The question doesn't come up as often or as loudly as it once did. When it does come up, its tone isn't hostile as much as it is curious: "Why is there (still) a need for the Women's Rabbinic Network?" We can point to visible signs of our success. We don't need to fight for our voices to be heard within the CCAR. We don't need to fight for women to be hired on the HUC faculty. Our new CCAR president is a woman; our Israel campus has appointed its first female dean. Women rabbis are integrated into every level of the Conference and sit on every committee. Why, then, is there still a need for the WRN?
The WRN wasn't conceived as a way of achieving such lofty and concrete goals. It was born of necessity. Some would say it grew out of desperation No one was sure what to do with us (female rabbis) at the beginning and we didn't yet know how to make a place for ourselves. We were strangers in an institution whose maleness confronted us wherever we looked, from the lack of women's presence in ancient text to the absence of women on the faculty to the scarcity of women's bathrooms.
This was nobody's fault. It was just the way it happened. Once we realized that no one was charting a path for us, we chose to take charge of what was within our control. What we couldn't solve individually we hoped we might solve collectively. Looking back now, it seems we reflected the waves of the larger feminist movement. In the first wave, we found strength simply in being with each other, in sharing our stories, hopes, dreams and fears. In the second wave, we directed our energies toward more concrete goals of inclusion and integration into our institutions And in the third wave we began to look at our liturgy and our history through feminist eyes.
We found that our presence and our professional and personal choices began to impact our movement in ways we never could have imagined at first. And yet for all these successes, we still find as much meaning in being together today as we did at the start. The quality of despair is gone, but that old intimacy allows us now to ask deeper questions about our evolution over ten or twenty or thirty years of the rabbinate. We women rabbis are still experiencing the full cycle of the rabbinate for the first time. We have discovered that we are not done charting that path we began years ago. And we stand in solidarity with our female Israeli colleagues who face challenges uniquely their own yet somewhat reminiscent of our own experience. We learn from their experience as they learn from ours.
It is no failure of the CCAR that we continue to exist The WRN continues to exist because it meets a profound need that we can't always put into words. Should the time come when that need disappears, the WRN might well cease to exist. But it is also possible that new reasons will arise for the WRN's continuation, reasons that we can't now anticipate. It has happened before. If and until that time should come, we continue to cherish this community that was forged in desperation but that continues in friendship and love.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Reform Rabbis' Prayer Works: Rain in Israel after Months of Drought!
Ultra-orthodox pray for weeks for rain. No rain.Three hundred and fifty Reform Rabbis from around the world gather in Jerusalem for prayer and study, inserting the prayer for rain in our prayers, and voila, rain comes.
Do I really believe that theology? No. But they do.
So I suppose, our prayer works...
Read more here.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
JPost Covers National Pluralistic Beit Midrash
The Jerusalem Post covered the National Pluralistic Beit Midrash (study day):
National Beit Midrash unites Israelis, North American Reform rabbis
Mar. 1, 2009
Maya Spitzer, THE JERUSALEM POST
The conference hall was crowded with groups of four as far as the eye could see; the discussions impassioned, the excitement palpable. Hundreds of Jews - American and Israeli, men and women, religious and secular, new immigrants and sabras, right wing and left wing, sat with one another, intensely engaged in the sacred texts before them - studying, challenging and questioning one another and themselves.
The Batei Midrash Network, a group of pluralistic organizations dedicated to Jewish learning throughout Israel, hosted this landmark day of learning at the Jerusalem International Convention Center on Friday, the fourth day of the weeklong Central Conference of American Rabbis Jerusalem 2009 Convention.
The event brought together Israeli Batei Midrash members and a delegation of the American rabbis for a day of hevruta learning, the traditional mode of Jewish study dating back to talmudic times, involving textual analysis and discussion in small groups.
Friday's hevruta groups, each with two Israelis and two Americans, studied Shabbat, tradition, renewal and Israel-Diaspora relations. With more than 600 participants, this was the largest assemblage of its kind in the history of the young Beit Midrash movement in Israel.
For the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Beit Midrash was symbolic of the growth and success of the Progressive (Reform) Movement, and of Jewish pluralism as a whole in Israel. "People from all over Israel have come to Jerusalem to study with Reform rabbis," said Rabbi Peter Knobel, president of the Central Conference.
Against the backdrop of the state's refusal to recognize non-Orthodox streams of Judaism, the event demonstrated the solidarity of the worldwide Reform movement, said Rabbi Miri Gold, who is currently embroiled in a fight with the government for recognition as rabbi of Congregation Birkat Shalom in Kibbutz Gezer.
"We have a long way to go," said Gold, citing the Boston Tea Party's slogan of "no taxation without representation," "but the existence of the Beit Midrash shows the strong presence of pluralistic Judaism in Israel, a presence that needs to be recognized."
