Masorti Olami

Annual ReviewAnnual Review 2012 2012 Installation Ceremony of Reuven Stamov in Kiev, Ukraine Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 4 8

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...... Contents Greetings Donors Donors & Staff Leadership Evening of Tribute of Tribute Evening MERCAZ Olami Activism ActionSocial & Global Masorti Global Activities the world around Mission to Ukraine to Mission Simchat Flag Flag Torah Simchat NOAM Olami NOAM Olami Olami MAROM Greetings

Enhancing Jewish knowledge and identity Ensuring through the future youth and young adults

MASORTI ELEMENTS

advancing social justice and global activism global and social justice advancing 4leadership building

cha and mitzvot as understood through history and Greetings | Alan Silberman refined through modern experience. Masorti and Masorti Olami matters because it promotes Jewish life, individually and Does it really matter? communally, with effective engagement in the mul- As you turn these pages, you see ticultural civil societies in which we live. reports of our success, of new keh- Masorti Judaism and Masorti Olami matters be- illot, exciting programs and com- cause it is built on Torah and Jewish knowledge and munity growth. You smile. When because it creates a framework for our relationship I share these developments with with Am Yisrael and our commitment to people, they nod, approvingly. as an integral part of our shared identity. And they—and you—have pro- And, ultimately, Masorti Judaism and Masorti vided significant financial support to Masorti Ola- Olami – and the points of differentiation with other mi so that we can continue our work, for which we religious streams – provides the best possible foun- are particularly thankful. Add to that well over five dation for effectively transmitting Jewish principles hundred men and women whose volunteer efforts, and practice to the next generations, in a manner locally, regionally, and internationally, support ke- which will allow us to maintain and strengthen our hillot and build Masorti Judaism throughout the identification as an Am Kadosh – a holy people. world, PLUS an extraordinary dedicated staff led by I pray that we will continue to merit your affection Rabbi Tzvi Graetz. and support. But more than that, I pray that we will But there is still an unanswered question which all strengthen our commitment to the Jewish future each of us needs to answer if we are going to con- and our efforts to support like-minded men and tinue our efforts and promote our mission: “Does women, young adults and youth, wherever they live. it really matter?” The answer is an emphatic “Yes”. Masorti Judaism and Masorti Olami matters be- cause it addresses a need to express Jewish belief Alan Silberman, and practice in a format that values tradition, hala- President, Masorti Olami Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 - | 5 4  for your generosity in generosity your for This incident brings to the brings to incident This Imagine if this were to happen to to happen to if this were Imagine Other women were arrested as well as arrested were Other women She was then jailed,then was and She strip searched I thank them for their work and I thank you for you for their work I thank them and I thank It is through the hard work of our Executive- the hard Direc is through It was arrested at the Kotel as she recited the Sh’ma Sh’ma the recited she as the Kotel at arrested was out loud. support and pluralistic to work not just that pora try to but bring about and in Israel, modern Judaism itself. in Israel change hearts and your opening threatened. a tallit. for wearing wives, - grandmoth even or mothers daughters, our simply trying whoers were as themselves express to homeland. in our of the importance of one of the mandates forefront - MERCAZ ad which Olami to iscommitment a worship to in Israel Jews ALL of the rights vancing they wish. as live, and study and that members our board and Graetz Rabbi Tzvi tor, successfully to able work withwe are Jewish the (Jewish L’Yisrael Kayemet Keren National Agency, fund to Zionist organization the World and Fund) Dias the and in Israel organizations and programs of its for ALL Israel of a State create to us helping citizens. Wolnek, Stephen Dr. MERCAZPresident, Olami The The Jews Jews in America, in Europe, in Latin Latin in in America,Europe, in In Uruguay, Silvio Geisinger, our Silvio Geisinger, Uruguay, In In October, Anat Hoffman, Execu Anat - October, In Not only is this an acknowledgement only is this acknowledgement Not an Greetings | Stephen Wolnek At the 2011 Evening of Tribute (left to right): Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, honoree, Dr. Steve Wolnek, Steve Dr. Kurtz, honoree, Vernon Rabbi right): to (left Tribute of 2011 Evening the At Marcus Tobin, Chair,Irwin Tribute Tobin, Janet Graetz, MERCAZ Tzvi Rabbi President, Olami, AMLAT. Director, Executive Blufstein Ariel and Projects Worldwide of Director Frieze, - for pluralistic, open Juda itself, the battle Israel In tive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, Religious Action Center, of the Israel tive Director allthe world - over work to tirelessly FSU the and America, Australasia is supported. Israel that ensure MERCAZ above, Olami, in all listed the places of influence work policy to the does part its to around Israel. world about on the Zionist Federation MERCAZ representative of the president elected just was board of Uruguay Federation. but it will commitment MERCAZ enable of Silvio’s for the support push of be in a position to to Olami support modern and policies State a pluralistic that of Israel. continues. ism actions of the EU and the United the United of the EU and actions influence to continue Nations policy in the Middle East. As this year’s elections in America As this year’s in Israel ones the upcoming and shown, the twohave countries deeply intertwined.remain vidual at every given point. Masorti Olami works hard to lead, inspire, engage and renew Jewish life. We Greetings | Tzvi Graetz aren’t a large organization with an extensive budget and so we must make decisions, sometimes difficult Around the time of the Second ones, about how and where to direct our energies and Temple and certainly after its de- our funding. It is the leadership of each community struction, the were search- that we rely on to help us to create vision, carry on ing for ways to continue Avodat tradition, guide us and assist us in our sacred work. Hashem. We now translate Avodat The Torah teaches us through the stories of our fore- Hashem as the worship of God but fathers and Moses that leaders make mistakes. When in their time, they were referring to the actual sacri- this happens, there needs to be a willingness on the ficial system. How then, after the Temple was gone, part of the leaders to listen and to respond. They could the Jews continue to worship? The Rabbi’s need to adjust and to continue on and not let the mis- answer was simply, Tefillah or prayer. To pray every take block them on their road to achieving their goals. day, 3 times a day is no simple matter. Each time you I want to thank our lay leadership for giving so much pray, standing before God, you have to give a part of of themselves – their time, their financial resources, yourself to both God and to your community. their passion and neshama. All of their hard work When you stand before your community and lead bears tremendous fruit in the success of our world- them in prayer as the Shaliach Tzibur or the , wide movement. you are representing not just yourself but the prayers Thank you also to our professional leadership all over of everyone there. You have a unique opportunity the world – the Rabbis, Hazzanim, Education Direc- to create harmony, excite and elevate the spirit of the tors, Program Directors, office staff and Youth Direc- kehilla. tors who help fulfill the vision of both our lay leaders Several programs that Masorti Olami runs and sup- and our overall organization making it a pleasure to ports which teach kehilla members and professionals create and dream together. to be Shlichei Tzibur or Hazzanim in their communi- We are all standing together in our commitment to ties. (see page 20 for more on this). Through these Masorti Judaism worldwide and to the principles programs, they learn not just prayer skills but also and values we share. I look forward to many more leadership skills. Leadership in our community is no years of working side by side with all of you. different. It requires sacrifice, representation, passion and talent. Rabbi Tzvi Graetz, A leader has a responsibility to everyone in his/her Executive Director organization, but cannot always engage each indi- Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami

