With support from the World Zionist Organization
Edited and complied by Marcus Frieze | [email protected] | June 2010
2 Table of Contents
Welcome letter...... 4 Map of the Congress area...... 5 Who is in our delegation ?...... 6 Theodor Herzl & The Zionist Congress...... 11 All about MERCAZ Olami...... 13
Masorti Country and Organization Reports
Latin America Argentina ...... 16 Brazil ...... 18 Chile ...... 20 Mexico ...... 22 Uruguay ...... 23
Europe France ...... 25 Germany ...... 28 Hungary ...... 30 Spain ...... 32 Sweden ...... 33 UK ...... 35
Other parts of the world Australia ...... 39 Russia ...... 41 Ukraine ...... 43
North America Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs ...... 45 MERCAZ Canada ...... 47 MERCAZ USA ...... 49 The Jewish Theological Seminary ...... 51 United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism ...... 53
Israel Israel ...... 55 The Schechter Institutes ...... 59
World Movements Cantors Assembly ...... 62 MAROM Olami ...... 64 Rabbinical Assembly ...... 67 Ramah ...... 69 Women‘s League of Conservative Judaism ...... 71
NOAM Olami...... 74
3 Welcome letter
Dear Friends,
We are so happy that you have all been able to join us here in Jerusalem for the 36th Zionist Congress. We very much hope that your stay here will be interesting and informative, and that our meetings, discussions and debates will be fruitful.
Our delegation of delegates, alternates and observers is close to 150 people, and along with our partners at Kadima we are amongst the largest of all the delegations participating in the Congress.
The four years since the last Congress have been both exciting and challenging at the same time. So many of our kehillot, youth movements and organizations have grown in numbers and reach, and the scope of our activities and programs is greater than ever before. New kehillot have been started, and existing kehillot have joined our worldwide Masorti family. At the same time, financial pressures have made the past few years difficult for us all. We are, however, proud to say that all of our core programs and services are still functioning, and plans are in place to ensure that we will be able to support more and more programming in the future.
Putting together all of the arrangements for you to be here in Israel is no mean feat. Tremendous thanks must go to Marcus Frieze, our Projects & Communications Manager who joined us almost a year ago. He has ably led the Congress Coordination team, and has carried out his work with professionalism and enthusiasm. Thanks must also go to Galit Wittman our Office Manager and Meira Levison, our Assistant Congress Coordinator, as well as to the rest of our Masorti Olami / MERCAZ Olami / MAROM Olami office team which includes Hana Hoffman, Avigail Ben Aryeh, Avigail Shapira and Lucas (Pato) Ledjerman.
In this booklet you will find what we hope will be helpful background information, as well as reports and updates from Masorti kehillot and organizations from all around the world. With so many countries and organizations represented, it is clear to see that the worldwide Masorti movement is flourishing.
We look forward to sharing this week with you.
Kol tuv,
Alan Silberman Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Rabbi Tzvi Graetz President President Executive Director Masorti Olami MERCAZ Olami Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami
4 Map of the Congress area
5 Who is in our delegation ? Below you can find a full list of all 130 people from 18 countries in the Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami delegation, along with our partner organizations from around the world. Information is based on what we receivedWho in advance is in from our our delegation, delegat and weion apologize ? for any mistakes or omissions.
First Cell phone in Title Last Name Delegation Country Position Email Name Israel
Miss Claire Aboudi MERCAZ Olami France Delegate [email protected]
steven.eric.abraham@gmail Mr. Steven Abraham MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate .com
Rabbi Daniel Alter MERCAZ Olami Germany Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Ehud Bandel Masorti Olami Australia Alternate [email protected] 050 963 4273
Mr. Ira Bartfield MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mrs Kathryn Bartfield MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Ms. Miriam Benson MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr Adam Berkley Masorti Olami UK Delegate [email protected]
Mr. Mark Berlin MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Ms Alana Bernick MERCAZ Olami Canada Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Alejandro Bloch Masorti Olami Chile Delegate [email protected]
Mr. Joshua Block Masorti Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
directorejecutivo@masortia Mr Ariel Bluftsien Masorti Olami Argentina Delegate mlat.org
Ms. Eileen Blumenthal MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Rabbi Joseph Brodie MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected] 052 386 1974
Mr. Julian Brook MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr Randall Brown MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Mr Randall Brown MERCAZ Olami USA Observer [email protected]
Mr. Aryeh Canter MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mrs Gillian Caplin MERCAZ Olami UK Delegate [email protected]
[email protected] Mr Diego Cassorla Masorti Olami Chile Delegate m
Cantor Jack Chomsky MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Ms. Sarah Chopnick MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr Stephen Chopnick MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Mrs Marian Civins MERCAZ Olami Australia Alternate [email protected]
Mr Zvi Civins Masorti Olami Australia Delegate [email protected]
Ms. Gloria Cohen MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr. Simeon Cohen MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
6 Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami delegation
Title First Cell phone in Last Name Delegation Country Position Email Name Israel
Mr Daniel Cohn MERCAZ Olami Uruguay Alternate [email protected]
Mr Alejandro Cozachcow MERCAZ Olami Argentina Delegate [email protected]
Ms Alexandra Cyngiser MERCAZ Olami Canada Delegate [email protected]
Mrs Terri Davis MERCAZ Olami Israel Alternate [email protected]
Miss Valentina del Fierro Masorti Olami Chile Delegate [email protected]
Ms. Amy Dorsch MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Daniel Dorsch MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Gilah Dror MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Matthew Earne MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr Sebastian Ebram MERCAZ Olami Argentina Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Gesa Ederberg Masorti Olami Germany Delegate [email protected]
Mr. Kenneth Elfand MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected] 052 233 1846
Rabbi Jerome Epstein MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 531 4386
Ms. Barbara Ezring MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Ferreira Miss Olivia Masorti Olami Brazil Delegate [email protected] Netter
Mrs Gay Fine-Elfand MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Melissa MERCAZ Olami Ms Frank USA Alternate (Aviva) / GZA
Rabbi Paul Freedman Masorti Olami Israel Observer [email protected] 052 604 8292
Mr Silvio Geisinger MERCAZ Olami Uruguay Delegate [email protected]
Goldman- Mrs Erica MERCAZ Olami USA Observer Brodie
Rabbi Robert Golub MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 371 5151
Mrs Judy Gray Masorti Olami Israel Observer [email protected] 052 381 7163
Mr. Ami Greener MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mr. Stan Greenspan MERCAZ Olami Canada Alternate [email protected]
Mr Mario Grunebaum MERCAZ Olami Brazil Delegate [email protected]
Mr Yizhar Hess Masorti Olami Israel Alternate [email protected] 052 688 6515
Mr Donald Horowitz MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Ms. Judith Horowitz MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mr Oleksandr Ivashchenko MERCAZ Olami Ukraine Delegate [email protected] 054 536 4786
Mr Silvio Jazanovich Masorti Olami Spain Alternate [email protected]
7 Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami delegation
Title First Cell phone in Last Name Delegation Country Position Email Name Israel
Mr Ralphy Jhirad MERCAZ Olami India Delegate [email protected] 054 9421954
Mrs Yael Jhirad MERCAZ Olami India Observer
Mrs Carol-Lyn Kleiner MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Mr. Gilbert Kleiner MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mr Daniel Kohn MERCAZ Olami Argentina Delegate [email protected] 050 302 3803
Miss Maria Kopelian MERCAZ Olami Russia Delegate [email protected] 054 884 5229
Mr Adrian Korsner MERCAZ Olami UK Delegate [email protected] 054 697 2523
chairperson@greenzionism. Mr David Krantz GZA USA Delegate org
Rabbi Vernon Kurtz MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 054 420 0683
Mr Eugene Landy MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Ms. Gloria Landy MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected] 732 890 6002
Mr. Elihu Leifer MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mr. Robert Levine MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Leonel Levy MERCAZ Olami Mexico Alternate [email protected]
Mrs Emily Levy-Shochat Masorti Olami Israel Alternate [email protected] 054 723 6116
Mr. David Lissy MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 054 731 8598
Mr Eric Lundberg MERCAZ Olami Australia Delegate [email protected]
Mr Claude Machline Masorti Olami France Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Mitchel Malkus MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Mr Jonathan Marcus MERCAZ Olami Germany Alternate [email protected]
[email protected] Mrs Marion Mayman MERCAZ Olami Canada Delegate m
Mr Ami Megiddo MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Ms. Irma Megiddo MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
jmeyers@rabbinicalassembl Rabbi Joel Meyers Masorti Olami USA Delegate 054 428 0605 y.org Milgrom- Ms Liore GZA USA Alternate Elcott
Mr. Michael Mills MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
evelyne.montserrat@orange Mrs Evelyne Montserrat MERCAZ Olami France Delegate .fr
Mr. Larry Pachter MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Cantor David Propis MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Joel Rembaum MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
8 Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami delegation
Title First Cell phone in Last Name Delegation Country Position Email Name Israel
Mr Janos Reti MERCAZ Olami Hungary Alternate [email protected]
Mr. Gerhard Rosenthal MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Ms Rosa Sabah MERCAZ Olami Chile Delegate [email protected]
Mr Henrik Salamon Masorti Olami Sweden Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Phil Scheim MERCAZ Olami Canada Delegate [email protected]
Mr Jim Schiller MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Ms. Cory Schneider MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
[email protected] Mr Adam Schonberger MERCAZ Olami Hungary Delegate om jschonfeld@rabbinicalassem Rabbi Julie Schonfeld Masorti Olami USA Delegate bly.org
Mr. Richard Schwartz GZA USA Delegate
Mr. Yoel Schwartz Masorti Olami Israel Observer [email protected] 052 384 9021
Ms. Evelyn Seelig MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected] 050 671 2928
Mr Avi Siegel MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 420 5792 Karen- Mrs Siegel MERCAZ Olami USA Observer Anne [email protected] Mr Alan H Silberman Masorti Olami USA Delegate 050 658 4575 om
Rabbi Alan Silverstein MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Ms. Carol Simon MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Rabbi Charles Simon MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mrs Gail Simpson MERCAZ Olami USA Observer
Mr. Myles Simpson MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Rabbi Leor Sinai MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 530 7341
Rabbi Gerald Skolnik MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 599 6490
[email protected] Mr. Richard Skolnik MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate om
Ms. Sandy Starkman MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 569 0257
[email protected] Mr. Stephen Steckler MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate t MiriamSteinberg@earthlink. Ms. Miriam Steinberg Masorti Olami USA Alternate 052 526 2488 net morton.steinberg@dlapiper. Mr. Morton Steinberg MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate com
Mr Norman Stern MERCAZ Olami Canada Observer [email protected] 050 598 4137
Mr Mario Stofenmacher MERCAZ Olami Spain Alternate [email protected]
Mr Moisès Szewkis MERCAZ Olami Chile Alternate [email protected]
9 Masorti Olami & MERCAZ Olami delegation
Title First Cell phone in Last Name Delegation Country Position Email Name Israel
Mrs Janet Tobin Masorti Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 054 538 9718
Ms. Laurie Turnof MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Rabbi Chaim Weiner MERCAZ Olami UK Delegate [email protected] 054 761 5669
Ms Olya Weinstein MERCAZ Olami Russia Alternate [email protected]
Rabbi Joe Wernick Masorti Olami Israel Observer [email protected] 052 614 6141
Ms. Rita Wertlieb MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Dr. Marilyn Wind MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 052 788 7076
Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlberg MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected]
Mr Miguel Wohlmuth MERCAZ Olami Mexico Delegate [email protected]
Ms. Elysia Wolnek MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate [email protected]
Dr. Stephen Wolnek MERCAZ Olami USA Delegate [email protected] 050 296 0633
Yadin- [email protected] Ms. Naomi MERCAZ Olami USA Alternate Mendick t
10 Theodor Herzl & The Zionist Congress
To mark the 150th anniversary of Herzl’s birth, here is some background information about the father of Zionism.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, on May 2, 1860, Herzl was educated in the spirit of the German-Jewish "Enlightenment." His family moved to Vienna in 1878 after the death of his sister. He received a doctorate in law in 1884 and worked for a short while in courts in Vienna and Salzburg. Within a year, he left law and devoted himself to writing, for which he had demonstrated ability from an early age. Theodor Herzl
(1860-1904) In 1891 he became the Paris correspondent for the New Free Press (Vienna), the influential liberal newspaper of the time. Herzl witnessed the rise of anti- Semitism in France which resulted from the court martial of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish army officer, who was divested of his rank in a humiliating public ceremony in January 1895, as a mob shouted "Death to the Jews."
After considering a number of possibilities, Herzl became convinced that the only solution to the Jewish problem was the mass exodus of Jews from their places of residence. Originally he wrote that it didn't matter where Jews went. He eventually realized that a national home in Palestine was the answer. He published a pamphlet, The Jewish State in 1896.
Although others had suggested solutions to anti-Semitism, Herzl was the first to call for immediate political action. Jewish reaction to his plan was mixed. Many Jews rejected it as too extreme, although there were those who responded with enthusiasm and asked him to head what was to become the Zionist movement. He succeeded in convening the first Zionist Congress in Basle, Switzerland, August 29-31, 1897. The congress adopted the Basle Program and established the World Zionist Organization to help create the economic foundation for the proposed Jewish state. Herzl was elected president of the organization and chaired the first six Zionist congresses. He spent much of his time in his remaining years meeting with world leaders, both Jewish and non-Jewish, trying to enlist financial and political support for his dream of a Jewish state. He died in 1904 before his dream could become reality.
In 1949 his remains were transferred to a mountain in western Jerusalem which became Mount Herzl, and is today a major military cemetery.
The First Zionist Congress was the inaugural congress of the Zionist Organization (ZO) (becoming the World Zionist Organization in 1960) held in Basel (Basle), Switzerland, from August 29 to August 31, 1897. The first Zionist Congress was convened as a symbolic parliament for those in agreement with the implementation of Zionist goals. The Congress was due to take place in Munich, Germany; however, because of local opposition by both Orthodox and Reform community leadership, Herzl decided to transfer the gathering to Basel. First Zionist Congress, 1897
11 Herzl acted as chairperson of the Congress which was attended by some 200 participants from seventeen countries, 69 of whom were delegates from various Zionist societies and the remainders were individual invitees. Ten non-Jews were also in attendance and were expected to abstain from voting. Seventeen women attended the Congress, some of them in their own capacity, others accompanying representatives. While women participated in the First Zionist Congress, they did not have voting rights until at the Second Zionist Congress, which took place the following year.
Subsequent congresses founded various institutions for the promotion of the Basle program, notably a people's bank known as the Jewish Colonial Trust, which was the financial instrument of political Zionism. Its establishment was suggested at the First Zionist Congress in 1897; the first definite steps toward its institution were taken at the Second Zionist Congress in Cologne, Germany in May, 1898. For the Fifth Zionist Congress, the Jewish National Fund was founded for the purchase of land in the Land of Israel and later the Zionist Commission was founded with subsidiary societies for the study and improvement of the social and economic condition of the Jews within the Land of Israel.