"There has been longstanding, unfortunate discrimination, but we're being proactive, working on advocacy against it," said Rabbi Yoel Oseran, vice president of international development at the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
He said there was "clear evidence" of the movement's success in its newfound visibility: the large number of wedding ceremonies performed, the Progressive synagogues now in every major city in Israel despite lack of government funding, and the strong growth in their kindergarten programs. "Certainly the Beit Midrash is reflective of the direction of Reform Judaism and its growing embrace of Jewish scholarship," Oseran said.
"The goal of this convention is to engage experientially, in a meaningful way, Israel and Israelis. Today we created the largest national Beit Midrash, and with Torah and love of the Jewish people in common, we hope to forge meaningful personal connections," said Rabbi Donald Rosoff, chairman of the Central Conference convention committee.
The Reform American rabbis from the Central Conference studied alongside their Israeli hevruta partners, united by a dedication to Jewish learning and a belief in its relevance to contemporary concerns.
In hevrutot, "we find ways to integrate modern life and ancient text, bringing the wisdom, humor, philosophy, and halachot of the texts alive in our lives now," said Roni Yavin, the conference's Israel chairwoman. "We are maintaining the tradition of Jewish learning from talmudic times and bringing new life to the text at the same time. Israelis want to touch the Talmud themselves."
The rise of such Beit Midrash-style learning lies at the heart of Israel's growing Jewish Renewal (Hithadsut Yehudit) movement (no connection to the Jewish Renewal movement that began in North America in the late 1960s and early 1970s), in which people seek to "take more active responsibility for their Judaism," Yavin said.
From cities to kibbutzim and moshavim, Israel has seen a rise in Jewish Renewal activities: pluralistic study of Jewish texts in batei midrash, communal holiday celebrations and Kabalat Shabbat activities, not associated with specific streams of Judaism.
The Beit Midrash's planners hoped it would initiate a wider dialogue between the North American and Israeli Jews. "We hope this serves as a big bridge between our communities," said Yavin. "This process will enable many Israelis to create meaningful personal relationships with our deep and rich Jewish culture. It can enlighten and help us grapple with the existential questions and current challenges facing the individual and the general Jewish public in Israel and abroad."
"In the past, Israelis thought that Americans would come here to learn from them. It's been my experience that Israelis now understand the mifgash [encounter] is two ways, and that's really inspiring. Lilmod ulelamed [to learn and to teach] each other," said Michael Weinberg, the Central Conference's chairman of the Beit Midrash.
A number of conference participants attributed the rise of the Jewish Renewal movement to a perceived void and spiritual yearning among secular Israelis. The uptick in mainstream hevruta study and similar activities "symbolizes an evolving Israel," said Rabbi Mary Zamore of Westfield, New Jersey. "Those who are secular recognize something is missing from their lives. They are yearning for text, yahadut [Judaism], and realize they can do that and still be modern and educated at the same time."
Rabbi Elyse Goldstein of Toronto, who runs Kolel, one of the few such batei midrash in North America, sees a parallel lack there, and hopes to spur the transplantation of similar institutions overseas.
"As much as Israelis realize they need an outlet for spirituality, American Jews are feeling the same way and saying, 'You know what, I don't know that much about Judaism, and I'm not willing to go to a place where there's only one point of view presented.'"
The Batei Midrash Network, which was established in 2003 by five batei midrash, now includes 21 of Israel's 30 Beit Midrash organizations. More than 3,000 Israelis take part in Batei Midrash Network's yearlong programs, and 10,000 participate in its short-term programs.
It is primarily supported by the UJA-Federation of New York, the Avi Chai Foundation, and the Metro-West Federation of New Jersey.
National Beit Midrash unites Israelis, North American Reform rabbis
Mar. 1, 2009
Maya Spitzer, THE JERUSALEM POST
The conference hall was crowded with groups of four as far as the eye could see; the discussions impassioned, the excitement palpable. Hundreds of Jews - American and Israeli, men and women, religious and secular, new immigrants and sabras, right wing and left wing, sat with one another, intensely engaged in the sacred texts before them - studying, challenging and questioning one another and themselves.
The Batei Midrash Network, a group of pluralistic organizations dedicated to Jewish learning throughout Israel, hosted this landmark day of learning at the Jerusalem International Convention Center on Friday, the fourth day of the weeklong Central Conference of American Rabbis Jerusalem 2009 Convention.
The event brought together Israeli Batei Midrash members and a delegation of the American rabbis for a day of hevruta learning, the traditional mode of Jewish study dating back to talmudic times, involving textual analysis and discussion in small groups.