Sukkot at Neve Shalom, St-Germain-en-Laye, France Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 - - | 7 6  “Marshall T. Meyer”, where our where Meyer”, T. “Marshall dear Ari studied and trained, a phrase reads “Atem “Atem Ari reads trained, and dear a phrase studied with and 43:10), witnesses my (Isaiah are you Edai”, this biblical making phrase we are our presence come true. known Ari I time. have for a long to I feel blessed - the the Semi witnessed at his growth since his days Rabinico;nario we met while studying he was in his Smicha. to invited I was and Israel Ari ask plant his and colleagues… I would like to to for in them; planted seed their teachers the same in so that become and rabbis, study people to more willof us future each the near part in ceremo take frequently.” nies like thismore much Kohn, Danny Masorti AMLAT President, the responsibility to disseminate his knowledgeand responsibility the disseminate to community. the of renewal the in role a play I and audience, the address givenI was to the honor is feelings my conveying of way the best believe that with you. address part of that share to the first ceremony this of you is probably many “For kind.of its Rabinico the logo of the Seminario Underneath Latinoamericano ish knowledge. There are lay leaders who give leaders lay are ish There knowledge. Rabbis are whoendlessly of their time there and Masorti workingtheir The hours. than workmore who I am of volunteers is a group Board Europe their harmonize privileged to and bring together to Masorti activity favorite My is wonderful energy. a Masorti . being Kubar, Joanna Masorti Europe President, flowing in each city and throughout the continent flowing the continent city throughout in each and - organiza in the national in the communities and Masorti Jews, of dedicated dozens are tions. There , Torah, allwho Hebrew, striving learn are to Liturgy and all– Jew of differentthese of aspects - - - - Rav Ariel Oliszewski Greetings | Danny Kohn Greetings | Danny Greetings | Joanna Kubar Greetings | Joanna in the Kehila Uniao Israelita Portoalegrense of Porto of Porto Portoalegrense Israelita in the Kehila Uniao Brazil.Alegre, be as seen could just of a rabbi installation The a community. into the incorporation of a rabbi event, an it is it is total not just the sum However, into converge that processes and of various aspects our commitment renew is a time to It the ceremony. to our Jewish identity, knowledge and improving to publicly promote continuity to and guaranteeing the principles guide our movement. that a community because unique was installation This the decision made a rabbi had before never had that publicly adopt but also one, to appoint not only to Rabbi, The in turn,the Masorti ideology. undertook Throughout the year in Latin in Latin the year Throughout par America, and we organize in different activitiesticipate or - our move strengthen that events ment. par to fortunate I was year, This significant in the most ticipate of all:event of the installation Masorti Europe is as a spiritual Masorti Europe lucky semblypeopleof feeling bring to be Jewish happy and to their every to Jewish tradition citizens. European lives as day dispersed we are Geographically, Al- cities - Alicante, in many Berlin, Aix mere, Provence, en Bournemouth,Brussels, Leeds, Budapest, Lisbon, Poznan, Paris, London, Marseilles, Madrid, Nice, just Valencia… Albans, Stockholm, Saint Prague, is a fervent, There loving energy a few. mention to B’Yachad - Together On April 27 and 28, 2012, 35 the life and culture in their youth ways that they can work together participants of Masorti/Con- movement, and how it helped to and develop the NOAM Olami servative long term programs shape their Jewish identity, bring- network further. in Israel came together for a ing them to participate in a year- Shabbaton on the shore of Lake long program in Israel. Kinneret. They spent the week- Shabbat tfillot were an inter- end getting to know each other, cultural blend of melodies and learning about their similarities minhagim. Dance steps filled the and embracing their differences, room as well as multi-colored as part of the NOAM Olami net- talittot and kippot. Participants work. Participating in the Shab- strongly debated issues of Hala- baton were 5 participants from cha, egalitarianism, the impact Argentina, 7 from Brazil, 2 from youth can make in their commu- Chile, 5 from Israel, and 15 from nity and much more. the Nativ Program for North Through this NOAM Olami Americans. event, participants had an op- At the Shabbaton, participants portunity to create social and gave passionate presentations, personal bonds between like- with pictures and songs, about minded peers and to think about NOAM Olami – Ensuring the Future

