progressive Values Enhancing Israeli Culture with Progressive Values

Publications Table at 20th IMPJ Biennial

39 Witnessing the Growth of Progressive Judaism in Israel - Academic Survey Findings

In January 2012, the Avi-Chai Foundation together with the Israel Democracy Institute published the Guttman Survey “A Portrait of Israeli Jews: Beliefs, Observance, and Values of Israeli Jews 2009”. The first of these reports was published in 1991 and vi-Chai the second in 1999. With the publication of this third report, it is now the largest and most compressive comparative survey on Jewish identity in Israel today. Guttman One of the most interesting and encouraging pieces of data had to do with the percentage of Reform and Conservative Jews within the Jewish mosaic in Israel. Report: "61% More than 8% of all Jews in Israel identify themselves religiously as Reform or A of Israeli Jews agree Conservative, even though they were given the option to disassociate from any religious identification in this part of the survey. This finding of 8% was reinforced that the Conservative by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) which also asked respondents to define themselves as Orthodox, national-religious, Reform or Conservative. Asking this and Reform question reflects the accurate awareness on the part of the CBS that Israeli-Jewish identity has been undergoing a significant process of change and development movements should over the past two decades. Furthermore, the current Guttman Report indicates in various ways how most Israelis have equal status with are interested in celebrating their Jewish identity, but prefer to do it in a pluralistic and democratic environment that respects their ability to make knowledgeable the Orthodox in Israel." choices regarding their personal practices. This was supported by the study’s finding that that while 4% of Israelis attend Conservative or Reform synagogues regularly or frequently and another 26% attend these synagogues, although only rarely, 61% of Israeli Jews agree that the Conservative and Reform movements should have equal status with the Orthodox in Israel. Shmuel Rosner of the Jewish Journal wrote a series of articles on the Guttman findings in his blog “Rosner’s Domain”. His impression was that “the percentage of Conservative and Reform ... might reflect bigger potential than previously assumed. And this potential seems to be greater than we previously thought, but for it to materialize a lot of work needs to be done”. It is obvious that any attempt to examine Israeli-Jewish identity in the early 21st century cannot ignore the fact that Judaism in Israel is not a static phenomenon, and that changes are underway. Looking to the future, we hope that the IMPJ and its communities will tap into this potential, and will continue to lead Israel’s Jewish renaissance.

40 I Witnessing the Growth of Progressive Judaism in Israel - Academic Survey Findings Financial Overview The IMPJ budget for 2011 was $5,468,000 (US$ = 3.6 NIS) The IMPJ continues to deal with the impact of the world economic recession and the low Expenses US dollar to Shekel exchange rate, while at the same time witnessing a growing demand for Reform and progressive activities across the country. The IMPJ is looking to diversify its income resources by working with governmental and municipal entities. At the same time, the IMPJ continues to identify new Israeli financial supporters, both from within and outside the movement. The IMPJ will also develop self-generating income programs and services such as life-cycle events, summer camps and formal and informal educational kits. In order to create a more solid financial base among Israeli philanthropists, the IMPJ has decided to establish the Leadership Income Endowment Fund (LEF). Through this fund, the IMPJ will recruit its Israeli lay leaders in congregations and throughout the movement, to garner financial support for the IMPJ’s work. The initial LEF goal amount is NIS 500,000 and within the first few months of its establishment the LEF already raised NIS 100,000.

41 IMPJ by the Numbers

4 New Congregations/Communities Established in 2011-12 7 New pre-schools opened in 2011-12 15 Pluralistic Rabbis will soon receive government funding for their community work 25 Years of IRAC and Ganei Haim activities 37 Congregations and community centers throughout Israel 55 Kindergartens in 11 cities 75 Percent Increase in participation in pluralistic Yom Kippur services alone 101 Reform rabbis in Israel 200 Reform conversions performed in 2011 560 Young people have participated in our pre-army Mechina so far 1,000 Weddings performed by IMPJ affiliated rabbis 1,000 Campers participate annually in summer camp programs 2,000 Bar & Bat Mitzvah Ceremonies held during 2011 2,000 6th grade students now using the IMPJ developed "Jewish Heritage & Culture" curriculum 3,000 People helped by 1,200 Keren B'Kavod volunteers 10,000 Families are affiliated with IMPJ communities and educational institutions 40,000+ Israelis define themselves as pluralistic Jews according to the Central Bureau of Statistics 100,000+ Visitors to our Holiday website 250,000+ NIS allocated by the Government of Israel for conversion classes 2.5 NIS invested by the Israeli government in building reform million synagogues