Friday's hevruta groups, each with two Israelis and two Americans, studied Shabbat, tradition, renewal and Israel-Diaspora relations. With more than 600 participants, this was the largest assemblage of its kind in the history of the young Beit Midrash movement in Israel.
For the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Beit Midrash was symbolic of the growth and success of the Progressive (Reform) Movement, and of Jewish pluralism as a whole in Israel. "People from all over Israel have come to Jerusalem to study with Reform rabbis," said Rabbi Peter Knobel, president of the Central Conference.
Against the backdrop of the state's refusal to recognize non-Orthodox streams of Judaism, the event demonstrated the solidarity of the worldwide Reform movement, said Rabbi Miri Gold, who is currently embroiled in a fight with the government for recognition as rabbi of Congregation Birkat Shalom in Kibbutz Gezer.
"We have a long way to go," said Gold, citing the Boston Tea Party's slogan of "no taxation without representation," "but the existence of the Beit Midrash shows the strong presence of pluralistic Judaism in Israel, a presence that needs to be recognized."
"There has been longstanding, unfortunate discrimination, but we're being proactive, working on advocacy against it," said Rabbi Yoel Oseran, vice president of international development at the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
He said there was "clear evidence" of the movement's success in its newfound visibility: the large number of wedding ceremonies performed, the Progressive synagogues now in every major city in Israel despite lack of government funding, and the strong growth in their kindergarten programs. "Certainly the Beit Midrash is reflective of the direction of Reform Judaism and its growing embrace of Jewish scholarship," Oseran said.
"The goal of this convention is to engage experientially, in a meaningful way, Israel and Israelis. Today we created the largest national Beit Midrash, and with Torah and love of the Jewish people in common, we hope to forge meaningful personal connections," said Rabbi Donald Rosoff, chairman of the Central Conference convention committee.
The Reform American rabbis from the Central Conference studied alongside their Israeli hevruta partners, united by a dedication to Jewish learning and a belief in its relevance to contemporary concerns.
In hevrutot, "we find ways to integrate modern life and ancient text, bringing the wisdom, humor, philosophy, and halachot of the texts alive in our lives now," said Roni Yavin, the conference's Israel chairwoman. "We are maintaining the tradition of Jewish learning from talmudic times and bringing new life to the text at the same time. Israelis want to touch the Talmud themselves."
The rise of such Beit Midrash-style learning lies at the heart of Israel's growing Jewish Renewal (Hithadsut Yehudit) movement (no connection to the Jewish Renewal movement that began in North America in the late 1960s and early 1970s), in which people seek to "take more active responsibility for their Judaism," Yavin said.
From cities to kibbutzim and moshavim, Israel has seen a rise in Jewish Renewal activities: pluralistic study of Jewish texts in batei midrash, communal holiday celebrations and Kabalat Shabbat activities, not associated with specific streams of Judaism.
The Beit Midrash's planners hoped it would initiate a wider dialogue between the North American and Israeli Jews. "We hope this serves as a big bridge between our communities," said Yavin. "This process will enable many Israelis to create meaningful personal relationships with our deep and rich Jewish culture. It can enlighten and help us grapple with the existential questions and current challenges facing the individual and the general Jewish public in Israel and abroad."
"In the past, Israelis thought that Americans would come here to learn from them. It's been my experience that Israelis now understand the mifgash [encounter] is two ways, and that's really inspiring. Lilmod ulelamed [to learn and to teach] each other," said Michael Weinberg, the Central Conference's chairman of the Beit Midrash.
A number of conference participants attributed the rise of the Jewish Renewal movement to a perceived void and spiritual yearning among secular Israelis. The uptick in mainstream hevruta study and similar activities "symbolizes an evolving Israel," said Rabbi Mary Zamore of Westfield, New Jersey. "Those who are secular recognize something is missing from their lives. They are yearning for text, yahadut [Judaism], and realize they can do that and still be modern and educated at the same time."
Rabbi Elyse Goldstein of Toronto, who runs Kolel, one of the few such batei midrash in North America, sees a parallel lack there, and hopes to spur the transplantation of similar institutions overseas.
"As much as Israelis realize they need an outlet for spirituality, American Jews are feeling the same way and saying, 'You know what, I don't know that much about Judaism, and I'm not willing to go to a place where there's only one point of view presented.'"
The Batei Midrash Network, which was established in 2003 by five batei midrash, now includes 21 of Israel's 30 Beit Midrash organizations. More than 3,000 Israelis take part in Batei Midrash Network's yearlong programs, and 10,000 participate in its short-term programs.
It is primarily supported by the UJA-Federation of New York, the Avi Chai Foundation, and the Metro-West Federation of New Jersey.
Hebrew is Palpitating My Heart
There’s another aspect of being in Israel that palpitates my heart. Hebrew. Danny Siegel, poet and tzedakah (charitable giving) champion, once wrote the poem, Hebrew:I’ll tell you how much I love Hebrew:
Read me anything Genesis,
or an ad in an Israeli paper, and watch my face.