The Zionist Congress met every year between 1897 and 1901, then except for war years, every second year (1903-1913, 1921-1939). In 1942, an ―Extraordinary Zionist Conference‖ was held and announced a fundamental departure from traditional Zionist policy with its demand "that Palestine be established as a Jewish Commonwealth." It became the official Zionist stand on the ultimate aim of the movement. Since the Second World War, meetings have been held approximately every four years and since the creation of the State of Israel, the Congress has been held in Jerusalem.
12 All about MERCAZ Olami
1. What is MERCAZ?
MERCAZ is the Zionist Organization of the Masorti Movement. It promotes and supports Zionist education and programs within our movement, and it represents the interest of Masorti Judaism in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency for Israel, the international bodies which serve as the parliament of the Jewish people. MERCAZ serves as the Zionist conscience and Zionist resource for all Masorti Jews.
2. What does MERCAZ mean?
MERCAZ is the Hebrew word for "center". It is appropriate for 2 reasons: 1. Zionism is central to Masorti Judaism. 2. Masorti Judaism can play a central role in enhancing the quality of religious life in Israel, which is currently resented and rejected by a large part of Israeli society. Masorti Judaism offers meaningful religious alternatives which, until recently, were missing from the landscape of Israeli life.
3. What does MERCAZ do ?
In each country: Since the Masorti Movement believes that Israel and Zionism are essential components in Jewish life, MERCAZ’s mission is the promotion of Zionist education and activities, Israel programs for youth and adults, and Aliyah in your country. MERCAZ assists in securing grants for various projects including young-adult education, Shlichim for summer camps & scholarships for long-term Israel programs. Each co untry
In each region: MERCAZ ensures that Israel and Zionism stay firmly on the agenda of in the European Regions and Latin American Jewish communities. Through our network of Rabbis, representatives and activists, MERCAZ works to promote Israel awareness and Israel & education in synagogues, schools and on campus. The Jewish World MERCAZ assists in securing funding for Masorti institutions and organizations throughout the region, including kindergartens, TALI day schools, chapters of the NOAM youth movement, MAROM centers, family education programs and seminars of all kinds.
In Israel & the Jewish World: MERCAZ plays a central role in the continuing struggle to bring religious equality to Masorti Jews. Unlike other religious movements, the Masorti Movement, from its inception, embraced Zionism and the centrality of Israel in Jewish life. The very powerful Religious Affairs Ministry in Israel does not sanction Masorti Judaism and its institutions are barred from recognition, authority, and funding. In order to help these institutions enrich the lives of disenfranchised and alienated Masorti Jews from Israel and all around the world, MERCAZ has representatives in the World Zionist Organization, Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemet Le‘Yisrael.
13 These organizations are fundamental in providing the support and strength that Masorti institutions and organizations need to facilitate their projects and programs in Israel and around the world. Only with more programs and resources can the Masorti Movement touch and inspire the lives of so many Jews in Israel and around the world who are indifferent to, or alienated from, their Jewish heritage.
4. How does MERCAZ do all of this ? By creating and distributing Zionist educational materials, promoting the study of the Hebrew language, and raising the Zionist consciousness of Conservative Jews. By increasing Zionist activities and promoting short-term and long-term programs to Israel for youth and adults. By promoting and encouraging Aliyah to Israel. By strengthening NOAM and MAROM and developing young leadership. By promoting Masorti Judaism and religious pluralism in Israel.
Direct result of MERCAZ representation Almost $2.5 million of grants and program support for Masorti religious and educational projects in Israel and around the world in 2009 alone Shlichim for our youth movement and communities throughout the world Support for a variety of activities intended to promote Israel programs and aliyah among our membership A strong MERCAZ is vital to the development of our Movement around the world and in Israel. It is also critical to our ability to influence the agenda and the distribution of resources of these organizations, which together have a tremendous impact on world Jewry - particularly in the areas of Israel-Diaspora relations, Jewish Zionist education, and aliyah.
MERCAZ OLAMI MISSION STATEMENT
MERCAZ OLAMI is the Zionist Organization of the worldwide Conservative/Masorti Movement representing Conservative/Masorti Judaism within the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency for Israel. MERCAZ OLAMI sees Zionism as an invaluable tool for strengthening Jewish identity and combating assimilation. It calls for linking Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora with Israel through tourism, Jewish education, Hebrew language study, ‗people-to-people‘ partnerships, short- and long-term Israel programs and Aliyah. Conservative/Masorti Judaism was the first of the modern religious movements to embrace Zionism and has steadfastly remained at the forefront of the effort to promote its values: the centrality of Israel in the life and consciousness of the Jewish People and the unity of the Jewish People wherever they may live. Our connection to the Land and the State of Israel and its capital Jerusalem begins first and foremost with our People's 4000-year covenant with the Divine. This covenant has imposed upon us the responsibility not only to support and defend the State of Israel but also to create in Zion an exemplary Jewish society that is a national home — democratic and pluralistic — for all Jews, secure and at peace with its Arab neighbors, committed to protecting its environment and natural resources, respecting the rights of all of its citizens and supporting all streams of Jewish practice.
14 Masorti Country and Organization Reports
The next section of this booklet is devoted to reports from Masorti kehillot & Organizations from around the world who are represented at the Congress. For a full list of countries with Masorti kehillot, visit our website at www.masortiworld.org
15 Argentina
FEDECC is the Federation of Conservative/ Masorti Congregations in Argentina. It includes 32 kehillot around the country, in different provinces and with different cultural roots.
The Jewish community in Argentina includes more than 200,000 people, most of whom do not participate in any Jewish institution or framework. Nevertheless, a great number of these people, when choosing to visit a synagogue – for the Yamim Nora‘im, Bnei Mitzvah or Yortzeit – always go to a Masorti synagogue.
We can classify our Congregations in two main groups, those in the Capital City and those spread throughout the rest of the country:
Capital City and suburbs Fundación Pardes Asociación Israelita de Bahía Blanca NCI / Emanu-El Comunidad "Iesod Hatorá" Tel Aviv S.U.I. de SS MM de Avellaneda, Lehavat Comunidad Amijai Jaim Comunidad Beit Israel Sociedad Israelita del Oeste Comunidad Benei Tikva Sociedad Unión Israelita de Lanús Comunidad Bet El Ajdut Israel Comunidad Bet Hilel Sociedad Unión Israelita Marplatense Comunidad Bet-Am Medinath Israel Templo y Comunidad Herzlia Comunidad Dor Jadash Comunidad Dr. Herzl Rest of the country Comunidad Jerusalem Asociación Alianza Israelita de SS.MM. - Comunidad Lamroth Hakol Salta Comunidad Neve Shalom Asociación Israelita de Paraná Comunidad Or Israel Centro Unión Israelita de Córdoba Comunidad Or Jadash Comunidad Israelita de Santa Fe Comunidad Or Torah Sociedad Israelita de Beneficencia - Congregación Israelita de la República Mendoza Argentina Sociedad Unión Israelita Tucumana El Jai - Bialik de Devoto Templo Nisim Teubal de San Luis
As a federation we provide educational material – regarding our Movement and our tradition- produced both in Argentina and in others countries in the Latin America region; we organize common activities like the Masorti Choirs Festival ―Maakela baKehila‖ (we‘ve done two so far and two more are in the pipeline) where kehilot choirs perform for members of their own and other congregations; travelling art exhibitions, which are displayed in different kehilot, with great openings and huge attendance (Jerusalem | Photographic Exhibition, 150 of Herzl, Historical Yom Haatzmaut Posters (also displayed at Ben Gurion Intl Airport).
FEDECC, together with the Embassy of France in Buenos Aires, DAIA (political representation of the Jewish Community in Argentina), Buenos Aires Shoah Museum and Government of Buenos Aires, sponsor an international Shoah art exhibition, Some of our publications
16 that was held in the Centro Cultural Recoleta (Recoleta Cultural Centre) designed by a French Jewish artist, named Alain Kleinmann.
We visit constantly our kehillot, maintaining a smooth relationship with their professional and volunteer leadership, exchanging e-mails and being an important orientation for communitarian concerns.
In terms of community-political issues, FEDECC has FEDECC President, Danny Kohn ongoing and positive relationships with all representative institutions, such as OSA (Argentinean Zionist Organization), DAIA, KKL and Keren Hayesod, as well as the Embassy of Israel. Masorti representation on OSA‘s Board of Directors is 15% and 25% at DAIA. Another of our projects is a Masorti Argentina/FEDECC forest in Israel in partnership with the local KKL. We also carry out a variety of activities together with the Cultural Department of the Israeli Embassy.
On national-political matters, FEDECC has, as the biggest Jewish-religious federation, an excellent relationship with the Secretary of Worship, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Worship. We organized a ―Day of Information and Training on the procedure for registering religious entities in the National Register of Cults‖ in 2009, and were invited to take part in the Official Religious Ceremony of the Argentinean Bicentenary in the presence of President Dra. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner together with cabinet ministers and Masorti Choir Festival main officials of the national government.
Major events for 2010 include the recently installation of Rabbi Sebastian Vainstein as spiritual leader in Asociación Israelita de Paraná and Rabbi Sarina Vitas in Comunidad Or Jadash. Throughout the year many congregations, such as Asociación Israelita de Bahía Blanca, Comunidad Dr. Herzl, S.U.I. de SS MM de Avellaneda - Lehavat Jaim and Sociedad Unión Israelita Tucumana, will celebrate their centenaries, and FEDECC will actively participate and assist in these celebrations.
17
Brazil
The Masorti Movement in Brazil
Although 10 years ago some congregations in Brazil were conservative, none of them considered themselves ―Masorti‖. The work towards building the Rabbi Tzvi Graetz visits NOAM movement was done with the help of the Latin in São Paulo American Rabbinic Assembly and nowadays there are seven congregations that are affiliated to the Brazilian Masorti Movement, all of them having at least one conservative rabbi. We have three congregations in São Paulo, Comunidade Shalom, Congregação Israelita Paulista and Comunidade Bnei Chalutzim; one in Rio de Janeiro, Congregação Judaica do Brasil; one in Porto Alegre, Centro Israelita Portoalegrense; one in Curitiba, Comunidade Israelita do Paraná and one in Salvador, Sociedade Israelita da Bahia.
Not only the name but, more importantly, the philosophy of the Masorti movement is spreading throughout the country. This was evident at the first Masorti Brazil meeting held on May 9 and 10, 2010, when representatives of not only the seven synagogues attended, but also several other congregations who participated or demonstrated interest in participating (including Belem, Fortaleza, Recife, Campinas, Santos, etc.)
Most significantly, in the last 12 months three new Masorti rabbis have taken up positions in Brazilian Masorti congregations.
All of our kehillot have Shabbat, Chagim and Yamim Nora‘im services, several have daily minyanim as well as Bar/Bat-Mitzvah courses and some have Talmud Torah classes for adults. We have kehillot that are complete egalitarian and others that are not. Some use musical instruments during tfillot, and others do not. In Sao Paulo, Comunidade Shalom, have NOAM and MAROM activities, and others have youth departments affiliated to other organizations. In Curitiba, the kehillah has a regular school, and every kehillah has a Chevra Kadisha, but not every city has a Jewish cemetery. At the Maorti Brazil event in May, the kehillot decided to work together to organize joint projects and summer camps. Masorti Brazil meeting, May 2010 Comunidade Shalom in Sao Paulo has begun to build a new synagogue with space for up to 1,000 congregants. In Rio de Janeiro, the kehillah has just opened a second building, called Midrash, and Sociedade Israelita da Bahia and Comunidade Israelita do Paraná are also expanding their capacity through new buildings.
There are several educational projects running, like Shabattonim – weekend retreats in the countryside led by rabbis or other guests from abroad – exhibitions about Anne Frank, lectures etc.
The official number of Jews in Brazil is 120,000; 60,000-70,000 of them live in São Paulo, but on the Yamim Nora‘im, only about 1/3 of them go to a synagogue.
18 Starting from the south of Brazil, here are some interesting statistics:
• Centro Israelita Portoalegrense – in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre there are 9,000 Jews, and within them 500 families belong to this congregation. This year for the first time their kehillah is led by a Masorti Rabbi. The synagogue now aligns itself with the Masorti movement.
• Comunidade Israelita do Paraná – has 600 family members and a Masorti Rabbi since July 2009.
• Comunidade Bnei Chalutzim – have 90 family members, and a Masorti Rabbi.
• Comunidade Shalom – have 300 family members, two Masorti Rabbis, one of them is the only Brazilian born woman rabbi. They have their own siddurim in Hebrew, transliteration and translation into Portuguese, one for Kabbalat Shabbat, another for Shabbat, another for Weekdays and Holidays, and a Machzor for Yamim Nora‘im, used by several other Masorti Brazilian communities.
• Congregação Israelita Paulista – considered the biggest Brazilian congregation with 1,400 family members, two rabbis, one of whom is Masorti. They too have edited their own siddurim and machzorim.
• Congregação Judaica do Brazil – have 440 family members. Just opened a second building called Midrash.
• Sociedade Israelita da Bahia – the city of Salvador has approx 1,000 Jews and 130 families are members of the kehillah. It is one of the oldest kehillot in Brazil, having been established 95 years ago. They have 2 Masorti Rabbis, one of whom recently joined them.
19 Chile Most of the approx 25,000 Jews in Chile affiliate with Masorti Chile congregations. There are 6 Masorti kehillot in total; 4 of them in Santiago (Comunidad Israelita de Santiago, Comunidad Israelita Sefaradi de Chile, Sociedad Cultural Israelita B‘nei Israel and Comunidad Beit Emunah), 1 in Vina del Mar (Comunidad Israelita de Valparaiso), and 1 in Concepcion (Comunidad Israelita de Concepcion). A total of 7 Masorti Rabbis serve these kehillot, which also have active branches of the Chazit HaNoar and NOAM youth movements, the MAROM young adult movement, and regular Batei Midrash study groups. Masorti youth are very active, and Chile has large summer camps each year, as well as a Masorti Jewish day school, and a wide array of local community social action projects.
Some recent significant projects of Masorti kehillot in Chile include :
Chanukah at Plaza de las Esculturas For the third year running, Masorti Congregations organized the main Channukah ceremony for the Jewish community of Chile, which was held at the Plaza de las Chanukkah ceremony in Santiago Esculturas in Santiago. The event was led by the Rabbis of Va‘ad haRabanim, and City officials and well as the Israeli Ambassador to Chile, and official representatives of various Jewish institutions were present.
NOFIM – Machon Le’Manhigut (Leadership Institute) After the excellent first semester of the course in 2009, NOFIM - Machon Le‘Manhigut, the cross-communal young leadership course organized by MAROM & Masorti AmLat also sponsored by the Chilean Jewish Community (Comunidad Judía de Chile - CJCh) and the Zionist Youth Council, started again in April 2010. Like last year, the course content will include: Leadership and mission, Contemporary Judaism and the different movements, The Jewish Community in Chile - history and current organization, How to put together a project – fundraising and evaluation, Israeli Society - ethnic, social, and religious disparities, ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in Jewish education, Shoah, Israel today - political and international organization.