Above and Below: Activities during the Shnat Shabbaton Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012

| 9 8  NOAM Olami leadership seminar NOAM leadership Olami Above and Below: Activities at the the at Activities Below: and Above

success it was. Many ideas were were ideas Many it was. success dreamed dreams many and shared bringtogether to ways about Masorti/Conservativeyouth the world,around whether virtu- One partici- ally or in actuality. “the us, told Argentina from pant I got from important thing most opportunity an was the seminar dialoguea in about participate to the purpose of Masorti Judaism of living the reality and young as the world.” around Masorti Jews willNOAM Olami to continue around from youth bring together seminars the world for programs, and activities joint and in Israel countries.other -

Ensuring the Future – International Leadership SeminarInternational Leadership It wasn’t just the extremely warm just wasn’t It participantsthe that welcome - In NOAM Olami 3rd the of Seminar Leadership ternational - Comu at Paulo in Sao received or the basketball Shalom nidade the just wasn’t court It on the roof. given the host feeling by home” “at energyfamilies felt or the intense who the 18 participants by came UK, Israel, US, the from Argentina dis Chile.and Or the amazing

cussions held around the central the central held around cussions of identitytheme it con- how and and Israel other, each to nects us all of course, was, of It Am Yisrael. which, put more, and these things the the seminar made together NOAM Olami NOAM Olami Young Adults Ensuring the future

Latin American participants in Kiyum (and next page middle)

Kiyum Worldwide Leadership Seminar The Kiyum Leadership Insti- of young adults to return to a network of young adult Jew- tute brings young adults to Is- their communities as leaders ish leaders who together will rael for an eight day experience and activists. work towards building the fu- to expand Jewish knowledge, The Kiyum Leadership Insti- ture of the Masorti movement increase Jewish awareness and tute is based at Kibbutz Han- and Am Yisrael. identity and to explore the role naton where Masorti/Con- that Zionism plays in their servative Judaism thrives in a lives. living laboratory and provides So far, Kiyum has brought the perfect environment to groups from Europe and Latin examining the meanings and America and in December traditions of our movement. 2012 will bring a group that Also, participants explore Is- also includes participants from rael through a variety of field America and Ukraine. One of trips and lectures from top the goals of Kiyum is to pro- educators. vide the tools and knowledge The personal connections that enables this diverse group made at these seminars create Kiyum Participants at Robinson’s Arch Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 - | 11 10  MAROM at Maayane Or in Maayane at MAROM every meets shab France Nice, services after bat for lunch, a walk as things discussions on such and and Nice MAROM spirituality. in together came Paris MAROM and together Shabbat a for May finished on the with Havdalah beach.

