With Netanyahu still in power, issues of religious pluralism, equality, and civil marriage will likely take a backseat, leaving the power of the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate firmly in place and leaving little hope for progressive change.
The election for the 2020 World Zionist Congress is open for another two weeks, and a strong showing by the “Vote Reform” slate is critical.
We all have the right to study Torah, to interpret it, and to make ourselves heard in the never-ending Jewish conversation about what our treasured texts mean.
The irony is stark. For once, your vote as a non-Israeli living outside of Israel may have more lasting impact than my vote as an Israeli living in Israel. That’s because regardless of what happens in Israeli elections – whether we get a new government or not – the WZC will meet in Jerusalem later this year.
Teacher: “Class, what’s the definition of Zionism?”
Students, in unison: “Zionism is the aspiration of the Jewish people to build a Jewish democratic state in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel)!”
High schoolers in the URJ Heller High study-abroad program in
Reform Judaism is becoming a major pillar of world Jewry – and as such, we should analyze the major challenges of the Jewish people today.
“To lead The Jewish Agency is an enormous responsibility,” says Isaac Herzog, “but one that I grabbed with both hands.”
Nadav Lapid’s “Synonyms” is a superbly directed, thinly plotted, challenging, provocative new film nominated for four Ophir Awards, the Israeli equivalent of an Oscar.
Colonialism conjures up painful images of economic, political, and/or military domination by external forces. Who would wear that label with pride in the 21st century?
liberal Jews in Israel need liberal Jews in North America. We need each other. We vote here. You vote there.
Together, we will champion the lessons of Passover by bringing greater wholeness, justice, and belonging to our world.