Earthquake Relief Fund On February 27th an earth quake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile and caused significant damage and loss of life. Throughout the day and weeks that followed, Masorti Olami along with Masorti in Latin America, along with the USCJ and Masorti Movement in Israel came togther to help and support the Masorti community in Chile. Funds were raised from all around the world, and are being sent to Chile to help in the rebuilding program that follows such a disaster. Masorti AmLat‘s Executive Director visited Chile two weeks after the earthquake, to help asses the assistance that the kehillot needed. He spent Shabbat at the Congregation in Viña del Mar with Rabbi Efraim Rosenzwaig and President Marcelo Moses, along with newly appointed Masorti Chile Representative, Ariel Szewkis. In Santiago he met the Va‘ad Harabanim to learn how the disaster had affected each kehilla. At the meeting
20 were Rabbis Alejandro Bloch, Marcelo Kormis, Shmuel Szteinhendler and Daniel Zang. He went on to visit each of the Masorti institutions to see the damage and offer comfort and support. The Masorti kehillot in Chile will take part of a wider relief effort being organized by the entire Chilean Jew community.
In Concepcion, the synagogue building itself was severely damaged, and Rabbi Angel Kreiman along with members of the kehillah are leading the project to arrange the reapirs Damage to the Masorti synagogue in which will cost many thousands of dollars. In Concepcion Santiago, the Masorti kehillot have begun special projects to help all those affected by the earthquake deal with the harsh emotional reality through a comforting Jewish environment, and specifically through a program of trauma based Beit Midrash learning opportunities.
To date, Masorti Olami‘s Chile Earthquake Relief Fund has raised more than $60,000. A great deal of thanks must be given to Rabbi Alan Silverstein of Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ and Gail Shapiro of the Solomon Schechter Day School in West Orange, NJ who together generated a great deal of publicity and support for the campaign and brought in a great number of donations.
For more information, please go to www.masortiworld.org/molami/chilerelief where you can see the progress of the campaign and find links to a wide range of media responses.
21
Mexico
There is just one main Masorti kehillah in Mexico – Communidad Bet-El de Mexico, located in Mexico City.
Bet-El Mexico engages its members with daily religious Jewish life. The kehillah provides a wide range of activities, which include :
• Daily services • Shabbat services • Festival services and celebrations • Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes • Births • Weddings Sukkot at the Talmud Torah • Funerals • Talmud Torah classes for a wide range of ages and backgrounds • Choir group • Rikkudim (dancing) group • Theatre group • Concerts with a wide range of types of Jewish music • Huge variety of classes and course for Adults on different Jewish themes and topics • Conferences of all kinds • Social Action projects for the poor, homeless and needy
Services are egalitarian, and are mainly in Hebrew, with Memorial statue at the cemetery some Spanish content, and music is often used.
Bet-El has about 1,100 member families which total nearly 4,000 people.
The synagogue itself has a sanctuary, classrooms, and an auditorium and also a cemetery.
Choir group
22
Uruguay
The ―Nueva Congregación Israelita de Montevideo‖ (NCI) in Montevideo, is the only Masorti kehillah in Uruguay. It was founded in 1936 by German Jews who fled from Europe, and have been part of the Worldwide Masorti movement since the early 1950‘s .
Our egalitarian 900 family community is about one fifth of the Jewish population in the country, and has been led by Rabbi Ariel Kleiner since 2007. The main religious activities we offer include daily Ma‘ariv services, weekly Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Shacharit services, Festivals and High Holidays services, and a Special High Holidays service for children.
NCI has been running a Jewish Tradition course for Bar and Bat Mitzvah ages for more than 20 years. Five years ago we developed ―Rashi‖, a course devoted to the preparation of young people for Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, which includes Torah reading, Jewish history, study of the Torah, and an in- depth study of each participant‘s parshah, along with study and practice of tefillah for Shabbat and Festivals and High Holidays.
We offer an Introduction to Judaism course called ―Aleph‖ that eventually leads to a conversion process. In this case, both members of the couple must attend the course. This course is quite popular, since NCI is the only non-Orthodox option in all of Uruguay.
Two years ago our Rabbi created ―Garinim‖, a group for young couples which has weekly meetings to study and socialize. The Rabbi and his wife, who are quite young, are part of this group. This year, for the first time, a MAROM group was created in Uruguay and NCI strongly supports this group and hope that it will be stable and successful. We also have learning for adults; this year there are two courses being taught by our Rabbi: Tefilah, and Jewish thought. The Chazit Hanoar youth involves more than 500 young people aged 3 to 21, who attend year-round weekly programs led by young madrichim. MAROM group Many young people attend summer camp which is their highlight of their year.
Besides tfillot and religious focussed activities, NCI offers a vast array of other activities offering the opportunity for each and every one of our members to find a place in our congregation. Conversational Hebrew classes, Israeli dancing, and Jewish yoga are only a few of the options to learn, play, and have fun all the year round in the kehillah.
Israeli dancing group during Purim at NCI
23 Here are some of the activities that have taken place in the last year, some of which are repeated yearly due to their success:
• Concerts or different artistic performances take place in our building, (Grand Opening with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Montevideo in August 2009) • Tribute to Rabbi Dr. Fritz Winter (Z‘L) who was the Rabbi of the NCI for over 30 years in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his death. • Meeting in our community with Rabbi Tzvi Graetz who delighted us with a talk. • We enjoyed a very moving second night Pesach Seder attended by 124 persons (filled to capacity) • Urban Sukkoth, a very successful whole day activity, with lots of events for all ages attended by nearly 800 people. Some of the highlights were: different live music concerts, traditional Uruguayan art expressions, stand-up comedy, lectures on literature and of course traditional Israeli food. • Tikun Leil Shavuot: this year the debate topic was the different ways of Jewish education. After that our Rabbi gave a lecture on Ruth‘s Megillah. • Kristallnacht commemoration with activities for young people and adults. Watching the Sukkot show • Purim activities, including Esther‘s Megillah reading, a costume contest and rikudim. • Chanukah activities, including daily candle lighting in our synagogue and a Chorus Festival. • Conference with Prof. Mendes Flohr. • Early this year we published a Weekday Shacharit and Mincha Siddur including Spanish translation and transliteration. • Yom Ha‘atzmaut celebration with the rest of the Montevideo Jewish community organized by the Uruguay Zionist Organization. • Yom Hazikaron Remembrance Day hosted by NCI.
Additional Information about the community: • Every year more than 1,200 people attend High Holidays services at NCI. • Kabbalat Shabbat services are attended weekly by about 200 people. • About 30 Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies and 15 weddings take place yearly in the congregation. • We also have several Brith Milah and Simchat Bat a year.
24 France
Massorti France
We strongly believe that in order for Masorti Judaism to play the central roles in the French Jewish community, we need to: • Develop awareness of Masorti Judaism and synagogue memberships, and get a better position in French Judaism, through the media (radio, newspapers etc). This is one of the issues to be dealt with in our twentieth anniversary events. • Build Jewish leadership • Strengthen the bond between the Jewish people, Masorti Judaism, the synagogue and Israel • Develop and coordinate activities • Increase synagogue resources • Increase Jewish knowledge and observance • Develop NOAM with a shaliach
Our Massorti France kehillot are:
Adath Shalom, Paris Adath Shalom was the first Massorti kehillah in France, formed in 1988. The Rabbi is Rivon Krygier and there is a membership of around 300 families. The Talmud Torah, which teaches over 100 children, aims to develop a positive mindset towards Jewish identity and initiate respect and tolerance, as well as knowledge and love for Jewish tradition. There is a NOAM group which is affiliated to the Jewish Scouts Organization of France (Eclaireurs Israélites de France) with around 60 20th Anniversary celebrations members. at Adath Shalom For over 20 years, the community of Adath Shalom has been a vibrant community center that promotes religious services, social and cultural Jewish events, as well as meetings which integrate the values of Masorti Judaism. The kehillah offers a wide variety of activities to young and old, to deepen knowledge and links with the Jewish world, while initiating a dialogue and reflection on society. A new program for children 4 to 12 years, called ―Kef Li‖, combines fun activities and learning. A new team of MAROM aged young people was formed this year to raise awareness of the Masorti movement among young French Jews and also strengthen the links between Adath Shalom and other Masorti communities in the world. Courses for adults are varied and include Jewish history and Bible, text studies of the Zohar and the Talmud and looking at characters like Jacob or a theme such as human behaviour, and the environment. Courses in Judaism, liturgy, the parsha and Teamim are provided by our rabbi Rivon Krygier, and stimulate our members to live better Jewish lives, while also keeping them connected to the kehillah throughout the year. Adath Shalom also recently began courses in modern Hebrew and Israeli literature. The framework of the European Grundtvig project promotes encounters and exchanges between European Masorti communities. After celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2009, Adath Shalom continued to put on large scale events in 20101 which included three
25 major conferences, including ―the brain in all its forms‖, and ―Can Capitalism become moral?‖ with Economist Jacques Attali.
Dor Vador, Paris This is our second kehillah in Paris, located in the East of the city. From a membership of around 20 in October 2009, it has jumped to 56 in only a few months. Rabbi Yeshaya Dalsace‘s ministry has surely been the determining factor for this growth, even though the kehillah does not yet have its own synagogue, and all the Chanukkah at Dor Vador, Paris activities are carried out at the rabbi‘s home. These include Shabbat and festival services, Talmud Torah and adult courses, Shabbat dinners etc. The limited space at the Rabbis home makes its difficult for this kehillah to grow further, and the Board of lay leaders are looking for a suitable location, and hope to find this at some point in 2010.
Neve Shalom, Paris This is the newest kehillah in the Massorti France family, and is located in the west of the city. They currently have just 25 families, but are confident that they will expand soon.
Marseilles Judaica Judaïca is our kehillah in Marseilles with approx 110 families. Marseilles‘ total Jewish population is estimated at 70,000 to 75,000. Since the High Holidays in 2009, Judaïca has been sharing Rabbi Yeshaya Dalsace with kehillah Dor Vador, and Rabbi Dalsace spends one week per month in Marseilles. His presence has significantly increased awareness of the kehillah in the city‘s Jewish and wider community, with the public image of the Masorti Movement greatly improving in recent times. As for its normal activities, Judaïca has 4 Talmud Torah classes with over 40 pupils. Shabbat and festival services are celebrated regularly and Shabbat dinners are organised during the rabbi‘s visits, as well as special courses, films Sukkot at Marseilles Judaica sessions etc. Judaïca hopes to find a suitable people to promote NOAM and MAROM groups, and sees both of these groups as top priorities for 2010. In short, Judaïca is growing. It is better known than before and is well structured thanks to the hard work of the Rabbi and the Board. The Board believe that the presence of a Rabbi only one week each month is no longer sufficient and that need to move towards a full-time rabbi, in order to achieve the obvious potential in Marseilles.
Maayane Or, Nice Maayane Or is the second oldest French Masorti kehillah, founded in 1996. Its membership is regularly increasing and today has more than 120 members. Nice‘s Jewish population is said to be around 20,000. David Touboul replaced the original Rabbi, Yeshaya Dalsace in September 2009, and this transition has been smooth and positive. Apart from celebrating all Shabbat and Festival services, Bar and Bat mitzvahs, and marriages, Maayane Or have a
A new torah for Maayane Or
26 very busy schedule of Shabbat dinners, conferences, films trips, and Talmud Torah classes. Attendance at the Talmud Torah has increased significantly in the last year with a greater number of meetings, topics and structure to the school year.
Or Chalom, Aix-en-Provence Or Chalom, formerly Massorti-Aix, is our kehillah in the town of Aix en Provence, which is the Provence region. The total Jewish population is estimated at 700 families, around 30 of whom affiliate with the Masorti kehillah. Many of Aix‘s Jews live in neighbourhoods far from the centre of the city, making bringing them together more difficult. Or Chalom has gone through dramatic reorganization in recent times, and the kehillah are certain that their membership will increase in the near future. Currently they do not have their own synagogue, and are looking for a suitable space. The do not have a Rabbi and are training lay people to be able to lead all services. They hope that in the future a Rabbi for Marseille could work with them too. Twice a month Or Chalom has Friday night services, with help from a member of Maayane Or. Or Chalom is very active in promoting important events – lectures, Shabbat dinners, Mitzvah day (volunteering projects), Purim, Chanukah etc. Over a 100 attend these events, which are helping to generate greater awareness for the kehillah and potential new members.
Chir Hadach, Brussels Due to the French speaking nature of the congregation, Chir Hadach in Brussels is associated with Massorti France. It was founded earlier this year, around Pessach and more than 40 people took part in a Seder. Massorti France is helping this fledgling kehillah to get established, and so far 30 people have become members. Rabbi Floriane Chinsky, a graduate of the Schechter Institute, runs regular Shabbat services at her home, and Hebrew and other courses should begin soon. Rabbi Chinsky and her Board believe that the congregation could reach a membership of 100 families, since the total size of the Brussels Jewish community is estimated at 20,000. They need financial support at the moment, but hope to get government recognition and support in the next few years.
27 Germany
The Masorti movement in Germany
Masorti Germany was founded by Rabbi Gesa Ederberg and others in August 2002 in Berlin. The goal of Masorti Germany is to provide comprehensive Jewish education and Jewish lifestyle opportunities for children, students and adults throughout Germany and Europe. This work takes place within the framework of the Einheitsgemeinde - the local Jewish communities. Masorti Germany gives Jews of all backgrounds the opportunity to experience Jewish learning and Jewish life in an exciting and welcoming environment. Masorti Germany also encourages Jews throughout Germany to learn more about Jewish tradition and to develop their own vision of a Jewish future in Germany. In addition to its partnership with the international Masorti community, Masorti Germany cooperates with the umbrella organization of Jewish communities in Germany, the Central Council for Jews in Germany. German Jewish Communities or Synagogues who consider themselves ―Masorti‖ are represented in the Advisory Board of Communities of Masorti Germany.
Our main activities:
Two Masorti Kindergartens. Our first Masorti Gan (kindergarten) opened its doors in September 2004 with 7 children. Today, 45 children in 3 bilingual groups (2 German-Hebrew, 1 German-English) attend the Masorti Gan. Our work is geared towards Jewish families who are looking for a warm and natural Jewish environment, where cultural and religious differences are seen as an enrichment and not as a threat. The school year is built around the Jewish Kabbalat Shabbat at holidays, and on special occasions the kindergarten the Masorti Gan opens its doors to a larger public. The kindergarten is open 5 days a week, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays and Erev Chag to 3 p.m. We employ a team of 12 teachers, we host European volunteers as well as international interns and young men carrying out community service. The director of the Masorti Kindergarten is Rachel Herweg PhD. The kindergarten is subsidised by the City of Berlin. Our second Masorti Gan will open its doors in autumn 2010 with two German-Hebrew groups of 15 children each - we already now have applications from 40 families.