I will make half sounds of ecstasy,
and my smile will be so enormously sweet
you would think some angels were singing Psalms
or God alone was reciting to me.
I am crazy for her Holiness
and each restaurant’s menu in Yerushalayim or Bialik poem
gives me peace no Dante or Milton or Goethe could give.
I have heard Iliads of poetry, Omar Khayyam in Farsi,
and Virgil sung as if the poet himself were coaching the reader.
And they move me
But not like the train schedule from Haifa to Tel Aviv
or a choppy unsyntaxed note from a student
who got half the grammar I taught him all wrong
but remembered to write with Alefs and Zayins and Shins.
That’s the way I am.
I’d rather hear the weather report on Kol Yisrael
than all the rhythms and music of Shakespeare.
This poem captures one scrumptious aspect of my trip to Israel. Being immersed in Hebrew. Having spent two full years in Israel (post-High School gap year, and first year of Rabbinic School), I learned enough Hebrew to be semi-fluent (at least as far as conversations about eating, politics, religion and day-to-day living). But I was self-conscious enough to let my Hebrew slide. Then, a year ago, I hired a Hebrew tutor to meet me once weekly at a local coffee shop, so that I could talk and hear Hebrew. We graduated to some reading of newspapers and stories. Then she brought me a book in simple Hebrew (Shlosha Yamim Vayeled – Three Days and a Boy) and I surprised myself by plowing through it very quickly. Now as I journey around Jerusalem and the rest of the country, I relish opportunities to speak, read and immerse myself in the Holy Tongue. (I recently wrote about my Love Affair with the Holy Tongue here).
It is important to me, as a Jew and a Rabbi, to be able to communicate in our people’s language. So I traded family histories with the taxi driver in Hebrew. I spent a morning studying with Israelis in the Pluralistic Beit Midrash (study session) all in Hebrew. I am tantalized by the Hebrew in the signs for auto parts or housewares. I find myself eavesdropping on the conversations in the Beit Café (coffee shop), because the Israelis’ Hebrew is finally becoming intelligible. The news on the radio, in Hebrew (speaking still a bit too quickly for me), challenges me to deepen my command of the language. Though most Israelis want to speak with me in English, I respond to them in Hebrew. I can pretty much get along solely in Hebrew. Very cool.
While English was the main language of the CCAR convention, but true to our commitment to the Holy Tongue, our program committee raised up the offerings in Hebrew. Our CCAR convention offered a plethora of opportunities to study texts in Hebrew, to interact with Israelis in Hebrew, and to pray only in Hebrew. In short, so many American Reform Rabbis are fluent in Hebrew – thanks to our mandatory first year of study in Jerusalem. Because we recognize that the Hebrew language connects Jews everywhere as one people.
By the way, the picture is of me and Rabbi Rick Winer (who blogs at Divrei Derech). I'm the good looking one (on the right).
The final day - Israel today and tomorrow
The day began with more rain and even a little snow. Jerusalem and snow is gorgeous and exciting - maybe only for those of us who love snow.
Israelis, such as David Horowitz, said that the Reform rabbis must have brought the rain and since in the past two days we have had 1/25 of the rain they need, we need to stay until April.
The group divided into a number of different groups to discuss issues in Israel life. I joined the group dealing with Israel and Iran. Truly an intriguing program that will help produce a few sermons.
We then made our way to a new moshav outside of Jerusalem. We were told they chose this place because of the amazing view, but we arrived and the facility was still in the low clouds. However, throughout lunch the clouds lifted and there was an ah-hah moment of an incredible view.
Lunch included speeches by MK Pines from the Labor party and editor from the Jerusalem Post, David Horwitz. He spent his time sharing with us his views regarding Gaza, the elections, and Iran.
Ach-reeyut-tyeeyut - the closest word in Hebrew that there is for "accountability" yet it means "responsibility-ness." This we learn in regard to the Israel government.
For 61 years Israel has survived and thrived. There may not be huge amounts of natural resources, but there are many human resources that make this country strong. And with our partnership we can continue to ensure the strength of Israel.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Israelis, such as David Horowitz, said that the Reform rabbis must have brought the rain and since in the past two days we have had 1/25 of the rain they need, we need to stay until April.
The group divided into a number of different groups to discuss issues in Israel life. I joined the group dealing with Israel and Iran. Truly an intriguing program that will help produce a few sermons.
We then made our way to a new moshav outside of Jerusalem. We were told they chose this place because of the amazing view, but we arrived and the facility was still in the low clouds. However, throughout lunch the clouds lifted and there was an ah-hah moment of an incredible view.