Young Adults Young MAROM Olami a huge success with success of a huge a sense sustainable and solid something builtbeing for all who those were involved. - Festival Kedem The annual Bankito festival was held in July of 2012 on the shores on the shores of 2012 festival held in July was Bankito annual The sunbathing, spritzers and with sports DJ-s, lemonade, the lake, around concerts, films. and evening bike races, festival also The programmes, services discussions about and included Shabbat (pictured above) a minoritybeing in Hungary. Inspired by the annual Bankito Bankito the annual by Inspired festival run- Bu MAROM by was Kedem’ dapest, ‘Festival UK as MAROM by established camping, shar away a weekend ing, discussing, and laughing moving forward developing and community. adult their young as used were dinners 3 Shabbat - for devel and meetings planning the Despite camaraderie. oping Kedem was firstthe rain, Festival A group picture with all of the mission participants at the Installation ceremony

Rabbi Vernon Kurtz (far right), Rabbi Rafi Kasimov (middle) and Rabbi Reuven Stamov meet with Sunday school students and staff in Berdichev Memorial service at Babi Yar

Reflections by Rabbi Tzvi Graetz

In July 2012, Masorti Olami Babi Yar and along with the Schechter other parts of Institute of Ukraine. We went on a mission to Ukraine drove through Mission to U kraine – building leadership as part of the installation shtetls and of Masorti Rabbi Reuven saw syna- Stamov in Ukraine. Here is gogues long what Rabbi Tzvi Graetz had abandoned for the gold paved was spent with other Masorti to say about this momentous streets of America or the Zion- Ukrainian Jews from 7 dif- occasion. ist dream of Israel. This is the ferent cities around Ukraine. During our mission to place where many of our great We prayed, ate and celebrated Ukraine, we were immersed grandparents and grandpar- together. in the history and tragedy of ents dreamt of a better life for Rabbi Reuven Stamov and Jewish life there. We visited themselves and their children. his wife Lena, stood under a the homes of famous Jews It was a difficult life for many tallit surrounded by leaders who fled persecution before of them and the flourishing of of their own community and they went on to greater things was brought to the numerous rabbis and lay- and we memorialized the a halt by pogroms, emigration people from abroad who had Jews killed in the Holocaust at and the Holocaust. Shabbat traveled specifically for this Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012

| 13 12  destruction there, we sang it we sang destruction there, - of the instal the end at again hope for in the real lation the future embodied in the ceremony.

- reli to secular sitions –“from Israel to gious, Ukraine from and Ukraine to again back and importantly one from most historyof Masortiof chapter - communi and programming the nextty which to transition and of a traditional is renewal modern Jewish life– Masorti in Ukraine.“ Judaism Hatikvah sung we had as Just the to in reaction Yar Babi at Rabbi Reuven and Lena Stamov and their daughters at the ceremony the at daughters their and Stamov Lena Reuven and Rabbi - - -

building leadership

–

Mission participants “tip their hat” to hat” to their “tip participants Mission . in Aleichem Sholom writer, moment. A tallit was placed tallitA placed was moment. the To he held on Reuven as with blessed was he and rah that blessings the traditional Am Yis to gave Cohanim the times that and in Temple rael their children give to parents night: on Friday God our God and of us, Bless our ancestors… and you bless Adonai May show Adonai guard you. May to be and gracious favor you you show Adonai you. May - sha you grant kindnessand lom. during his his dvar torah In Rabbiinstallation, Stamov “This of transitions. spoke Shabbat’s coming portion will us teach Torah between the transition about journey in the Am Yisrael’s desert, finishwe as reading the and bookthe Numbers, of as journey, of that final stages we begin the book of Deuter then Rabbi Stamov onomy.“ - his own tran personal shared Mission to UMission to kraine From Holocaust to Life, Past and Present of Masorti Congregation 1870 in Lima, Peru. The presenta- tion was in honor of the publication of the book and includes testimonies Planting a tree on Tu B’shvat at Kehillat Aviv in Valencia, Spain of those German, Austrian and Czechs Jews who managed to leave Europe and to immigrate to Peru in the 1930s and 40s as well as testimo- nies of past presidents, and Rabbis

Passover Seder at Alsmere/Weesp in the Netherlands Activities around the world Enhancing Jewish Knowledge and Identity

The new and old leadership (pictured above) of Nueva Congregacion Israelita in Uruguay – the 3 Rabbis - gather together at the panel program which had present and past rabbis of NCI speaking about living in a Jewish community.