European Projects Masorti Germany works in close cooperation with other Masorti Communities and Associations in Europe and the world and is a member of Masorti Europe and MAROM Europe. At several occasions, Masorti Germany has organised conferences, seminars and meetings for board members of European Masorti Communities, the European Masorti Rabbis and MAROM, the Masorti organisation for students and young adults. Masorti Germany is the Coordinating Association for applications for funding with the European Union Funding Programmes. We are also an accredited hosting and sending organisation in the European Voluntary Service EVS. Together with nine European partner organizations, Masorti Germany is implementing the Grundtvig Learning Partnership "Strategies for voluntary work in Europe" from
28 August 2008 to July 2010. The main goal of the partnership is the development of new concepts, strategies and plans of action to involve and motivate volunteers. Masorti Germany coordinates the overall learning partnership and will therefore be in charge of the final report of this project.
Publications The Jewish communities in Germany and the German speaking countries are more active than ever. But this positive development also shows that there is a lack of educational material in German on all levels of education and training. This is especially true regarding children's books with Jewish content, but also regarding publications for Tefillot and adult education. Many publications exist only in Hebrew or English, but not in German. We therefore work on publications, children's books and teaching materials in German. Masorti Germany Rabbi Ederberg and Gabriele Brenner have created a workbook for publication Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union that combines learning German and training in Jewish literacy.
American Masorti shlichim for German Jewish Communities We are very happy to welcome our first American shlichim (ambassadors) within the framework of a project initiated by Masorti Germany in summer 2009. From October 2009 to June 2010, three Camp Ramah alumni Ruth Storch, Julie Edelman and Benjamin Sattin will volunteer in several German Jewish Communities and with Masorti Germany. In February 2010, the shlichim moved into a Masorti Fixing the mezuzah at the flat, allowing them to host events for Shabbat and Masorti flat (apartment) holidays. On February 18th, we invited many guests to the fixing of the mezuzot at the new Masorti flat.
Synagogues and Communities Masorti Germany is not an umbrella organization of communities, since this would contradict the German structure of the Einheitsgemeinde (unified community, with all the different movements under one organizational roof). Our educational activities reach beyond the boarders of the movement. We are in the process of forming an advisory board of communities or groups within communities who identify as Masorti. These include: • Berlin Oranienburger Strasse Synagogue (approx 250 members) • Weiden (approx 300 members) • Oldenburg (approx 300 members) • Groups in other communities are also interested. Oranienburger Strasse Berlin has weekly services on Friday and Shabbat and all Synagogue in Berlin holidays, we have two children‘s services on Shabbat morning and a Bnei Mitzvah class of seven. In addition, a young adults‘ group meets regularly and Shiurim are held approx every other week. Individual tutoring for Torah reading and Shlichei Tzibur is also available. There is a Sunday school which serves 30 children. The other synagogues hold services every other week, do extensive work with children, young people and older immigrants (e.g. social clubs, German classes, outings etc.)
29 Hungary
―Marom Hungary‖, an organization for Jewish young adults, was established in Budapest in 2002. Since then, Marom Hungary has been actively reaching out to the generation of young, Jewish adults in Budapest who are being re-awakened to their Judaism. The goal of Marom is to strengthen Jewish identity, educate towards Judaism, Zionism and pluralism, and develop young leadership for the community. Marom presents a modern, relevant, proud Jewish way of life, while showing tolerance and respect for non-Jews as well as Jews with different viewpoints. The Marom Center is located in ―Siraly‖, a cultural center and coffee house/bar located in the old Jewish quarter. Weekly activities attract several hundred participants for programs in Jewish music, dance, Israeli film, theater, Hebrew lessons, workshops and lectures from among the Hungarian Jewish intelligentsia. Marom also arranges popular public festivals around Jewish holiday themes, where learning is combined with concerts, theater performances and exhibitions. These festivals attract close to a thousand participants per event. Dor Chadash festive meal Marom is the best-known and most active young adult organization in Hungary.
Marom Budapest recently appeared in the ‗Compass 2009‘ shortlist of 36 projects that exemplify the remarkable rebirth of Jewish life in Europe. The Westbury Group, publishers of this report, state that their criteria for choosing the short-listed organizations include innovation, impact, strength of leadership, organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
As a result of exposure and participation in Marom Hungary events, a group of members wanted to deepen their knowledge and practice of Judaism and launched Kehillat Dor Chadash (―a new generation‖) in September 2007. These young adults did not feel comfortable in the formal synagogue structure in Hungary based on Neolog or Orthodox practice. They felt aligned to the ideology of the Masorti Movement because it is pluralistic, egalitarian and balances tradition with modernity and change. Members meet weekly for Shabbat services and holidays, often followed by community meals and programs. As an independent, egalitarian minyan, Dor Chadash is committed to traditional Masorti prayer, study, and community. The kehillah is made up of Jews from all backgrounds, secular and observant, affiliated and unaffiliated alike. Dor Chadash is committed to bringing the warmth of Shabbat and holidays and a welcoming community to all who are interested, regardless of their religious background.
Dor Chadash has been growing gradually since the fall of 2009, when we moved our services to the Moishe House. At TuBishvat we had a seder with around 25 people. At Purim Rabbi David Lazar visited us for the first time. Thanks to the support of a grant from the Gimprich Foundation and with help from Masorti Olami, Rabbi Lazar will be our visiting Rabbi throughout 2010. He has injected a great new energy into the kehiilah, has brought us new melodies, and has helped out in questions of Megillah reading at Dor Chadash kashrut and halacha, as well as advising us about the in Budapest
30 management of the kehillah. At Purim which we had a special performance of the megillah reading, which included projecting the Hebrew and Hungarian texts for all to see, as well as read both texts out loud. Marom Budapest hosted the Anachronik Elektro Orchestra for Purim, which was a very special show.
After Purim our next big event was Seder night. Somehow we managed to do both nights in the Moishe house, and ended up cooking for more than over 100 people! We had guests from Israel, Spain and the United States but most of the people were young adults living from Budapest. Some of them were participating for the first time in a Seder night, whereas others had already experienced a seder in the framework of Marom or Dor Chadash over the last 6 years. The first night we had two guitar players, as well, who managed to get everyone singing, and we had an orange on the Seder plate to symbolize the inclusion of women.
Ariel, one of our members, who is also one of our shlichei tsibur is studying to be a Rabbi is putting together a new Siddur that we hope to have ready by the High Holidays. We also plan to make a cd of our songs, and build an ark for our torah. Rabbi Lazar visited for the second time at Shavuot. We had a full night of study with him and a local scholar. His visit also coincided with the Social Action Exchange group visit, when 26 young adults from Jerusalem and New York spent a week with us in Budapest. They joined our Shavuot program and were very impressed. Some told us that meeting our community shed new light on their own Jewish identity.
Last but not least three of our members – Anna, Ariel and Eszter – will be taking part in the summer program at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. This is the first time that members of our community will join a program of this kind, and we are all very excited that they will be there, learn, and bring back their new knowledge to our Torah reading at Dor Chadash community in Budapest.
Our next big event will be during Marom‘s Jewstock festival, or Bánkitó festival (because it takes place at Lake Bánk). Like last year Dor Chadash will provide the Shabbat services for a wide crowd, kosher food, and lectures/discussions related to Masorti Judaism and Jewish heritage in general. Rabbi David Lazar has just confirmed that he will be able to join us for the festival, and we are so happy that this is the case.
We encourage you, and anyone from your kehillot to join us as well if you are interested in a vibrant and colourful community! You can find more info at www.bankisnotdead.org.
31
Spain
Masorti Spain was founded in 2008, and consists of 3 Masorti kehillot Bet-El (Madrid), Aviv (Valencia), CJA (Alicante).
Some statistics about our kehillot
Bet-El Aviv CJ Alicante Founded in 1991 Founded in 1991 Founded in 2002 150 families members 35 members 50 members Target : 500 families Target : 50 families Target : 150 families
Provides: Provides: Provides: Religious services Religious services Religious services Classes for kids Classes for kids & adults Classes for adults by Skype Classes for adults Cultural and social activities Cultural and social activities Cultural and social activities Judaism course for kids Weekly Talmud torah Bar- Bat Mitzvah courses Course for giurim President: President: Armando Azubel President: Wanda Teplisky Visiting Rabbis: Alberto Stisin Director: Carlos Tapiero & Juan Mejia Director: Analia Sznajderowsk Mario Stofenmacher
Tu Bishvat at Bet-El
First Masorti Spain meeting
32 Sweden
Jews in Sweden The first Jew permitted to take up permanent residence in Sweden, was Aaron Isaac, a merchant from Germany. He came to Stockholm in 1774. After many difficulties, he received permission to remain, and brought his family and the quorum needed to hold Jewish worship services, i.e. ten men, who also brought their families. Prior to the new law proclaimed by King Gustav III, only Christians were permitted to reside in this country.
During the 1930‘s numerous Jews fled from Nazi Germany, but only 100 settled in Sweden. The largest and most important immigration occurred immediately after World War II, when thousands of survivors were brought from the death camps. About 7,000 remained in Sweden. The majority left for Israel and the USA. This influx doubled the Swedish Jewish population. Political events in Hungary in 1956, in Czechoslovakia in 1967 and in Poland in 1968 led to additional Jewish immigration to Sweden.
The Jewish community of Stockholm About 12,000 Jews now live in Stockholm, of which over 4,400 are members of the Jewish Community (Judiska Församlingen). A number of community members reside outside Stockholm, in near-by towns such as Eskilstuna, Köping, Uppsala and Örebro. The Jewish Community of Stockholm is a unified community, meaning that all synagogues, conservative as well as orthodox and progressive belong to the same organization.
Religious services are held regularly at Stockholm‘s three synagogues. The largest is Masorti, known as the Great Synagogue. It is an historic landmark and is recognized as such by the Swedish government. The service switched to completely egalitarian a few years ago.
Masorti Most of the members of the community feel affiliated to the Masorti way of Jewish life, but few come regularly to services. On Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur we do get very high numbers of attendance, so much so that we have to have 2 times for services for the 1,500 people who come – the synagogue seats only 950 people.
Our affiliation to the Masorti movement is quite new. In the past we used a ―Stockholm model‖ which was a mishmash of different traditions - part of the seating was egalitarian, another was not, and we used the organ during our service. The Great Synagogue, Even though we are an active community it has been very Stockholm difficult to find a new Rabbi for our community, and the vacuum since 2007 when our last Rabbi retired has allowed the Chabad and Orthodox synagogues to gain in attendance and membership,
Unfortunately, there are no Masorti youth programming making it even more difficult to find youth to join the Masorti synagogue. The Jewish community does have a Bar & Bat
33 Mitzvah education program for all the different synagogues, and there are about 30 – 50 children every year who go up to the bimah. There is a Jewish school in Stockholm and it is independent of the community even though the community supports it financially.
The Jewish Summer camp Between 250 and 300 children attend a Jewish summer camp at Glämsta every year, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The Jewish Family Camp also sees approx 150 participants every summer.
Main Challenges The Jewish summer camp Sweden is considered to be the most secular county in the entire world. Everything related to religion is considered suspicious, making it even more difficult to promote Judaism to Jews of Stockholm. The challenge is therefore to show the many members of the community what the Masorti service is all about, since many of them would be attracted to this style of worship. It is however difficult to give a warm and inclusive service in a building which seats nearly 1,000 people and especially when there are only 100 people at the service.
But change is hopefully on the way now that we have found a new Rabbi, David Lazar, who will start in September and come to a community in need – real spiritual need.
34 UK Masorti kehillot in the UK are all part of AMS – the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues. Here is a summary of AMS‘ members and activties :
Bournemouth Chavurah - NEW Founded in November 2009 services are held regularly on Friday night and Shabbat morning and the first communal Seder attracted 50 people. Rabbis Jonathan Wittenberg and Chaim Weiner have both visited and led inspiring sessions. The aim is to grow and offer traditional open-minded Judaism which faces the intellectual and spiritual challenges of our time and creates a supportive and inclusive community. Future plans include High Holyday services and a Cheder to start in early October 2010.
Masorti Scotland - NEW Founded in February 2010 as an independent, authentic community, this kehillah in Glasgow, Scotland seeks to establish a relaxed yet engaging Synagogue environment that is both informal and inclusive. They follow a traditional service using the Singer‘s Siddur. The community comprises an eclectic mix of well known and less well known Glasgow Community figures – individuals who would like to give something back to the community as well as finding a milieu that fulfils their own needs. Masorti Scotland leaders
Haringey / Stoke Newington Masorti Chavurah Membership : 40 Started in September 2008 with a Yom Kippur service this new chavurah hold Shabbat Services monthly. Following an innovative camping Shabbat last summer attended by 70 people there have been festival celebrations through the year. A special feature of all their services is a Chevruta session placing one to one study at the center of the agenda. This is an evolving group and looking forwards to an exciting future.
Hatch End Masorti (HEMS) – near London Rabbi Paul Arberrman Membership : 113 HEMS is a thriving community based in Hatch End which welcomes members from a wide geographic area which spans Harrow, Pinner, Bushey, Stanmore and Northwood. The uniqueness of the Kehillah is that it provides friendly regular religious services where individuals and families feel relaxed and are encouraged to participate, as well as being an ethos of collective care and support for other members and people in need. In May HEMS celebrated its AMS Talmud Torah teachers 10th Anniversary and appointed Paul Arberrman as new trip to Israel part time Rabbi.
Elstree & Borehamwood Masorti Community (EBMC) – North London Membership : 65 Founded in November 2006 EBMC is a friendly, growing community and welcome people of all levels of observance. Thier services are traditional using the Singer's Prayer Book. There is mixed seating and both men and women are counted in the Minyan and participate equally. Several Bnei Mitzvah have been held in the community and there are many in the pipeline. Central to their development is the work with young families with an established a very successful parent and toddler group.
35 Edgware Masorti Synagogue (EMS) – North London Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Collick Membership : 750 Founded in 1984 by 10 families, the synagogue and community centre was opened in 1996. EMS seeks to approach Judaism in accordance with Halachah in a non-dogmatic way, combining traditional Judaism with a modern understanding of religious thought and practice. Jewish observance and worship are conducted in an inclusive, tolerant and open environment. All are welcome to participate and EMS is proud of the warmth of its services and educational, cultural and social events.
Kol Nefesh Masorti (Edgware) – North London Rabbi Joel Levy Membership : 102 Kol Nefesh Masorti community is an inclusive, dynamic, egalitarian, Masorti community creating a new vision within Anglo Jewry where tradition together with openness to change and evolution is valued, and which is proud to pioneer a community that provides encouragement for everyone to participate on an equal basis, according to his/her wish and ability. A platform is provided for critical Jewish study, to challenge our minds and enliven our soul and synagogue skills are taught to all who desire them. Children are made very welcome. Services are for the under 5s, under 11s and a discussion group for those over 11.