Lunch included speeches by MK Pines from the Labor party and editor from the Jerusalem Post, David Horwitz. He spent his time sharing with us his views regarding Gaza, the elections, and Iran.
Ach-reeyut-tyeeyut - the closest word in Hebrew that there is for "accountability" yet it means "responsibility-ness." This we learn in regard to the Israel government.
For 61 years Israel has survived and thrived. There may not be huge amounts of natural resources, but there are many human resources that make this country strong. And with our partnership we can continue to ensure the strength of Israel.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Reflections at the closing lunch by Joel Abraham
Fifteen years ago, I lived here in Jerusalem with my classmates, many of whom are here. I was here for the last convention in 2002. I have attended each convention since my ordination and enjoyed each one - the learning, the chevrutah, meeting and interacting with different colleagues. However, this convention has been different. There has been a shared experience and a camaraderie that goes beyond any previous CCAR. Kol hakavod to Naamah and to Don and the whole convention committee.
Joel N. Abraham
-- Post From Heidi's iPhone in Israel
Final day begins
Here we begin our final day of the CCAR conference. This will be a day to discuss politics here in Israel and our neighbors. But before we begin, Joe has asked to be on the blog. So Joe, this is for you.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Saturday, February 28, 2009
What a Shabbat!
This has been an amazing Shabbat!
The drive to Haifa finally brought us to our destination of both congregations, Or Hadash and Ohel Avraham. I, along with three others, were dropped off at Ohel Avraham at the Leo Baeck school in Haifa.
The congregation was very warm and welcomed the four rabbis from America with open arms. The rabbi is a student from HUC in Jerusalem and a former Orthodox rabbi who served in the Israel army and decided to go the Reform movement route. He was amazingly warm and connected with all of his congregants on so many levels. And this was one interactive congregation. They participated in all the singing and would not let the congregational president get through announcements without commenting on each one. A very relaxed and happy-to-be-together congregation.
So much so that there were more families that wanted to host the four of us that they decided to have a pot luck Shabbat dinner at the center. This was wonderful in that it allowed us to interact with many more members and get a true flavor of the community.
I broke out the chocolate I brought for our hosts and the adults suggested that the youth might be interested in some. I took it down to them in the other area of the lounge and saw that they were on the computer. What were they doing? Facebook, what else. I now have new friends from Haifa!
The ride back to Jerusalem was half as long and comfortable enough for a little shluffy.
Shabbat morning services were breathtaking. Not only the services themselves as we welcomed Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus as the next CCAR President, but also with where the services were held. Here we sat at Beit Shmuel on the HUC campus. Let's hear it for those in our movement who had the foresight and courage to buy land directly across from the snipers on the walls of the old city for $100! We now have the best piece of real estate with an incredible view of the old city. Rabbi Janet Marder gave an amazing interpretation to the Haftarah for the week, with a description of Solomon building the temple and one could really imagine the walls and temple being constructed over a seven year period. The clouds above the city walls were magnificent and majestic. Mi Chamocha baeleem Adonai, Mi Camocha neder bakodesh!
We concluded with a Shabbat lunch and my favorite part - roll call! I love to see each class cheer as their graduation year is called and to see how far back our rabbis reach. This year we were blessed with two rabbis from 1945!
As soon as Shabbat comes to an end, the streets are alive again with cars and people. They are heading out to restaurants and cafes for an evening with family and friends - and the CCAR participants were no exception.
It was a wonderful evening of dinner and great conversations about how we can take all that we have experienced back to our congregations and communities. How do we teach about the importance of Israel, not only from the perspective of the sand and stones, but Israel today? How do we share with the next generation why Israel is so important to us as American Reform Jews and that we should care about this land that is home to half of the Jewish population in the world? How do we share what we feel here with everyone when we return home? This is our mission (as Shaul Feinberg reminded a group of us - that being a rabbi is not a job, it's a mission) and we take this mission seriously and with pride.
Tomorrow, one final morning of learning and gathering, and then to our congregational families we return. We have been blessed to be here this week and I would like to say thank you to my congregational family for always supporting me in finding opportunities for spiritual and professional growth. Now, may I bring it back to share with all of you.
Shavua Tov from Jerusalem,
Heidi
The drive to Haifa finally brought us to our destination of both congregations, Or Hadash and Ohel Avraham. I, along with three others, were dropped off at Ohel Avraham at the Leo Baeck school in Haifa.
The congregation was very warm and welcomed the four rabbis from America with open arms. The rabbi is a student from HUC in Jerusalem and a former Orthodox rabbi who served in the Israel army and decided to go the Reform movement route. He was amazingly warm and connected with all of his congregants on so many levels. And this was one interactive congregation. They participated in all the singing and would not let the congregational president get through announcements without commenting on each one. A very relaxed and happy-to-be-together congregation.