Beit Haknesset Beit Yaacov received a new Sefer Torah. Sofer Sebastian Grinberg came from to Curitiba where everyone helped him write the last letters of the sefer Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 - | 15 14  Sukkot celebrations in in celebrations Sukkot Brazil Alphaville, Hakhnassat Sefer Sefer Hakhnassat Or Chalom, Aix Torah, En Provence the 17th 2012, June On Sunday, communitythe Or Chalom in Aix- tohonor the great had en-Provence Sefer first its hakhnassat celebrate even made was event The Torah. our congregation, to special more received,we Torah the sefer since a 1880, comes from around dated Prague community around Czech whose perished members in the the received Or Chalom Shoah. - dona scroll, the generous thanks to a long- as family, tion of the Cohen Memo the Czech from loan term in London, who, Trust rial Scroll did incredibleII, War World after - work re in saving, and purchasing scrolls, of Czech thousands storing giving a second life them in Jewish the world. around congregations will with be used pride Torah The while the duty accomplishing of whose of those lives remembrance while taken sanctifyingwere the their memory of God.name May be blessed. - - reach to a traditional community a traditional to reach the Masorti ap to ideally suited Jewish life. to proach the broader Jewish community. Jewish community. the broader buildingin out steps Important Masorti in Australasia further seen has year consoli- This of the 2 development and dation in Australia, Masorti congregations withconstruction for the plans andof new buildings for each cities.in other interest growing the Australasia, Mercaz-Masorti of organization umbrella regional - been strength our movement, has ened, the appointment including A new Executiveof an Director. formally been Beit Din has regional spiritual provide to established and movement our to leadership voice to a distinct Masorti rabbinic a dinner at the Hotel Plaza San RaSan Plaza - Hotel the at a dinner fael, celebrate the kehilla to began Zion next Professor and its 95 years hisclosed visit with a flourish with relationship the about a lecture a through children and of parents Jewish view. Purim at CIB in Porto Alegre, Brazil Alegre, CIB Porto in at Purim (Chazit Hanoar, Habonim Dror, Dror, Habonim Hanoar, (Chazit "The about Ofakim) Betar and Women of Sisterhood: Power the save a tyrant,face to Pharaoh, intently 60 youths Moshe." baby every though even to word listened the whole neighborhood with was - out electricity an than for more at night on Saturday Finally, hour. - of the 95th anni On the occasion Porto Israelita versary of the Centro the opportunity we had Alegrense with together Professor learn to Zion the Shalom from Noam in . Institute Hartman his lectures Zion based Professor of “Tzedakah, on the concepts As well, Charity Philanthropy”. and the Israeli at he met withteachers Jewish Day (the Brazilian College he where Alegre) school in Porte Psychology Politics, on "Art, spoke ofSons of the Four Education and as that using Haggadah" the Pesach talk the importance about to a basis different typesof educating of their different- and learn students Zion shared styles.ing Professor with of our community the youth Anniversary! Mazal Tov to the Tov Mazal IsraelitaCentro Porto their 95th Alegrense on Activitiesaround the world Knowledge and Identity Enhancing Jewish Congregation Israelita Paulista in Sao Paolo, Brazil

A group of friends gathered in a bayit (house) for the CIP Babayit program and the opportunity to talk with the Rabbi about various themes. It is a nice and relaxed way, surrounded by friends, to learn about different aspects of Judaism. The themes that are studied are suggested by the Rabbi and chosen by the group. For Henri Zylber- stajn, a host of one of the groups, this is a very cool and rewarding opportunity. “It was a joyful night, rich and relaxed. We meet every Havdalah after Yom Kippur in two months to strengthen our link with Judaism” he said. Valencia, Spain

Kids in school at NCI in Uruguay, learning about how a Torah is written.

Celebration of a new Torah at Nueva Congregation Israelita in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Shalom Masorti Independent Congregation, Johannesburg, South Africa