Leeds Masorti Chavura Membership : 30 Leeds Masorti caters for a wide variety of ages and desires. Onegim are held at members‘ homes and services at the local Jewish Community Centre. The community celebrated a musical Chanukkah, a theatrical Purim, a Tu b‘Shvat Seder, a Lag B‘Omer bonfire and barbecue and an ice-cream and cheesecake Tikkun Shavuot. We meet for learners‘ Shabbat services in which we grow the spirituality and skills of the community, and for adult study sessions. NOAM UK Israel Tour
Oxford Masorti Group Membership : 35 A Masorti service is held within the Oxford Jewish Congregation on the last Shabbat of every month. Services are conducted using the traditional Hebrew liturgy and the minhag is to hold egalitarian services with men and women sitting together and participating equally in all parts of the service.
New Whetstone Synagogue – North London Membership : 25 Services led by lay members.
New Essex Masorti Community (NEMS) – North East London Rabbi Michael Foulds Membership : 169 Found in 1986, New Essex Masorti Synagogue holds its services in Buckhurst Hill. It is a warm and vibrant community, where anyone is welcome to enjoy and participate in traditional Judaism. With a strong and committed lay leadership and spiritual leadership from Rabbi Michael Foulds, NEMS promotes an inclusive approach to Jewish life, values and customs, recognise the role of both men and women, and welcome the active involvement of children in the life of our community. Growing steadily, NEMS offers a varied calendar of cultural, social, educational and religious Channukah at New Essex Masorti events.
36 New London Synagogue Rabbi Jeremy Gordon Membership : 637 The New London Synagogue is a traditional Anglo-Jewish congregation. Services are orthodox in style and follow the Singer's prayer book and both the Hertz and Etz Haim Chumashim. They have a professional, mixed choir once a month and on festivals. Their main service is led by a professional Chazan and seeks to maintain the finest musical traditions of Anglo Jewry. Men and women sit separately with parallel seating downstairs and a Ladies Gallery upstairs. Women are counted in the Minyan and encouraged to say Kaddish.
New North London Synagogue (NNLS) Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg Membership : 1,750 New North London Masorti Synagogue is a thriving community at The Manor House, in East End Road, Finchley. There is a major project underway to build a new synagogue and community centre on the site with expected completion by early 2011. In all services they aim to match the vision of the synagogue, to provide welcome and encouragement and to stimulate inspiration and involvement. They try to combine an atmosphere of concentration with friendly informality, and encourage as many members as possible to take an active role in Studying with Rabbi Jonathan services and to learn the skills to do so. Wittenberg
St Albans Masorti Synagogue (SAMS) – near London Rabbi Rafi Kaiserbleuth Membership : 177 SAMS is a thriving and welcoming community that comes together for Shabbat, High Holy days and other festivals throughout the year as well as for a variety of social and educational events. The synagogue was founded in 1990 by three local families and has developed into a dynamic, sociable, child friendly community. The flourishing Cheder teaches Jewish Studies and Hebrew to over 50 children in an environment that is both informative and fun.
Assembly of Masorti Synagogues Executive Director: Michael Gluckman The Assembly of Masorti Synagogues is the UK Masorti umbrella organisation which provides services no one synagogue can or should offer. These include our youth movement NOAM, MAROM, our Bet Din and outreach activities. It serves as the central address for the claims of our Movement, representing its members nationally and internationally and in dialogue with other denominations and faith groups.
Upcoming Central Events for 2010/2011: Masorti Europe conference in • Seminar on End of Life Issues - Sunday 28th London November 2010 • ―Living as a Minority in the Host Society‖ - 8th December at NNLS • Leadership/Yom Masorti day – Sunday 6th March 2011 Tracks to include: Leadership, Small communities Tefillah Education, Masorti Issues, Fundraising • Bible Event – To coincide with the 400th Anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible
37 MAROM UK MAROM works with students and post-university young adults in London and on campuses around the UK. Their goals are to build young communities and develop leadership for traditional, pluralistic Jewish life and to connect young people aged 18-35 with Masorti Judaism. Over the past year they have held over 100 events - Shabbat dinners, services, study sessions, social MAROM leaders from Europe gatherings and social action meetings - with a total of gather in London 1,330 individual attendances (880 students and 450 post- university young adults). They work with students, informal post-university community groups, and in partnership with young members of Masorti synagogues. In addition, MAROM provides core programmes: Kelim, a month long study programme at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, the Open Talmud Project, a multi- denominational summer study program based in London, international MAROM Europe seminars, opportunities for leadership training and multicultural social action work, and educational trips to Eastern Europe. MAROM Students is run by our full time student field worker, Jackie Gerber, who also facilitates a leadership team of seven local Marom representatives, each of whom is responsible for running activities on their campus. London's Marom Young Adult communities are facilitated by Inbar Bluzer Shalem and Rabbi Daniella Kolodny. Marom is managed by the UK Masorti Movement Director, Matt Plen.
NOAM UK Noam is the youth movement of the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues in the UK. Noam is one of the biggest, fastest growing and most successful community youth organizations in the UK. Noam runs clubs and youth activities in all the Masorti Synagogues, led by 17 and 18 year-old Madrichim who have gone through Noam‘s leadership training courses. This year, there are 120 young people training on a weekly basis to become youth leaders with Noam. Noam also runs Shabbatonim for younger members, an annual Veida and trips and activities for students. The high point of the Noam year is the summer. This year, 430 young people have signed up to attend Noam‘s summer camps in Wales and France and 150 16 year-olds will be going to Israel for a 4 week tour. This is a record number and shows how the UK‘s Masorti youth movement continues to go from strength to strength.
NOAM trip to Poland
38 Australia
Australian Jewry & The Masorti Movement
• Australian population is approx 22 Million, of which Jewish population is approx 100,000, many of whom are Rabbi Bandel leads a Bat Mitzvah post war migrants. at Kehillat Nitzan • Approximately 40,000 in Melbourne and 35,000 in Sydney. Most significant of other communities is Perth in Western Australia. • Melbourne often regarded as more traditional than Sydney. • Australian Jewish community is generally prosperous, vibrant, cohesive and strongly Zionist with a highly developed communal organisational structure. • Notional affiliation is approximately 80% Orthodox, 20% non Orthodox although this is not reflected in the nature or level of individual practice or observance. • Reform Judaism in Australia is significantly more traditional than in America. • Approximately 50% of children in Sydney and Melbourne attend Jewish day schools. • Masorti services began in Sydney in about 1993 and in Melbourne in 2002. • Mercaz Australia was established in last 12 months leading to first ever Australian Masorti participation in this year‘s WZC. • Masorti Australia is being established as a national roof body, to articulate the Masorti viewpoint to the broader Jewish community, to improve cooperation and foster growth of Masorti minyanim and to forge stronger links with Masorti Olami. • Another aim is to work towards the establishment of a Masorti Beit Din in Australia to provide religious leadership to the Masorti community. • Enormous opportunity for growth among ―traditional‖ Jews over time
Melbourne – Kehilat Nitzan • Affiliated with Masorti Olami network/World Council of Conservative Synagogues. • Foundation president, Professor John Rosenberg, introduced Masorti Judaism to Melbourne in October, 1998 • First Shabbat service on March 13, 1999. • Moved to larger premises in 2002 • Appointed its first full-time rabbi, Rabbi Ehud Bandel, in January, 2006. • Sustained growth, particularly through attracting bnei mitzvah celebrations. • About 220 member families, approximately 600 attending high holy day services. • Folllowing gift of a property by a member family, congregation plans a multi-purpose building for Melbourne‘s pluralistic Jewish community Kehillat Nitzan take part in Kehilat Nitzan Services/Programs include: World-wide wrap • Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services • Festival evening and morning services • Bar and Bat Mitzvah programs with the rabbi and the Shlichim. • Family programs: Oneg Shabbat dinners, weekend retreats, festival celebrations • Learning programs: shiurim, siddur workshops, trope and haftara classes • Social justice activities, clothing and food baskets for needy Jewish and non-Jewish families, soup kitchen rosters, books for Israeli children. • Congregational singing troupe - performs at nursing and old peoples‘ homes • Outreach and interfaith programs with Christian and Muslim organisations, refugees and new immigrants, as well as Conversion to Judaism program
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Emanuel Synagogue – masorti@emanuel • Reform synagogue Temple Emanuel was founded in 1938. • One of two non Orthodox synagogues in Sydney. • Emanuel Synagogue is the birthplace of Masorti in Australia. • The first Masorti minyan in Australia (around 1993) owes existence in significant measure to the generosity of what was a Reform synagogue and its members. • Under the guidance of Rabbi Kamins a core group developed regular Shabbat service, then Festivals etc. Rabbi Kamins changed his rabbinical affiliation to the RA. • Name change to Emanuel Synagogue was significant. • Transformed over the last 17 years and is a large, explicitly pluralist congregation with affiliations to Masorti Olami, World Union for Progressive Judaism and the Renewal movement. • 4 rabbis serve congregation: Senior Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, member of the RA, Rabbis Jacki Ninio and Paul Jacobson‘ members of the CCAR and Rabbi Orna Triguboff , Renewal movement. Services at masorti@emanuel • 1,400 member units total giving approx 3,500 affiliated individuals. Approx 240 member units are Masorti, giving approx 600-700 affiliated individuals. • Members select which stream with which to principally identify. • Members daven in different services, but come together for education, functions, celebratory meals, funding, governance etc. • A successful arrangement for a particular situation. • Cooperation, mutual respect and compromise are required. It is a work in progress. • Creative tension definitely has many positive as well as some negative features. • Masorti membership is growing steadily - particularly from former members of Orthodox synagogues. • Perception of being a ―Reform‖ institution can still be a disincentive to membership. • The minyan is gradually being ―rebadged‖ as masorti@emanuel. • Services are egalitarian, participatory, traditional. • Now in second year of reading the full parasha on Shabbat (rather than triennial cycle). • Services on Shabbat, Festivals together with Monday and Thursday mornings. • Educational services are highly developed, as are the range of other communal activities • There is room in Sydney for the growth of new Masorti minyanim as understanding of the movement grows. Services at masorti@emanuel led • A member of the initial core group of by Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins masorti@emanuel was Prof. John Rosenberg who was later the founder of Kehilat Nitzan in Melbourne.
40 Russia
Two Masorti kehillot exist in Russia – the Marom- Marom-Moscow participants Moscow group in Moscow and Kehilla Masorti in St Petersburg.
Marom-Moscow has existed since 2001 with the goal of spreading the message of Masorti Judaism, through spiritual and moral education, as well as to help and support young people in their understanding of religious and cultural values. Our organization has a membership of more than 200 young Jewish people.
Although there are more than 200 Jewish organizations in Moscow, Marom- Moscow is the only Masorti one. In the 1990s, a revival of Jewish life started to occur in Russia, and caused the emergence of a whole generation of young people for whom leisure activities with a Jewish component became was important. Today young adults in their 20s-40s are frustrated by the lack of Jewish programs aimed at their age group. Even in a city the size of Moscow, most programs are aimed to children, teenagers or the elderly. Marom-Moscow fills this gap with activities relevant to young professionals and young families.
Our key activities are: Weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service with Kiddush, blessings, Shabbat songs, meal, discussion of Weekly torah portion Jewish festivals – Community celebrations of Rosh HaShana, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu BiShvat, Purim, Pesach, Lag BaOmer, and Shavuot. Family Club – Lectures (both indoors and outdoors) on issues relevant to the Jewish family. Cinema Club – Watching and discussing movies related to Judaism, Jewish holidays, and Israeli movies. Touring Club – Visiting a variety of places of interest related to Jewish culture and history.
Theatre project – Writing and performing plays for Purim and other Jewish Holidays.
Marom-Moscow activities always have a creative and appealing approach. Many of our Family Club activities occur outdoors, out of town in the countryside. Families with children enjoy participating in a program which combines nature with an educational and informative lecture, with a chance for children to play nearby. Our main target audience is 20-40 year olds, but we also have some younger and older members.
Among the most notable activities in 2010 are Purim when we Purim and Pesach celebrated this festival with a lecture about the role of women celebrations and Purimspiel play in Esther‘s time; our special Pesach seder; and a very
41 successful Purimspiel that our community performed both in Moscow and in Vitebsk, Belarus, in the international Purimspiel festival.
The Masorti Kehillah in St. Petersburg is also very active and has approximately 200 people who participate in Shabbat services, holiday celebrations and various other activities. Kabbalat Shabbat is held every Friday night and is followed by a Kiddush.
There are several ―clubs‖ which have active members: Veterans‘ club, Family club, Youth club as well as a support group for Holocaust survivors. They organize lectures during the year from local Jewish leaders and group outings to places of Jewish interest in the area. The Youth club screens movies of Jewish and Israeli orientation. The community recently celebrated Pesach together in a seder as well as having special activities for Israel‘s Independence Day and Jerusalem Day.
42 Ukraine
The Masorti Movement came to Ukraine in 1991 after the breakup of USSR. It has continued to expand and bring new people into the Masorti environment. At the start, Masorti activities only took place in Western Ukraine, but Youth seminar today there are Masorti kehillot, schools, and youth clubs all over Ukraine. Today, there are 3 main kehillot in Chernowitz (350 people), Kiev (120 people), and Donetsk (80 people). Other cities have small groups not yet big enough to be a kehillah in their own right, but with the potential to grow in the future. These include Kirovograd, L‘vov, and Harkov.
In the main kehillot there are regular Kabbalat Shabbat services, as well as Festivasl celebrations and Bnei Mitzvah clubs and Talmud torah. All of these activities have a warm family environment with a strong sense of unity.
Good relations exist between the kehillot, and community leaders, teachers, and youth leaders meet on seminars, conferences, and in summer camps which promotes a sense of togetherness. Gila Katz, Director of Midreshet Yerushalayim in Eastern Europe, leads the Masorti team in Ukraine, and together with Rabbinical student Reuven Stamov, the Masorti movement in Ukraine has flourished. Reuven will return to the Ukraine in 2011 after he has completed his Rabbinical studies, and we are sure this will bring even greater energy to all of the Masorti activities around the country.
Our main field of activity is educational programs for all ages and groups, which include learning the Hebrew language, Jewish traditions and history, and Israeli culture. Children and adults take part in educational programs, workshops and seminars, along with Torah studies sessions etc. Each kehillah or school also has its own youth club and use experienced madrichim to run informal education activities. Leadership training seminars for young people also occur on regular basis. First Masorti conversion class in Ukraine, 2009 August 2009 saw the completion of the first ever Masorti conversion (giur) class. Rabbi Chaim Weiner, Director of the European Masorti Bet Din officiated at the ceremony which celebrated the completion of the conversion process for 7 people who came from Kiev, Donetsk, Harkov and Chernovitz – locations widely spread across the country showing the reach of our movement.