So much so that there were more families that wanted to host the four of us that they decided to have a pot luck Shabbat dinner at the center. This was wonderful in that it allowed us to interact with many more members and get a true flavor of the community.
I broke out the chocolate I brought for our hosts and the adults suggested that the youth might be interested in some. I took it down to them in the other area of the lounge and saw that they were on the computer. What were they doing? Facebook, what else. I now have new friends from Haifa!
The ride back to Jerusalem was half as long and comfortable enough for a little shluffy.
Shabbat morning services were breathtaking. Not only the services themselves as we welcomed Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus as the next CCAR President, but also with where the services were held. Here we sat at Beit Shmuel on the HUC campus. Let's hear it for those in our movement who had the foresight and courage to buy land directly across from the snipers on the walls of the old city for $100! We now have the best piece of real estate with an incredible view of the old city. Rabbi Janet Marder gave an amazing interpretation to the Haftarah for the week, with a description of Solomon building the temple and one could really imagine the walls and temple being constructed over a seven year period. The clouds above the city walls were magnificent and majestic. Mi Chamocha baeleem Adonai, Mi Camocha neder bakodesh!
We concluded with a Shabbat lunch and my favorite part - roll call! I love to see each class cheer as their graduation year is called and to see how far back our rabbis reach. This year we were blessed with two rabbis from 1945!
As soon as Shabbat comes to an end, the streets are alive again with cars and people. They are heading out to restaurants and cafes for an evening with family and friends - and the CCAR participants were no exception.
It was a wonderful evening of dinner and great conversations about how we can take all that we have experienced back to our congregations and communities. How do we teach about the importance of Israel, not only from the perspective of the sand and stones, but Israel today? How do we share with the next generation why Israel is so important to us as American Reform Jews and that we should care about this land that is home to half of the Jewish population in the world? How do we share what we feel here with everyone when we return home? This is our mission (as Shaul Feinberg reminded a group of us - that being a rabbi is not a job, it's a mission) and we take this mission seriously and with pride.
Tomorrow, one final morning of learning and gathering, and then to our congregational families we return. We have been blessed to be here this week and I would like to say thank you to my congregational family for always supporting me in finding opportunities for spiritual and professional growth. Now, may I bring it back to share with all of you.
Shavua Tov from Jerusalem,
Heidi
From Rabbi Ellen Lewis - Being Part of Women at the Wall
My first visit to the Western Wall was in 1974. It was jarring. Those idealized photos of the Wall, the ones so familiar to me from the walls of suburban New Jersey homes when I was growing up, hadn't included a mechitza.
And so I hadn't anticipated how conflicted I would feel the first time I stood on the women's side of the mechitza. The men's side seemed to reverberate with song and Torah chant; the women's side was filled with muffled praying and quiet sobbing. The men's side grabbed strangers and pulled them into minyanim; the women's side left each woman alone with her private longings and celebrations.
I tried a few more times to find in the Wall what others seemed to find but the only relationship I was able to achieve was some kind of an uncomfortable truce.
About ten years later, I returned to Israel on a UJA rabbinic mission. The custom then (unknown to me at the time) was to visit the Wall late at night for a final emotional bonding experience before departing for a night flight home from Ben Gurion.
The bus dropped us off at the Wall. The male rabbis headed straight for the Wall and immediately began davening together; the two or three of us women just stood there and looked at each other, wondering what to do. If the goal of that mission was to reinforce a sense of "We are One," then the mission had failed in its aim, at least for the three of us.
I never quite got over that feeling of conflict the Wall inspired in me. I wanted to love it but couldn't. Then today,something changed. We left the hotel at 6:45 a.m. to join with the Women of the Wall in celebrating their 20th anniversary. We - men and women - filled two buses.
At the Wall, the women entered the women's side and stood toward the rear. After warning us that her voice wasn't loud, the shalichat tzibur began to pray. Our participation was quiet until we reached the Hallel. Our prayer leader told us to stop and take a breath. Then we began to sing the psalms together, tentatively at first, then louder and stronger. Suddenly people approached us and began to yell at us. "Aten gevarim!" was only one of the insults I heard. "Assur!" was another.
But we were more determined to ignore their voices and continue in prayer than we were to respond or fight back. Our prayers were our armor and our strength. We persisted, joyously and collectively, until we completed Hallel and heaved a communal sigh of relief. Then we moved to another area of the Wall excavation and finished the service.
I have always loved the Hallel but today its words took on an added meaning. I finally felt like I was a part of something at the Wall. And close behind us and next to us behind the mechitza stood our male colleagues, joining their voices with ours in prayer and supporting us in our attempt to make the Wall our place, too.
Mishenichnas Adar, marbim b'simcha. Today our happiness was that much the greater.