On August 5, 2012, Shalom his speech that night: ‘We are drink a L’Chaim to Shalom!!’ Masorti Independent Congrega- around 40 people here tonight. May we continue for many more tion celebrated the Bar , 40 wonderful souls who chose years ad 120 (meah v’esrim). 13th anniversary of its new build- to celebrate our Bar Mitzvah ing at a kosher restaurant in Jo- milestone together. I have been a hannesburg, South Africa. Rabbi humble servant of this congrega- Robert Jacobs from Beit David tion. for the last 50 years! Some Progressive Jewish Congrega- of you have been members for a tion, as well as Joel Alswang, the longer or shorter period, but we longest serving congregant and are all here now celebrating as elder, joined them one. Finally like an emcee at a in their simcha. Our chairman. Bar Mitzvah, I would like to ask Mr. Toni Harman concluded you to charge your glasses and The Harmans at the dinner Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 | 17 16  the founding President of the Kol President the founding synagogue Rockville, in Shalom alsoMD and serves on the Board 2010, Marilyn In of Trustees. 30 workingover for after retired - Prod Consumer the U.S. at years servinguctSafety Commission the Deputy Execuas Associate - Sciences. for Health tive Director Marilyn Gary is married to and two Rebecca children, they have David. and - Evening of Tribute Evening To The Nation Award To Marilyn Lishnoff (below Wind been veryhas left) second from - active in allof the Con aspects for many servative Movement serves currently She years. on the MER of ExecutiveCommittee CAZ USA, of on the board and - of Con Synagogue the United servative also serves She Judaism. people fiveof one the on as lay and of Jewish Law Committee 2001, Marilyn In was Standards. the gifts of music and miracles, to the gifts to miracles, and of music Stephen, husband beloved her their beautiful to children, and Joshua. and Rebecca Sherut Service L'Am - - - - - antz-Boro serves as the of servesantz-Boro the cantor as in Voor Beth El Congregation Hazzan 1991, May In NJ. hees, the among was Pomerantz-Boro be inducted firstto women 14 the Assembly, the into - orga professional international nization of Conservative cantors serves currently and a national as is thankful God She officer. for to Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro AlisaPomerantz-Boro Hazzan Mercer on up grew right) (far in a rabbinic Washington Island, instilledhome, - with of Ju a love Pomer Hazzan music. and daism Hiddur Mitzvah Award Rabbi Vernon Kurtz (below Rabbi Vernon is Rabbi the middle) of North in Beth Synagogue El Suburban Illinois. Park, RabbiHighland - Presi Kurtz elected recently was the American of Zionistdent served has and as Movement MERCAZof Olami. President of the Rab President is Past He served and Assembly, binical of the a member as for 10 years - CouncilCon of Leadership servative Rabbi Kurtz Judaism. Bryna,is married to two has Saba is and the proud daughters grandchildren. of three Waxman Memorial Waxman Rabbinic Community & Award Leadership Rabbi Mordecai Rabbi Mordecai - in De of Tribute Evening Our onlynot 2011, of - includ cember of the awards ed the presentation but beautiful the from singing moving and choir tribHaZamir the honorees. to utes MERCAZ USA held a cocktail party for young adults in . Above, participants at the party showing they’re “fans” of MERCAZ

Claude Machline and Danny Kohn, President, Masorti AMLAT at the Vaad HaPoel meetings this past summer

MERCAZ Olami representatives voting on a variety of issues such as women’s rights and the separation of religion and state Dr. Stephen Wolnek, President, MERCAZ Olami talks about Claude Machline as he presents his MERCAZ Olami award. Even MERCAZ Olami though his great-grandfather in Ukraine had been a Rabbi, Claude Machline grew up in Paris, France with little Jewish knowledge. However, in 1988, Claude and his wife Annette, along with 7 other families founded Adath Shalom, the first Masorti community in France. Today, Adath Shalom has more than 500 family members, with Jewish and Zionist programming for members of all ages. Claude was a founder of Masorti Europe, and continues to be an Honorary President. Claude is a member of the Zionist Federation of France Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 | 19 18  MERCAZ Olami. MERCAZ Olami. Evelyn Seelig receiving her receiving Seelig Evelyn from 1994-98, and served as 1994-98, and from Zionist Movement, and on the the on and Movement, Zionist MERCAZ Olami Award from from MERCAZ Award Olami Dr. Stephen Wolnek, President, President, Wolnek, Stephen Dr. Director, MERCAZ and Olami Director, 1998-2002. She currently serves currently 1998-2002. She NJ to her charter membership of of membership her charter NJ to Boards of the Hebrew Immigrant Immigrant Hebrew the of Boards League for Judaism Conservative for League Aid Society, MERCAZ USA Society, Aid and Rabbi Tzvi Graetz (l), Executive (l), Executive Graetz Tzvi Rabbi as Vice President of the American American the of President as Vice President of MERCAZ of President USA from at Temple Emanuel in Englewood, Englewood, in Emanuel Temple at She was President of the Women’s Women’s the of President was She Conservative/ Masorti movement, movement, Masorti Conservative/ Temple Beth Torah, Westbury, NY Westbury, Torah, Beth Temple where she is still an active member. member. active an still is she where from her involvement as a youngster youngster as a her involvement from Evelyn is is a life-long member of the the of member a life-long is is Evelyn - - - discuss the issues the discuss MERCAZ members Olami - we ac part instrumental of what complished the agreement was betweenthe WZO KKL and the stability our of whichassures fund- stream pluralistic religious for the nexting five years. As well, work the of the Abuy presented was in Uganda adaya the in Gray our ownby Judy of communitysmall committee meet Governors of the Board This Jewishthe of Agency. ing report very was well and received helping in isimportant an step community, of that the members Masorti by converted who were in MASA participate rabbis, Is programs. rael - - Galilee whereGalilee helives today by the Schechter Rabbinical Rabbinical Schechter by the the Director of the Hannaton Hannaton the of Director the Village in Kiryat Gat, worked worked Gat, Kiryat in Village Rabbi Yoav Ende speaks after after speaks Ende Yoav Rabbi for two years as a coordinator coordinator as a years two for receiving his MERCAZ his Olami receiving of field activities for Rabbis for for Rabbis for activities field of worked extensively in formal & formal in extensively worked pluralistic kibbutz in the Lower Lower the in kibbutz pluralistic with both youth and adults from from adults and youth both with different sectors of Israeli society. society. Israeli of sectors different of Kibbutz Hannaton, a Masorti a Masorti Hannaton, Kibbutz of informal Jewish Zionist education, education, Zionist Jewish informal He served for four years as student as student years four served for He Educational Center and the Rabbi Rabbi the and Center Educational Award. Rabbi Ende was ordained ordained was Ende Rabbi Award. Seminary in 2008. Rabbi Ende has has Ende 2008. Rabbi in Seminary Human Rights and in 2008 became became 2008 in and Rights Human Rabbi in the Neve Hanna Children’s Children’s Hanna Neve the in Rabbi portunity to honor three special portunity special honor three to Mrs. Ende, people - Rabbi Yoav Claude Mr. and Seelig Evelyn All of our honor three Machline. support our to ees work tirelessly our message. and movement DuringWZO the an meetings, The opening evening for the evening opening The WZO on a held was meetings in July evening warm Jerusalem Institute the new Schechter at the Building.Looking around could see supporters you room, all from around of our movement the perfect was the world. op It Mercaz Olami at WZO Olami Mercaz Masorti Olami – A UN Department of Public Global Sh’ma Flash Information NGO Mob