In 2010, we organized an Israel song contest, and special event looking at ―What do we know about Israel?‖. To mark 65 years since the end of the Shoah, we had a special ―Memorial week‖ series of activities which include visits to sites of mass Jewish destruction as well as commemorative events, lectures and talks about the Holocaust. As a result, members of several communities have written works on studying and teaching Holocaust that were acknowledged as the best ones in their regions.
Yom Ha‘atzma‘ut Music festival
43 In June, we plan to carry out teachers seminars; in July, youth seminars for madrichim and youth movement activists, as well as our annual summer camp – Ramah Yachad. Established in Ukraine in 1992, approx 200 kids from all around the country come to the camp which combines teaching Jewish traditions with all kinds of Jewish education in a friendly and informal environment. Zionism and knowledge about Israel is also an important Family Camp ideological and educational component. The influence of Ramah Yachad is tremendous, and many graduates of Ramah Yachad go on to return to camp as madrichim, or become teachers or leaders in the movement, and remain at its heart. This year the camp‘s theme will be ―Am Israel Chai‖, and will include studies on the topic of ―Am Hasefer‖ considering the influence of different Jewish figures on Jewish history, for example Rambam. We will also focus on ―What is the nation of Israel‖ as well as other aspects of Jewish Identity. Family Camp is another highlight of the Masorti Ukraine and between 50 and 100 people come together each summer for a week of Masorti educational programming for the whole family. Some activities are run together for the entire family, with others being separated for adults and young people.
The Masorti Movement in Ukraine is very much alive and growing, and our next big project is to open an elementary school in Kiev in September. We welcome you to come and visit and see for yourself. Yom HaShoah ceremony
44
Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs
The Federation of Jewish Men‘s Clubs is an organization of volunteers de dicated to involving Jewish men (and their families) in Jewish life. We provide direct service to 250 affiliated congregations in North America, Chile, and to all Masorti congregations. Our programmatic initiatives have a profound impact on our congregations, our youth, and world Jewry.
The FJMC brings people together to think about situations and problems they are experiencing in their communities. We do this in small groups as often as possible. In addition, we sponsor a number of men‘s retreats and think tanks. These events are planned and run by volunteers and challenge them to be leaders and better husbands, fathers and sons. We challenge one another to become more Jewishly knowledgeable and to find more meaning in our religious practices.
In the past ten years we have addressed the issue of demographic change (intermarriage) because it can no longer be avoided. This effort has involved more than 200 rabbis and nearly 90 lay volunteers (both men and women) who are working in their congregations to find places for our intermarried children to create a space where they can raise Jewish families.
The FJMC has long provided avenues to enhance the Jewish observance of our members. Our hallmark Yom HaShoah yellow candle program has created a world-wide to One of the FJMC‘s signature programs is the World Wide Wrap, which is held on the morning og super commemorate the Holocaust. Our signature Bowl Sunday. The morning minyan is enhanced program, the World Wide Wrap, unites men with a discussion of the traditions behind the use and women around the globe and helps them of tefillin and instruction of youth and adults alike discover ways to understand the ―hows‖ and in its use. Here instruction is being given at Beth ―whys‖ of tefillin usage. Our efforts reach out El Congregation in Baltimore, MD. to encourage congregational youth through a yad shel chai program that encourages post b‘nai mitzvah to read from the Torah. These efforts emphasize our unique strengths because each of these programs was created by and initiated by volunteers in local Men‘s Clubs.
Perhaps one of our most compelling initiatives is something that only a men‘s organization would attempt – our Hearing Men‘s Voices series. The four books in this series contain essays and detailed program ideas on a variety of issues relating to men. They include father-son relationships, men‘s spiritual issues, men‘s health issues, and men‘s problems that occur in the workplace and upon retirement.
We use a variety of means to communicate with one another. The newest is our blog www.mentschen.org, an online monthly magazine for Jewish Men which features various articles and opinions of interest to men. Another is The Unraveller, our weekly haftorah commentary, that focuses on the historical context of the writings and will soon expand to other matters of Jewish thought. We communicate through a cooperative venture
45 with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Women‘s League of Conservative Judaism and publish a quarterly magazine called Kolot: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. We also publish two newsletters designed to increase volunteerism in our communities.
The FJMC and our 16 regions take pride in our efforts to train our leaders and future leaders. Recently we embarked on an effort to involve younger men and to train them to better serve their Men‘s Clubs, synagogues and our Movement. Our biennial convention is the culmination of all that we do, and our next one will take place July 13-17, 2011, in Costa Mesa, California, (near Los Angeles). The FJMC has recently introduced an on-line forum for Jewish men to discuss various issues of the day. Articles vary from ones dealing with We are proud of all that we do to involve religious life to ones of concern to men in today‘s Jewish men in Jewish life and to work for the society. advancement of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. To this end, we are now extending FJMC membership to individuals who may not have access to an affiliated Men‘s Club who, nevertheless, want to have the opportunity to be associated with all that we do and stand for.
For further information about the FJMC, see our website at www.fjmc.org.
46 Canada
MERCAZ-Canada, does not regularly organize activities and programs directly for our Conservative synagogues. Rather, we provide services and suggestions to the synagogues and to other organizations within the Conservative movement.
Recently, MERCAZ-Canada has been involved in a variety of activities. Examples include:
1. Membership This past year our main focus has been to increase our membership in preparation for the World Zionist Congress, in case there was an election for delegates. Even though there wasn‘t an election MERCAZ-Canada challenged for the one seat that was available through the Canadian Zionist Federation. We won the seat due to the number of members we had recruited. We were able to increase our membership by: • Publishing several e-newsletters; • Initiating direct mail campaign to all of our members, those who had not renewed in the past 2 years and other supporters; • Forwarding camera ready ads and articles encouraging membership to all of our synagogues, asking them to post them in their bulletins; • Using an automated phone messaging service for one of our synagogues, where membership had drastically decreased, with very positive results; • Asking our Board members to emphasize the importance of membership to their families and friends.
2. One of the most satisfying projects we have been involved with was the MERCAZ- Canada, MERCAZ USA and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Essay Contest. It has become customary for these 3 groups to conduct, in coordination with the biennial Women‘s League Convention, an essay writing contest for high school students on the topic of Israel and Zionism. The winners are provided with scholarships to subsidize the cost of Conservative Movement sponsored trips to Israel. This year, in honor of Herzl‘s 150th birthday, the theme for the essays was Theodore Herzl‘s vision of a Jewish state.
3. A very important part of our work is to encourage our young people to attend Conservative Movement sponsored trips. Therefore MERCAZ- Canada annually offers a $200 scholarship to any young person participating in a Conservative-sponsored trip to Left to right: Canadian teenagers Israel (e.g. USY Pilgrimage, NATIV, Ramah Seminar, Emma Pascoe, Adam Miller & Conservative/Masorti Yeshiva, etc.). Our MERCAZ- Eleanor Millman all entered excellent essays to the competition Canada scholarship must be matched or surpassed by their Conservative synagogue.
4. HERZL Programming & Exhibit The MERCAZ-Canada Board encouraged and promoted Herzl programs and exhibits in our congregations across the country. We downloaded information from various websites and initiated the use of the WZO Herzl Poster Exhibit through the Canadian Zionist Federation office. A number of Toronto synagogues as well as one in Vancouver held various types of events, from a musical
Herzl Exhibit in Canada 47 concert to a special Shabbat weekend. A synagogue in Ottawa and a second in Vancouver will be hosting similar events. The Herzl poster exhibit was also opened to students from local Day schools.
Along with MERCAZ USA, we publicized the efforts by the Masorti Foundation to protest violations of religious pluralism in Israel.
For more information on all of our activities please check the MERCAZ-Canada web site at www.mercaz.ca.
48
MERCAZ USA
MERCAZ USA is the Zionist membership organization of the Conservative Movement, the voice of Conservative Jewry within the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Zionist Movement and the Jewish National Fund to support religious pluralism in Israel and strengthen the connection between Israel and the Diaspora.
MERCAZ USA sees Zionism as an invaluable tool for strengthening Jewish identity and combating assimilation. It calls for linking Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora with Israel through tourism, Jewish education, Hebrew language study, "people-to- people" partnerships, short-and long-term Israel programs and Aliyah.
Conservative/Masorti Judaism was the first of the modern religious movements to embrace Zionism and has steadfastly remained at the forefront of the effort to promote its values: the centrality of Israel in the life and consciousness of the Jewish People and the unity of the Jewish People wherever they may live.
Our connection to the Land and State of Israel and its capital Jerusalem begins first and foremost with our People's 4,000-year covenant with the Divine. This covenant has imposed upon us the responsibility not only to support and defend the State of Israel but also to create in Zion an exemplary Jewish society that is a national home — democratic and pluralistic — for all Jews, secure and at peace with its Arab A MERCAZ USA Leadership Mission to Israel neighbours, committed to protecting its environment and natural resources, respecting the rights of all of its citizens and supporting all streams of Jewish practice.
MERCAZ USA works in cooperation with all the other arms of Conservative Movement including the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Rabbinical Assembly, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, Cantors Assembly, Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, National Ramah Commission, Jewish Educators Assembly, North American Association of Synagogue Executives and Solomon Schechter Day School Association; is affiliated with MERCAZ OLAMI and the other MERCAZ chapters in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and Uruguay; and is supported by individual and family memberships in its annual membership campaign.
MERCAZ USA‘s primary activities over the past year include: preparing for the Zionist Congress; supporting the work of our Aliyah shlicha Naomi Freedman with participation both in her salary and her program budget; promoting travel to Israel through the listing of Israel trips on our website; running the biennial teen essay contest, together with MERCAZ Canada and Women‘s League for Conservative Judaism – this time on the topic of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Theodore Herzl; to encourage discussion on the meaning of Zionism in the 21st
49 century through the commissioning of a new dramatization on Zionist issues ―Across the Aisle‖ that was released on the eve of Yom HaAtzma‘ut. In addition, we publicized the efforts to protest violations of religious pluralism in Israel that are spearheaded by the Masorti Foundation and other Conservative Movement organizations and participated in worthy fundraising campaigns such as the Masorti Olami campaign for Chile and the American Zionist
MERCAA USA President, Dr Stephen Wolnek with Movement‘s annual Purim campaign. Ambassador Colette Avital
50
The Jewish Theological Seminary
The Jewish Theological Seminary of America is a preeminent institution of Jewish higher education that integrates rigorous academic scholarship and teaching with a commitment to strengthening Jewish tradition, Jewish lives, and Jewish communities.
JTS articulates a vision of Judaism that is learned and passionate, pluralist and authentic, traditional and egalitarian; one that is thoroughly grounded in Jewish texts, history, and practices, and fully engaged with the societies and cultures of the present. Our vision joins faith with inquiry; the covenant of our ancestors with the creative insights of today; intense involvement in the society and State of Israel with devotion to the flowering of Judaism throughout the world; service to the Jewish community, as well as to all of the communities of which Jews are a part: our society, our country, and our world.
JTS serves North American Jewry by educating intellectual and spiritual leaders for Conservative Judaism and the vital religious center, training rabbis, cantors, scholars, educators, communal professionals, and lay activists who are inspired by our vision of Torah and dedicated to assisting in its realization.
Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies (Undergraduate) List College provides undergraduates with a Jewish studies education of the highest quality, creating an environment in which modern Judaism is both lived and learned. List College offers bachelor of arts degrees in a full spectrum of exciting majors that will challenge and inspire students. Through the Joint Program with Columbia University's School of General Studies or the Double Degree Program with Barnard College, students also receive a superior liberal arts education and participate in the full spectrum of college life.
The Davidson School (Jewish Education) In 1994, William Davidson (z"l) of Detroit, Michigan established the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education with a $15 million contribution. His goals were to add more professionals to the field, provide development opportunities to educators already working in the many venues where Jewish education takes place, and increase the field's knowledge base through academic and practitioner research.
At The Davidson School, we seek to enhance that calling through a rigorous program in Judaic studies, Hebraic studies, and education, and through personal attention to your religious and professional growth. You will join fellow students and faculty who have very diverse backgrounds and experiences. These wonderful people will develop into your future colleagues and friends.
51
The Graduate School The Graduate School offers the most extensive academic program in advanced Judaica in North America, awarding master's and doctoral degrees in fifteen areas of specialization, including Ancient Judaism, Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, Jewish Studies and Social Work, Jewish Studies and Public Administration, and Jewish Women‘s Studies.
The Rabbinical School The Rabbinical School of The Jewish Theological Seminary offers a five-year program of study, personal growth, and spiritual development that leads to rabbinic ordination and a career of service to the Jewish community. Our graduates work in a host of fields, including congregational life, hospital or military chaplaincy, campus and Hillel leadership, education, camping, scholarship, and Jewish communal service. We invite you to be a part of the tradition and leadership of The Rabbinical School.
H. L. Miller Cantorial School H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music are two schools devoted to Jewish musical studies. They train select advanced students as hazzanim (cantors) for congregational service or as teachers of Jewish music, choral directors, composers, or research scholars. The H. L. Miller Cantorial School awards the diploma of hazzan, and the College of Jewish Music awards the master's degree in sacred music. Students are enrolled in both schools full-time and are expected to complete the diploma program and the master of sacred music degree simultaneously, preferably within a five-year period, leading to a career of service, through the joys of music, to the Jewish community.
52 United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is the organization that serves Conservative / Masorti kehillot and Solomon Schechter day schools in North America. More that 220,000 membership units (either families or single people) belong to our nearly 700 kehillot and we have more than 15,000 students in our day schools. Learn more about us at www.uscj.org.
In December 2009 we held our biennial convention. More than 500 people came to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to learn together about best practices for congregations, worship, and networking. We presented some 250 Solomon Schechter awards for congregational excellence as well. We had the opportunity celebrate the installations of Richard Skolnik as president and Rabbi Steven Wernick as executive vice president and chief executive officer. The convention also had evenings of thanks to outgoing president Dr. Raymond Goldstein and Rabbi Jerome Epstein, who stepped down as EVP and CEO and is now our chief Israel affairs officer. Our next convention, which will have a very different program, is scheduled for December 1-4, 2011.
United Synagogue, which moved to new central offices in 2008, is undergoing a transformation in operational and support structure that will help us serve our constituent organizations better. We also are working on a strategic plan, which should be completed by the end of 2010.
Among our programs in 2010: Sulam, training for synagogue presidents. Two sessions were held, one in Maryland and the other in California, that drew leaders from 50 congregations to learn with each other. New Directors Institute. Planned for June, this ongoing program trains religious school directors for kehillot around the country. Educators Institutes. We are offering two; the first, in Vancouver, brought educators from the Pacific northwest together in April; another institute is set for June in New Jersey. District biennial conventions. This fall, each of our five districts and two remaining regions will convene to network and provide information and support to our member kehillot. Transdenominational day school conference. We were co-sponsors of this first meeting, where leaders of day schools representing most North American Jewish streams joined to learn with and from each other. It was so successful another is being planned for 2011. HAZAK Israel visits. Hazak, our program group for people 55 years old and older, brought 2 tour buses to Israel in January, 2010. Two more trips are being planned for the next year. A week-long summer program in a rural camp draws members from up and down the east coast . Support for early childhood education. We are publishing two sets of materials for early childhood education: a collection of 50 shiurim for staff education, written by Maxine our early childhood specialist, Maxine Handelman, and leaders‘ guides for high holiday services for young children.