And so I hadn't anticipated how conflicted I would feel the first time I stood on the women's side of the mechitza. The men's side seemed to reverberate with song and Torah chant; the women's side was filled with muffled praying and quiet sobbing. The men's side grabbed strangers and pulled them into minyanim; the women's side left each woman alone with her private longings and celebrations.
I tried a few more times to find in the Wall what others seemed to find but the only relationship I was able to achieve was some kind of an uncomfortable truce.
About ten years later, I returned to Israel on a UJA rabbinic mission. The custom then (unknown to me at the time) was to visit the Wall late at night for a final emotional bonding experience before departing for a night flight home from Ben Gurion.
The bus dropped us off at the Wall. The male rabbis headed straight for the Wall and immediately began davening together; the two or three of us women just stood there and looked at each other, wondering what to do. If the goal of that mission was to reinforce a sense of "We are One," then the mission had failed in its aim, at least for the three of us.
I never quite got over that feeling of conflict the Wall inspired in me. I wanted to love it but couldn't. Then today,something changed. We left the hotel at 6:45 a.m. to join with the Women of the Wall in celebrating their 20th anniversary. We - men and women - filled two buses.
At the Wall, the women entered the women's side and stood toward the rear. After warning us that her voice wasn't loud, the shalichat tzibur began to pray. Our participation was quiet until we reached the Hallel. Our prayer leader told us to stop and take a breath. Then we began to sing the psalms together, tentatively at first, then louder and stronger. Suddenly people approached us and began to yell at us. "Aten gevarim!" was only one of the insults I heard. "Assur!" was another.
But we were more determined to ignore their voices and continue in prayer than we were to respond or fight back. Our prayers were our armor and our strength. We persisted, joyously and collectively, until we completed Hallel and heaved a communal sigh of relief. Then we moved to another area of the Wall excavation and finished the service.
I have always loved the Hallel but today its words took on an added meaning. I finally felt like I was a part of something at the Wall. And close behind us and next to us behind the mechitza stood our male colleagues, joining their voices with ours in prayer and supporting us in our attempt to make the Wall our place, too.
Mishenichnas Adar, marbim b'simcha. Today our happiness was that much the greater.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Shabbat Bliss in Ra'anana
Tonight we divided up among numerous Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) synagogues across the country for Shabbat services and dinner. I didn't have a particular connection to any synagogue and wanted to go somewhere suburban like my own synagogue. So I ended up in R'anana, an affluent north Tel Aviv suburb. The beautiful synagogue is led by Rabbi Tamar Kolberg.
Services were lively and bright. Naturally, all in Hebrew, the songs and prayers and melodies were almost all very familiar and it was delightful to join in such an energized community. I did note we started 20 minutes late and most of the people didn't arrive until 20 minutes after that, but it was a great place to pray. The synagogue is fast growing - they do 150 b'nai mitzvah a year, for example. That brings in thousands of Israelis as guests to experience and learn more about Reform Judaism.
After services, we went in groups of 2 and 3 to members' homes for dinner. I went to Ruth and Francis Wood. They are a British couple who made Aliyah in the 1980s. All 3o of their children were home for Sabbath dinner. The eldest (24) was there with her fiance (who is from Ukraine) and is currently in University. The second (22) has continued her army service and is an officer on intelligence work. The youngest (18) has been in the army for just two months and he was on a rare opportunity to come home.
With all 5 family members native to English (the kids could equally slip in their perfect Hebrew), we had a chance to explore all sorts of issues one never gets to ask about directly from Army service to politics (US and Israel) to being the children of immigrants to much more. The close quarters and intimacy were tremendous and the family was generous with their thoughts and sharing.
I did get an answer to a small question I have always wondered. The 3 children have British accents in their English - although they say their British family doesn't think so at all. I asked when they spoke English to their Israeli friends, did they speak with that accent. They told me that they intentionally put on an Israeli accent to talk in English because their Israeli friends have trouble understanding the British-accented English. While the BBC and specific teaching programs once dominated the accents of English speakers in Israelis, the dominance of American television and movies means most every Israeli learning English has more of an English accent - but one's parents also make a tremendous difference.
We gave up the grandeur of a big Friday service and dinner. We'll get that tomorrow with services and lunch together. Instead we continued this trip's excellent process of getting us to meet and learn from Israelis in small groups and we are the better for it.
Shabbat Shalom!