Throughout the year, our NGO at the United Nations, headed by the indomitable Gloria Landy, works hard to promote the interests of Israel in the UN and among its committees. Don’t forget to support our efforts by liking us on Facebook and keeping up with what is hap- pening in the UN! Social Action NOAM Olami participants in & Global Activism the Sao Paolo Leadership semi- nar in October, joined the Global Shma Flash Job sponsored by USCJ to support the Women of the Wall after the arrest of Anat Hoffman during services.

Rabbi Tzvi Graetz with Moshe Sebagago from the Abuyadaya in Uganda, who came to study at the this year with the support of Masorti Olami

Global Masorti

Masorti Olami sends shlichim all over the world during the high holidays and at other times during the year to help Masorti congregations by leading services, teaching skills or mentoring.

Valencia, Spain about all that happened during and meaning. For Neilah (Yom the Yamim Noraim (High Kippur closing service), with the Holidays). On Yom Kippur, I wonderful and inspiring nusach From a letter to Chazzan was so nervous that my voice (tune), I was so moved ,... JaclynChernett, European Acad- shook when I sang Kol Nidre. I And I started crying... Many of emy for Jewish Liturgy could hardly utter the first words, the Kehilla members started cry- Dear Jacky, bearing the responsibility on ing too! The kids then entered I took my time to write these my shoulders, given the whole with the candles and I felt so words because I had to think sense of spirituality, emotion, lucky when I glanced at the door Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012

- | 21 20  Santiago, Chile DuringPurim Cantor 5772, Santiago, to went Tillman David Chile program part of a joint as Assembly- and of the Cantors his and wife,Masorti Olami. He Ellen, sang, visited and taught with the Masorti community in Santiago. Alsmere/Weesp Alsmere/Weesp Netherlands visRabbiSoetendorp David Masorti Alsmere/Weesp the ited in the Netherlands Congregation for Yom again in August and Kippur. a moving was - occa “Sunday congregation the sion because education religious its started parents The children... for its morning allthat present were which it important was because value to the children encouraged the significance of their personal Kippur Yom Jewish The learning. services in whichI participated verywere moving. spiritual and serviceThe me the hard showed verybut worthwhile workthis of kehillah…“ - Rabbi Carlos A. Tapiero has led has Rabbi A. Carlos Tapiero services holiday high in Alicante, is what since 2004. Here Spain his about this year say to he had experience: ”The community leadership vision, is outstanding an and has Jewish con- to deeply committed tinuity Zionism, and values that every and each activitylead they mov One of the most organize. Alicante, Spain is that of Beth facts Shalom ing set as before long their members important goals one of their most a Jewish framework establish to in particular and for them for their children. Rabbi Jules and Navah Harlow Harlow Navah Rabbi and Jules visited Lisbon (with hummus goods- in their lug baked and help Kehilla to Beit Israel gage) Holidays. for the High prepare a kehillah said member Edgard, the following “Every time Rabbi come Navah Rebbitzen and Jules visit a lot from to we learn us, we have they After leave them. we learned that this impression so many we know that a lot and we actually feel proud that things of our progress. ‘good- And they say the moment curiously coincides withbye’ the in which missing we start instant them.” Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon, and saw my two year-old son in two my year-old saw and arms, carrying his his father’s a very was own candle...It moving for allmoment of us. Rabah, Todah Kehillat from (Pattin) Luciana Spain Valencia, Aviv, A new “wave” in Simchat Torah Flags