42 I IMPJ by the Numbers Thank You! The achievements detailed in this report, along with many others since the founding of the Israel Movement of Reform and Progressive Judaism, would not have been possible without the support and generosity of our donors in Israel and abroad. We wish to acknowledge the support of the following major donors who contributed to IMPJ during 2011-2012. (in alphabetical order)

Aidekman Family Foundation Eugene J.Eder Foundation Kathryn Ames Foundation Einhorn Family Charitable Trust ARZA - Association of Reform Zionists of America, Canada Lois and Richard England Family Foundation ARZA - Association of Reform Zionists of America, USA European Commission, European Instrument for Democracy ARZA - Nederland and Human Rights (EIDHR) ARZENU - International Federation of Reform and Progressive Edith Everett Religious Zionists Finchley Reform Synagogue, AVI CHAI Foundation FNZ Foundation Claudia Bach Ford Israel Fund - Social Justice Fund Nancy Barat, the Arthur Barat Law Fellow for Justice Rabbi Daniel Freelander Philip & Muriel Berman Foundation Friends of Progressive Judaism, Great Britain Nani and Austin Beutel Galinson Family Foundation, Laura Galinson and Jane Fantel Jacob & Hilda Blaustein Foundation Joan and David Garson Baskin Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation Genesis Philanthropy Group Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Dennis Gilbert Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation Didi Gilbert Cohen Family Foundation Gimprich Family Foundation Ruth and Harvey Cohen Gold Family Foundation John and Noeleen Cohen Rhoda and Richard Goldman Fund Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation Vicki and John Goldwyn Congregation Beth Am, California Richard and Lois Gunther Congregation Beth Torah of Overland Park Richard and Barbara Harrison Shoshana Dweck Hellman Family Foundation Isabel P. Dunst Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)

43 Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Progressive trust, Keren Hayesod-UIA, Australia and the the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties Australian progressive community Jewish Federation of Cleveland Bonnie and Bennett Rechler Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City Nick Ringel Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles Rosenzweig Coopersmith Klau Foundation Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County Betty and Arthur Roswell Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - John Roth Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Shannon Family Sue and Jim Klau Shapiro Foundation Laura and Gary Lauder Robert Sillins Family Foundation Peachy and Mark Levy Lorin Silverman William Lowenstein The Soref-Breslauer Texas Foundation Lorri Lokey Temple Congregation B'nai Jehudah of Overland Park Brian and Caroline Lurie Temple Israel of Columbus Steve Lurie Temple Israel of Ottawa MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Union for Progressive Judaism (Australia) Memphis Jewish Federation Union for Reform Judaism Robert Meyer UJA-Federation of New York Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds UJA-Federation Westport-Weston-Wilton-Norwalk Minneapolis Jewish Federation United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, New Jersey Ministry of Education and Culture Washington Hebrew Congregation Ministry of Immigration and Absorption Westchester Reform Temple Morningstar Foundation Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) New Israel Fund World Union for Progressive Judaism Rabbi Amy and Gary Perlin World Zionist Organization (WZO)

Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee In addition, IMPJ would like to express our deep appreciation to all Pratt Foundation those donors who wish to remain anonymous.

44 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 Tax deductible donations to IMPJ may be made via the following organizations:

Arza 633 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 212-650-4280 [email protected] www.arza.org For more information about how you can get involved, please contact: FPJ - Funding Progressive Judaism in Israel, Chen Abrahams Europe and The Former Soviet Union Director of Development PO Box 3998 & Overseas Relations Gerrards Cross SL9 1AS Israel Movement for Reform Great Britain & Progressive Judaism (440) 7765 55 2830 13 King David Street, Jerusalem 94101 www.fpjie.org.uk Israel UIA Progressive Trust Tel: +972-2-6203489 7 Ocean Street Mobile: +972-54-779-1001 Woollahra NSW 2025 Fax: +972-2-6203446 Australia Email: [email protected] (02) 93287644 To join our mailing list please email www.arza.org.au [email protected] Canadian Friends of the WUPJ Canadian Council for Reform Judaism 3845 Bathurst Street, Suite 301, Toronto Direct Donations Ontario, M3H 3N2 To donate to IMPJ or IRAC directly, please send a check to IMPJ at the address above. World Union for Progressive Judaism 633 Third Ave. 7th Floor New York, NY 10017 (212)452-6530 www.wupj.org Thank you!

45 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: +972-2-6203448 Fax: +972-2-6203446 e-mail: [email protected] www.reform.org.il