53 United Synagogue Youth. We will be celebrating USY‘s 60th anniversary during 2011 with special events at its annual international convention. There will be opportunities for alumni around the world to join in the celebrations. We continue to bring busloads of USYers to Israel, Europe and on tours throughout North America. Teleconferences. We began a series of teleconferences on a range of subjects that are relevant to leaders of our congregations. We recorded the sessions and posted them here: uscj.org/Teleconferences8226.html. The topics included: Jewish College Choices Membership How Can We Really Make This Night Different? – Explaining the Seder to Your Children 10 Ways to Raise $10,000 Marketing Your Shul Midyear Evaluations Jewish Disabilities Month Adult Education Programs Fundraising
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center (www.uscj.org.il) – United Synagogue‘s headquarters in Israel, centrally located on Agron Street, is a haven for visiting North American Jews and home for many North American students spending varying lengths of time in Israel, including Nativ participants. The Fuchsberg Center houses, among other programs, the Conservative Yeshiva (www.conservativeyeshiva.org), a fully egalitarian yeshiva that offers study for its own sake to Jewish adults of all ages and backgrounds.
54
Israel Israel
55 56 57 58 The Schechter Institutes
The mission of the Schechter Institutes is to help fashion an Israeli society and a Jewish world secure in its Jewish roots and strong in its democratic values.
Our Jerusalem Campus is home to the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, TALI Education Fund and Midreshet Yerushalalyim.
The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies Graduate School offers innovative interdisciplinary M.A. degree programs in Jewish Studies designed to train Israeli teachers as Jewish educators, sponsors centers and research institutes of applied Jewish studies to serve Israeli society. With over 900 graduates and over 550 students currently enrolled, the Schechter M.A. program has carved out a vital niche among Israeli academic institutions.
Schechter‘s M.A. program is set up to provide a broad, interdisciplinary background in Jewish studies, to be used by teachers in their classrooms, and educational leaders in community and governmental roles. As over 80% of the graduate students are public school teachers and principals, the knowledge they gain at Schechter has immediate impact on their work in the classroom on tens of thousands of pupils – improving Israeli education. The students, representing secular, traditional, and Orthodox backgrounds, come from communities across Israel - from Kiryat Shmoneh to Eilat.
The Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, affiliated with the Masorti/ Conservative Movement in Israel and with the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Young men and women, whose serious Jewish scholarship is fused with a deep dedication to social action and respect for the diversity of spiritual expression, are providing a model for tolerant, inclusive and passionate Jewish commitment for Israel's non-Orthodox majority.
Israeli Rabbinic Program - Since 1988, the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary has ordained 78 Israeli rabbis who have taken their place as leaders in Israel and throughout the world. They are addressing growing educational and spiritual needs, as spiritual educators in TALI schools, in the advocacy of women's religious rights, in communities and Conservative congregations serving new immigrants and veteran Israelis, and in congregations abroad.
The Schechter Rabbinical Seminary integrates commitment to the study of Jewish Tradition with a tolerant, pluralistic outlook, concern for the welfare of Israeli society as a whole and integration of traditional study of Jewish sources with modern, critical methodology.
Rabbinical Seminary training is a four-year, full-time program of studies. The students become proficient in all aspects of Jewish studies, including Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish Thought and Jewish History. As future communal leaders, they also study education, psychology counseling, and not- for-profit management and participate in practicum training during each year of study.
There are currently 20 students enrolled in the Israeli Rabbinical program. The Seminary provides full scholarships and living stipends to all Israeli and European rabbinical students. The Schechter faculty includes professors from all areas of Jewish studies, including many outstanding scholars in each department.
59 Legacy Heritage Rabbinic Fellowship Program - The Schechter Rabbinical Seminary has taken the lead in spearheading a comprehensive plan to empower spiritual leadership in Israel. Through 2011, with the support of the Legacy Heritage Ltd. Fund, the Seminary will select twelve of its outstanding rabbinical students to become Rabbinic Fellows, committed to building new community Batei Midrash (Learning Centers) in Israel. The Program, which offers a three-year scholarship for rabbinic study and supplementary training, will prepare rabbinical students to enhance the quality of life in towns and cities throughout Israel, and provide a new model for developing Conservative/Masorti communities. The Rabbinic Fellows are involved in fieldwork in communities, schools and healthcare facilities, under professional supervision.
Currently, Legacy Batei Midrash are operating in six Israeli communities with the educational guidance of Legacy Rabbinic Fellows. An additional four Batei Midrash are in development. Following their ordination, all Fellows will receive a three-year stipend to develop new self- sustaining Masorti communities in Israel.
Overseas Program for Visiting Rabbinical Students - "The Israel Experience" is an integral curriculum component of all rabbinical schools affiliated with the worldwide Conservative Movement. Established in 1990, the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary has served as an academic and cultural base for rabbinical students learning for a year in Israel. The program hosts students from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, Seminario Rabinico in Buenos Aires and other theological institutions in Europe and the Americas. In 2009-10, 40 overseas students are studying at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary.Reflecting the professional concerns of the Rabbinate in North America, the programs maintain the highest academic standards with emphasis placed on Talmud, Halakhah, and Bible. All students receive an intensive Hebrew language program.
Students learn about modern Israeli society through social action programs. They may tutor Russian or Ethiopian school children, assist in hospitals, become involved with a political, cultural or educational organization, or create a project tailor-made to their particular interests. Learning experiences with several of Israel's Conservative/ Masorti congregations provide overseas students with useful contacts and ideas for trips with their own future professional constituencies. The students are also encouraged to attend plays, concerts, dance performances, and to initiate visits with friends and relatives.
The TALI network of schools (Hebrew acronym for ―enriched Jewish Studies‖) provides a pluralistic Jewish Studies program to tens of thousands of schoolchildren in 184 public schools and pre-schools throughout Israel.
TALI offers the middle-way in Israel for Jewish education, tradition and the awakening of Jewish identity. Established in 1976, TALI has been sponsored since 1987 by the TALI Education Fund (TEF) which is authorized by Israel‘s Ministry of Education to provide educational guidance and resources to all TALI schools.
Jews in Israel are deeply divided along religious and secular fault-lines – a divide that tears at the fabric of Israeli society. For sixty years, this division has been fostered by Israel‘s school system which operates only two educational streams: religious and secular.
Yet most Jewish Israelis define themselves as neither Orthodox nor secular, but as traditional. They identify with Jewish culture and heritage, but feel alienated by a rigid, politicized religious establishment. By sending their children to secular public schools, most Israeli parents have forfeited their children‘s right to a Jewish education.
60
TALI brings Jewish learning to the secular Israeli classroom, connecting pupils with their heritage, and educating towards religious pluralism in the Jewish state.
The TALI Education Fund provides 2,200 TALI teachers with the tools and training needed to create a Jewish environment for their school community. promotes expansion of the TALI school system provides regular on-site pedagogical counseling for teachers publishes textbooks for teachers and pupils sponsors leadership training programs for teachers and principals conducts teacher room workshops at the schools places TALI rabbis in schools to enrich Jewish content and experience subsidizes family workshops on Jewish prayer and values builds Jewish libraries and resources for TALI schools develops parental leadership in schools
TALi is a growing, nationwide network of schools and pre-schools from Eilat in the south to the Northern Galilee.
TALI schools reflect a true microcosm of the Israeli public school system. TALI thrives in cities, development towns and rural communities. TALI serves strong and weak socio-economic groups; veteran Israelis and new immigrants alike. 15% of TALI students come from families that have immigrated from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia.As more and more Israeli municipal officials, educators and families hear about TALI, the demand for TALI education grows.
Midreshet Yerushalayim at the Schechter Institute sponsors Jewish education in the Ukraine, in Hungary and in Israel for large Russian-speaking Jewish populations.
More than a million immigrants from the former Soviet Union have immigrated to Israel since 1990. Close to 700,000 Jews still remain in the former Soviet Union. Unable to practice Judaism under Communist rule, most arrived in Israel with no connection to Jewish life and culture. In response, Midreshet Yerushalayim-Israel in 1991 established a national network of Jewish studies centers. At the same time, Midreshet Yerushalayim-Europe opened TALI schools and family education centers in the Ukraine, a bi-annual teachers‘ seminar and Ramah-Ukraine summer camps for children and families. In Budapest, students at the University of Jewish Studies are taught by visiting Schechter faculty.
Midreshet Yerushalayim has struck a positive chord among Russian-speaking Jews with its intellectually open and rigorous approach to Jewish education. Inclusive, pluralistic, and non- coercive, Midreshet Yerushalayim opens up a new world of Jewish Law and communal life to a Jewish population which has been culturally estranged for three generations, suffering from high levels of intermarriage.
Midreshet Yerushalayim in Israel and Eastern Europe is directed and staffed by a growing group of dedicated men and women, graduates of Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies academic and rabbinical programs. Themselves immigrants who found their way to Jewish heritage through Schechter and Midreshet Yerushalayim, they constitute a core of open-minded Jewish educators and spiritual leaders that will ensure continued growth and dynamic creativity in the future.
61
Cantors Assembly
The Cantors Assembly, the largest body of Hazzanim in the world - with over 550 members – is the professional organization of Cantors which serves the Jewish world.
Affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we serve the needs of our members, our congregations and help preserve and enhance the traditions of our people through Jewish Music. As the official placement agency for Hazzanim in the Conservative Movement, we serve both congregation and hazzan fairly and diligently with equal concern for the needs of both. We are a founder and supporter of the Cantors Institute, now the H. L. Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Since our founding in 1947, we have remained faithful, as clergy, to our principles: • to help our members serve the spiritual and religious needs of their congregants • to preserve and enhance the traditions of Jewish prayer and synagogue music • to maintain the highest standards for our sacred calling and those who practice it
We safeguard the interests of our members by: • providing placement services, retirement and pension programs • publishing materials of Jewish liturgy, music and education • fostering a spirit of collegiality, cooperation and continued professional growth • representing Hazzanim to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities at large
We build on the traditions of the past and will continue to inspire young people to train for the cantorate. We will teach and touch future generations of Jews through: • Jewish liturgy, music and singing • Continued development of creative, vibrant programs • The personal rapport our members extend to millions of adults and children • Becoming musical ambassadorships to countries throughout the world: 2009 – Poland/Israel 2012 – Germany/Israel 2015 – China/Israel 2018 – India/Israel
62 100 Voices Documentary
Jewish life and culture existed in Poland for one thousand years and was all but exterminated by the Nazis along with the destruction of European Jewry.
In the summer of 2009, the Cantors Assembly organized a historic mission – a journey of the largest group of Cantors to return to Poland since the Holocaust – a trip which solemnly commemorated the Shoah but also paid homage to the Cantorial tradition and Jewish culture which had flourished in Poland. The Cantors Assembly, in collaboration with the Polish government and the Jewish Cultural Festival in Krakow, created a series of events that are the subject of a forthcoming documentary that uniquely tells the history of Jewish culture in Poland. It highlights the current resurgence of Jewish Culture through the personal reflections and musical voices of a group of Cantors from the Cantors Assembly who made an important historical mission to the birthplace of Cantorial music. The project will present Polish/Jewish history in a fresh new manner.
It will help future generations learn about and re‐embrace the Jewish culture that produced one of the most artistic and educated societies in Europe. Most of all, it will celebrate the resilience and the power of Jewish life, while telling the story of two peoples who share intertwined cultures.
63 MAROM Olami
MAROM is an acronym for Mercaz Ruchani u‘Masorti – The center for spirituality and masoret (tradition). MAROM is an organization of Masorti/Conservative students and young adults (18-30+) who come together for study, seminars, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, as well as for cultural, social and religious events. MAROM aspires to enrich the lives of students and young adults across the world and develop the next generation of Jewish educators, rabbis, community leaders and active congregants.
ISRAEL PROGRAMS:
LejLeja / Makor LejLeja is our new tailor-made program that creates an itinerary for an individual or a group, according to the participants‘ needs. This is a Masa Israel program, so participants who come for 5-10 months are able to apply for financial assistance to help them with the cost of their stay in Israel. In the first year of this program we had over 120 participants from across Latin America. Participants spend their time studying at Israel‘s universities, interning in various companies and LejLeja 2010 participants at organizations, volunteering with different non-profits and the Kotel social action organizations and enriching their personal lives with extra-curricular activities such as art classes, dance lessons, etc.
Following LejLeja‘s success, MAROM Olami have recently launched the Makor program – a new personalized Israel program that is open to participants in Europe, North America and Australia. We already have 5 participants for the summer of 2010, and are expecting many more to come.
Drachim The UK gap year group for 2009-2010 recently ended, and preparations have begun for next year‘s group. During the year, the participants studied, volunteered and travelled around Israel, spending most of their time in the development town city of Shlomi in the North, and studying with Nativ (the US Conservative gap year program) in Jerusalem. Next year the group will hopefully more than double its size, and will share in the success of this year‘s Drachim group.
Shnat Hachshara MAROM This year we have our biggest group ever in Israel, with 76 participants in the Latin American Shnat Hachshara program. The participants study, volunteer in kibbutzim and work with local non-profit organizations in development towns around the country to increase their Jewish identity and education. In addition, they travelled to Poland to track the history of the Holocaust, meet survivors and see the local Polish-Jewish community. This summer the Shnat group will move to Be‘er Sheva to volunteer in Masorti kindergartens and develop a sustainable ecological project.
64 EUROPE:
MAROM Europe was established this year as a regional body to promote MAROM Centers and MAROM leadership throughout Europe. The goal for MAROM Europe is to form and develop relationships between members, local coordinators, national leadership throughout the region and form partnerships between the different MAROM Leaders of the different MAROM centers - those that are new or growing as well as those Europe centers at the MAROM that are already successfully established. Europe conference, London, March 2010.
Recent updates from MAROM Europe: Budapest launched a Social Action Exchange this year with Israelis and Americans who just visited Budapest. They are now busy preparing for the annual Jewstock Festival that attracts hundreds of Jews from all over Europe to a week of performances, workshops and study sessions. Over 500 participants are expected to take part in the festival. UK - With a new MAROM worker as well as the student fieldworker, MAROM UK is growing and establishing itself in London and in campuses across England. There are now MAROM centers starting up and growing throughout Spain and in Stockholm, Ljubljana, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam.
AUSTRALIA: Leetal, Ori and Neva, our 2010 Shlichim to Melbourne, Australia. The two Masorti-MAROM Olami Shlichot arrived earlier this year and have begun their work at Bialik College in Melbourne. Leetal Vaknin and Neva Karni are doing a wonderful job bringing informal Jewish-Zionist education to the formal setting of the school. They are also working with Kehillat Nitzan in Melbourne, bringing an Israeli atmosphere to the community. Ori Yavor, the third Shaliach for 2010, will joining them later this summer.