A preschool in Brazil celebrating Simchat Torah

Order your Simchat Torah flags [email protected]

and even in Israel. The flag was featured in articles in the Jewish Why this Flag News, Haaretz English edition Enhancing Jewish and on Channel 2 News in Israel. Knowledge & Identity One of the links of course that binds us all together is the state of Israel. That is why the Israeli In October of 2011, the Eretz ple. And so, we created one. flags sits in the middle in a place Yisrael Museum in Tel Aviv held Many of the countries where there of honor, larger than the others. an exhibition of Simchat Torah is an active Masorti community flags starting in 1948 with the es- are represented on our flag. There Wherever Jews live they have tablishment of the State of Israel. are even more countries with always turned their hearts and The flags were a microcosm of Masorti kehillot that aren’t on the support toward Israel. the changes that Israel has been flag, only because we didn’t have The values are what we expect to through in the last 60+ years. the space! But the flag itself did see in our modern day kehillot. Our flag is also representative of travel all over the world to all the A group of grandparents, parents change. We needed a flag that countries with a Masorti Olami and children dancing together in represented all of the Jewish peo- kehilla and also to the US, Canada a circle that represents the pass- ing of our tradition from one to another. On the left side of the flag, you see parents looking on and participating joyfully as their children continue the tradition of celebrating the Torah and their Jewish identities. On the right side, you see generations even fur- ther back, from Herzl, who looks on in pleasure to see the centrality of the State of Israel in our hearts and minds – to Moses who gave us the Torah – to Miriam who al- ways led the Jewish people in song and in joy. Masorti Olami | Annual Review 2012 | 23 22  Donors asorti also Olami acknowledges funding from Keren funding Keren from the and LeYisrael Kayemeth . M Diane & Howard Wohl & Howard Diane Rosenthal Jack SilbermanAlan & Margaret Winkelried Abby & Jon Gloria & Eugene Landy Gloria & Eugene LevinRabbi Mordechai & BillAmy Lipsey & JB Mazer Lynette Miller & Peter Amy „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ asorti Olami major acknowledges funding from the World funding the World from Zionist Organization, which allows to us the Zionist strengthen of orientation Israel and around Masorti Judaism the world. M Rabbi Kreitman Benjamin Judge Howard Holtzmann Howard Judge Kekst & Gershon Carol Rabbi Jacob Herber Herber Rabbi Jacob Ned & Jane Gladstein & Jane Ned & Abner GoldstineRoz Eugene Eder Foundation Eder Eugene Jeffrey Feil Rabbi family and Gary Charlestein Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove Masorti acknowledges Olami contributions thegenerous individualsand organizations: of the following „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ Masorti Olami Leadership & Staff Worldwide Leadership Worldwide Professional Staff

„„ Alan Silberman, President, Masorti Olami Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami „ „ Dr. Stephen Wolnek, President, MERCAZ „„ Rabbi Tzvi Graetz, Executive Director, Olami Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami „ „ Dr. David Breakstone, International Vice „„ Marcus Frieze, Director of Worldwide Projects President, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami „„ Hillary B. Gordon, Resource Development „„ Rabbi Alan Silverstein, Past President, Masorti Coordinator Olami „„ Suzanne Farber, Bookkeeper/Project „„ Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, Past President, MERCAZ Administrator Olami „„ Tehila Reuben, Jerusalem Office Manager „ „ Rabbi Joel Meyers, Chair, Masorti Olami „„ Megan Atkinson, New York Office Executive Operations Committee (EOC) Administrator „„ Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlberg, Chief Financial Officer, Masorti Olami MAROM Olami „„ Claude Machline, Secretary, Masorti Olami „„ Avigail Ben-Aryeh, Director „„ Janet Tobin, Chair, Masorti Olami Evening of „„ Rabbi Joshua Cohen Tribute Event „„ Lucas “Pato” Lejderman „„ Gill Caplin, Member of EOC „„ Sivan Navon-Shoval „„ Peter Miller, Member of EOC „ „ Ned Gladstein, Member of EOC Regional Professional Staff „„ Doron Rubin, President, MAROM Olami „ „„ Gloria Landy, Main Representative to United „ Ariel Blufstein, Executive Director, Nations DPI Masorti AMLAT „„ Rabbi Chaim Weiner, Executive Director, Regional Leadership Masorti Europe

„„ Joanna Kubar, President, Masorti Europe „„ Daniel Kohn, President, Masorti AMLAT

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