LATIN AMERICA:
Leetal rock climbing with some Argentina Bialik students in Melbourne. MAROM Argentina is continuing the successful "Café Atara" project where they hold discussions about current topics in society and look at them through the perspective of Halacha. These programs take place in comfortable coffee houses, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. In the future, MAROM Argentina plans to open the first Masorti Beit Midrash in Argentina, a MAROM Book Club, and many other activities that they will offer to students who are looking for a way into Masorti Judaism that meets their needs.
MAROM participants in Argentina‘s Café Atara
65 Chile The Hei and Staam Projects have recently organized a joint celebration of Israel in all its diversity and many aspects in ―ElevaTzion‖ – a program which drew in more than 350 participants. They also started a ―Wednesday with Attitude‖ program – bringing young Jews to participate in physical activities, from Krav-Maga to dance lessons. Following the trauma of the earthquake in February, the dedicated young adults of the movement have efforts into helping to fix homes that were severely damaged during the earthquake. Together they helped repair and build and made a huge difference to the lives of others in their community.
66 The Rabbinical Assembly
Background The Rabbinical Assembly (RA) is The International Association of Conservative/Masorti Rabbis was founded in 1901. The RA includes among its members over 1,600 rabbis serving around the world including North America, Israel, Latin America, Europe, Australia and South Africa. Members include rabbis ordained at seminaries of the Conservative/Masorti movement and those ordained at other accredited seminaries who share the values of our movement. Members of the RA serve as congregational rabbis, educators, military and hospital chaplains, professors of Judaica, and officers of communal service organizations throughout the world.
Services, Committees and Publications The RA hosts an annual convention for our membership as well as other continuing education and professional development seminars. Below are pictures from our most recent convention in May 2010.
Rabbis Elliot Schoenberg (International Director of Recently ordained rabbis Lori Koffman, Michelle Placement, Rabbinical Assembly), Adrian Gottfried Dardashti and Fredda Cohen (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Alfredo Borodowski (New York, NY)
Members of the RA at a Women‘s lunch at Rabbis Matt Carl (Brooklyn, NY), Rafi Kaiserbleuth convention. There were over 100 women in (St Albans, UK), David Baum (Boca Raton, FL) and attendance. Noah Farkas (Los Angeles, CA)
67 • The Joint Placement Commission administered by the RA together with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the movement‘s seminaries works to place rabbis in pulpits and other positions. • The RA publishes on a regular basis learned texts and books of Jewish interest. These include many liturgical publications used by congregations, organizations and individuals worldwide including the Etz Hayyim Humash, Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals, Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays and Mahzor Lev Shalem for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur publishes just this year.
• The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) provides guidance in matters of Jewish Law and practice, and responds to questions in the form of teshuvot (responsa). The RA has recently begun making these responsa available to the public in electronic form on the RA website. • The RA is also active in many key policy areas including Israel advocacy and social justice. • The Joint Beit Din of the Conservative Movement adjudicates Gittin (Jewish Divorces) through its certified Mesadderei Gittin • The Hekhsher Tzedek commission, a recent initiative, has been developing the Magen Tzedek, a seal that will soon appear on food products to certify their compliance with Jewish values and legal requirements in the areas of worker rights, animal treatment and environmental sustainability among others. More information at http://www.magentzedek.org
68 Ramah
The mission of Ramah is to create educating communities in which people learn to live committed Jewish lives, embodying the ideals of Conservative Judaism. Out of such communities, Ramah continues to ―raise up‖ committed volunteer and professional leadership for the Conservative Movement and contemporary Jewry.
Ramah communities represent a powerful synthesis of educational and Jewish characteristics: • regular study and engagement in open and continuing dialogue with Jewish texts, Halachah and values • a participatory Judaism which fosters and nourishes ever-increasing Jewish confidence, skill, observance, Hebrew ability and a sense of joyous Jewish living • a caring, encouraging approach to personal growth and individual religious experience which interact to form Jewish identity • a religious commitment to social justice and the ecological welfare of our world • a readiness to undertake reflective religious and educational innovation within the guidelines of Conservative Judaism's values and practices as set forth in Emet V/Emunah.
The core of Ramah's program is directed toward two target populations: Campers (ages 9-16) and Staff (ages 17-25). Since Jewish learning and living are life long, one may become a Ramahnik at various moments in life. This leads us to offer the Ramah experience to a widening circle of participants, especially alumni and the families of our campers.
Ramah pursues its mission through two unique, powerful educational settings: • The summer camp and winter-retreat settings. It is the experience of intensive immersion in a total environment of Jewish arts and culture, sports and daily living, which educates toward personal commitment. • Israel - our commitment to the renaissance of the Jewish people in its homeland is reflected in a variety of intensive Ramah programs in Israel, as well as in the staffing and programming of our camps throughout North America and Ukraine.
Ramah affirms the centrality of home and synagogue as the primary institutions of Conservative Judaism. Our work carries with it the obligation to support and elevate the quality of home and synagogue life. Similarly, Ramah stands at the nexus of day school, supplementary and informal education in the Conservative Movement, where cooperative effort can advance the total educational experience of our youth.
Ramah Programs in Israel
Israel Seminar On the Ramah Israel Seminar, Ramah campers spend six weeks on an exciting and fun-filled in-depth program, complete with hikes, archaeology, desert treks, simulation games and an incredible variety of hands-on experiences! The program focuses on contemporary Israel in the context of Jewish history, the Jewish tradition and the Middle East. A pre-Seminar option is to spend eight
69 days in Poland, emphasizing the vitality of Jewish life prior to the Holocaust.
Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY) is an international high school program offering sophomores, juniors, and seniors a semester (February-June) of general studies equivalent to those in their home communities and an intensive curriculum of Hebrew, as well as Jewish and Israel studies such as is possible only in Jerusalem and Israel. Students travel throughout the country and spend time in such settings as kibbutz and Gadna. TRY offers a unique opportunity through which the Israel experience becomes an integral part of the student's personal development. Graduates return to their home schools with a deepened understanding of their Jewishness and a more mature sense of self. TRY is based at the Israel Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Our high school department is also available to plan tailor-made academic programs for Jewish high schools.
USY High USY High is an international high school program for juniors and seniors in high school who wish to spend two months learning and living in Israel (February-March). The program combines general studies equivalent to that in their home communities with an intensive curriculum of Hebrew, as well as Jewish and Israel studies such as is possible only in Jerusalem and Israel. Students travel throughout the country and spend time in such settings as kibbutz and Gadna. USY High offers a unique opportunity through which the Israel experience becomes an integral part of the student's personal development. Graduates return to their home schools with a deepened understanding of their Jewishness and a more mature sense of self. USY High is based at the Israel Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. USY High is run in cooperation with United Synagogue Youth.
Ramah Israel Institute The staff of Ramah Israel Institute (RII) custom designs Israel programs for synagogues (adult & family trips) and schools (8th grade day school, supplementary Hebrew high schools) in close cooperation with local rabbis and educators. Participants have all the fun and excitement of any Israel trip, while engaging in hands-on exploration of Jewish values and a variety of themes. We provide tour educators as guides, actively involving the participants in a process of discovery. Every itinerary is a unique blend of touring and learning experiences with pace, style of presentation, and level of accommodations meeting the group's specific needs.
Jerusalem Day Camp An outstanding Israel summer experience for English-speaking children from abroad, entering grades K-9. The campers are taken on outings in and around Jerusalem. When on campus they participate in a rich assortment of fun-filled activities: sports, arts and crafts, nature, music, drama, and swimming. Many of these are related to special themes which the campers explore each week. Age-appropriate informal educational activities are integrated into the camp program. Hebrew is introduced through songs and games.
70 Women’s League of Conservative Judaism
Women‘s League for Conservative Judaism was established in 1918 by Mathilde Roth Schechter, wife of Solomon Schechter, president of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The mission of Women's League then and now is to strengthen and unite synagogue women's groups and individual members; support them in their efforts to perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism in the home, synagogue, and community; and reinforce their bonds with Israel and with Jews worldwide.
Since our founding, Women‘s League has grown to include over 100,000 women in more than 500 affiliates in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as establishing relationships with Masorti kehillot throughout the world.
While the central office is located in New York City in close proximity to the Jewish Theological Seminary, our organization is nevertheless committed to serving and involving women regardless of geographic location or national boundaries. Through a recently expanded Women‘s League website, improved electronic communications that include conference calls, webinars and distance workshops, and with a geographically diverse leadership base, our activities and materials are accessible to any Conservative/Masorti women, Women‘s League Biennial Israel anywhere. Resources available to our members include a Mission at the Beit Guvrin wide array of educational and programming materials; a archeological dig sisterhood presidents‘ list-serve; a virtual rosh chodesh study group; Women‘s League Leadership Institutes throughout North America; social action and political advocacy projects; a biennial international convention and annual regional conferences and symposia. We are continuously producing new publications and curricula that reinforce our mission, and we are partners in the publication of the award winning CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Federation of Jewish Men‘s Clubs.
Ongoing programs and services are listed below. A highlight of the Women‘s League programmatic agenda is its biennial international convention that will be held this year in Baltimore, Maryland from December 12-15, 2010. Desiring to link the twin Jewish values – study and tzedakah – and in keeping with our convention theme of celebrating community, our special community project for the upcoming convention is ―Books for Baltimore: Building a Community of Readers One Child at a Time,‖. The goal of this initiative is to purchase more than 11,000 enrichment books, one for every child in the pre-kindergarten and third grades in the Baltimore City Public Schools. Also at the biennial convention, in addition to providing broad and varied opportunities for study, the largest women‘s minyan, seminars and workshops; we will be honoring some of our affiliates with a newly created award for excellence and creativity.
In October, we will introduce a new leadership institute focusing on organization and management. This institute will become a companion to our already successful institute promoting personal leadership development and skill building.
Answering the challenge of relevance for today‘s Conservative Jewish woman as well as spreading the geographic representation of its leadership, developing an educated Jewish laity, and appealing to younger women are all part of the challenges being met
71 by Women‘s League today. Women‘s League is as dedicated today as it was in 1918 to the creation of a vibrant American Jewish community that nurtures the family and community with the values of Jewish tradition.
Women’s League Programs and Services
Jewish Learning/Living/Ritual • Divrei Hokhmah: Interactive mini-study sessions JTS sukkah decoration to begin meetings A multigenerational project • International Days of Study • Yom Yarok: A Tu B‘Shevat Celebration • Intergenerational decoration of Adele Ginsberg Sukkah at JTS • Orpah‘s Book Club: annual book selection with study guide • Women‘s seder resources • Online rosh chodesh group • Mitzvah Yomit – Mitzvah-a-Day curriculum • Seasonal materials for holiday and home celebrations • Hebrew Word Guide • Count Your Blessings • Creative Judaic arts projects • Etz Chayim He: Women‘s League adult Jewish studies and bat mitzvah curriculum • With Strength and Splendor: Jewish Women as Agents of Change • BookMarks: 8-page newsletter about books and authors • International biennial conventions (applicable to all areas) • Distance workshops (applicable to multiple areas) • Women‘s League Institutes: 6-10 week adult education courses in different locations throughout the United States • Kolot Bik‘dushah: society for women who have achieved a certain level of liturgical skill
Social Action/Public Policy • Social Action and community service campaigns • Get Out the Vote Campaign booklet • Guide to Writing Advocacy Letters • Involvement in public policy affairs in the United States and Canada
Israel and the World • BaOlam online – world affairs newsletter • Biennial missions to Israel • Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish org. – missions, meetings and events • United Nations NGO • Israel Programming ideas with resources • Masorti Women International all-country and regional study days in Israel
Leadership • Leadership Institutes in regions around the country • Increased leadership participation & training via conference call meetings & webinars • Training and sisterhood support services
72 Strengthening Clubs/Sisterhoods/Synagogues • Sisterhood Planner • Public Relations handbook • Ways to the Means for successful fundraising • Training services and sisterhood mentoring program • Women‘s League president region road trips • Membership campaign Vashti‘s Banquet • Topical listserves
Youth and Young Adults • Z‘havah Planner
73 The week, seven representatives from Masorti youth movements around the world are joining our Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami delegation to the 36th Zionist Congress. After the Congress is over they will be participating in the first NOAM Olami World Seminar which takes place on June 18th and 19th. We wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to these seven young people who come from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, UK and the USA. Please look out for them during our week of activities together. They will be joined by members of NOAM Israel for the NOAM Olami World Seminar.
Claire Aboudi Claire is 21 years old and lives in Paris, France. She is currently at Business School in France studying Marketing. She has been involved with NOAM in France since it started in 1994. Last year she was the Director of NOAM in France and is also involved in the MAROM group.
Adam Berkley Adam is 24 years old and lives in London, UK. He spent a year in Israel when he was 18 on NOAM‘s Drachim program which includes volunteering in the North of Israel and learning at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Upon his return to the UK he studied engineering at Bristol University. He spent a further 6 month period in Israel studying at the Conservative Yeshiva, and currently works for NOAM UK as their Chinuch (Education) worker. He first became involved with NOAM when he was 12, and from September will be the Mazkir (Director). He is involved with the New North London synagogue, and leads services and youth activities. He is a big sports fan, especially of cricket, rugby, football and golf.
Josh Block Josh is 18 year olds and lives in Sharon, Massachusetts. He has been involved in USY (United Synagogue Youth – the youth movement of the Conservative Movement in North America) for 8 years since he was in the 5th grade. He has held regional and international leadership positions for the past 3 years and is currently the USY President. His term finishes later this year, and will go on to studying at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Diego Cassorla Diego is 20 years and comes from Chile. He has been involved with NOAM since he was 6 years old. He graduated from High School in 2008, and spent the year in Israel in 2009 on the Shnat Hachshara program. Upon his return to Chile he began studying Social Studies at University and is in his second year.
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Ale Cozachow Ale is 27 years old and lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2008 he was elected to be the Director of NOAM in Argentina, and has also held the position of Youth Director at the Pardes Masorti Kehillah in Buenos Aires. Since 2009 he has also been the Vice- President of MERCAZ in Argentina. He has a degree in Political Science and is now studying for a PhD in Political Science. In his spare time, Ale plays in a rock band with some friends.
Valentina del Fierro Valentina del Fierro is 21 years old and lives in Santiago, Chile. She has been involved with Tikvá – the name of the local youth movement associated with NOAM – since she was 12 years old. Valentina studies Mechanical Engineering at a prestigious University, and manages to also find time to be the Director of the Tikvá along with being involved in other communal Jewish youth activities that take place throughout the year.
Olivia Netter Olivia is 19 years old and lives in São Paulo, Brazil. She has been involved with NOAM since 2008. Currently she is at University studying psychology.
NOAM Israel Also joining the NOAM Olami World Seminar are Noah Avraham, Yoni Avitan, Shira Keshet & Micha Feigelson from NOAM Israel.
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