Mark
CCAR Release on Tel Aviv Day
ONE-ON-ONE INTERCHANGE WITH ISRAELI RABBINIC COUNTERPARTS, MOVING THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE AND A STREET-LEVEL LOOK AT SOCIAL ISSUES IN TEL AVIV AMONG FEATURES OF CONVENTION'S SECOND FULL DAY
Arab/Jewish Unity Walk Brings to Life Dual Emotional Narratives of Jaffa's History
JERUSALEM - (February 27, 2008) - On the second full day of the Convention, CCAR members broke into groups to connect directly with rabbis, students, academics activists and lay congregation members in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Then, in addition to a lunchtime welcome by Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, who has done much to facilitate the Reform Movement's growth in Tel Aviv, and a moving theatrical performance by the Nalaga'at Deaf-Blind Theatre Company, members hit the streets for new, on-the-ground perspectives of Tel Aviv.
One of eight walking tours was an Arab/Jewish Unity Walk through Jaffa, where Tel Aviv began. Native Jewish and Arab guides collaborated on a heartfelt presentation of beautiful Jaffa's complicated history since the last years of the Ottoman Empire. The collegial dialogue between the guides reinforced the importance of remembering that there are (at least) two divergent emotional narratives of Jaffa's history since Jews arrived in Jaffa in the late 19th Century: One narrative is that of one of the world's great, hard-won triumphs, and the other is of a terrible catastrophe.
The tour ended on a hopeful - perhaps tentatively hopeful - note. The guides pointed out that while Arab-Jewish relations appear to be freezing on a political and institutional level, the grassroots dimension is improving: Feelings are being shared, and collaborative projects are on the rise.
Arab/Jewish Unity Walk Brings to Life Dual Emotional Narratives of Jaffa's History
JERUSALEM - (February 27, 2008) - On the second full day of the Convention, CCAR members broke into groups to connect directly with rabbis, students, academics activists and lay congregation members in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Then, in addition to a lunchtime welcome by Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, who has done much to facilitate the Reform Movement's growth in Tel Aviv, and a moving theatrical performance by the Nalaga'at Deaf-Blind Theatre Company, members hit the streets for new, on-the-ground perspectives of Tel Aviv.
One of eight walking tours was an Arab/Jewish Unity Walk through Jaffa, where Tel Aviv began. Native Jewish and Arab guides collaborated on a heartfelt presentation of beautiful Jaffa's complicated history since the last years of the Ottoman Empire. The collegial dialogue between the guides reinforced the importance of remembering that there are (at least) two divergent emotional narratives of Jaffa's history since Jews arrived in Jaffa in the late 19th Century: One narrative is that of one of the world's great, hard-won triumphs, and the other is of a terrible catastrophe.
The tour ended on a hopeful - perhaps tentatively hopeful - note. The guides pointed out that while Arab-Jewish relations appear to be freezing on a political and institutional level, the grassroots dimension is improving: Feelings are being shared, and collaborative projects are on the rise.
Here are some highlights of the conversation, particularly from the often less-heard Arab perspective:
- When Jews first came to Jaffa in the late 19th Century, there were good relations. The Jews were from North Africa, so culture and customs were similar. (One CCAR member pointed out that there's potentially a third narrative in Jaffa, that of Jews from Arab countries.)
- In the early 1920s, during the initial periods of violence between Jews and Arabs, there was still cooperation - in business and in unions. Then, sadly, fear among the Arabs grew strong.
- Between 1920 and 1940, the Jaffa population went from 15,000 to 165,000, and Jews became the majority. During this period, Arab fear mounted.
- In 1948, all but 3,500 of the 60,000 Arab residents left Jaffa. They thought they'd be able to come back; they simply locked their houses.
- Even though the houses and property were taken, the notion and hope that they could return to and reclaim their homes remained, and still does today, to some extent, among older people whose families fled.
- The mindset progression of the Arabs in Jaffa, went from "traumatized" before 1948 to "fearful and angry" once they became Israeli citizens overseen by a "military regime."
- Right now, our Arab guide told us, the main psychological issue and challenge among Arabs is "self-definition: It's related to how the State feels about you. You can't feel totally Israeli. You're on a lower list."
Breaking Down Barriers in Tel Aviv
K’sheh nichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha. When the Hebrew month of Adar begins, joy is increased! How true, at least from my seat here in Jerusalem.
I lay down for my pre-Shabbat schulfee (nap), only to be so filled with memories and stories that I could only sleep for a few minutes.
Yesterday, Thursday, was Tel Aviv day. This would be my second full day in Tel Aviv/Jaffa this trip; possibly only my third week or so total in my lifetime. I’m an Oheiv Yerushalayim, a lover of Jerusalem, by nature. When the Psalmist wrote, Eem eshkacheich Yerushalayim - If I forget thee, O Jerusalem – I seem to have understood this to mean that I must remain focused on the Holy City. Yet these recent trips, spurred on by Tel Aviv Progressive Rabbi Meir Azari’s challenge to open myself up to Jewish life outside of Jerusalem, has led me to appreciate, even come to love, this modern Jewish city.
We heard Tel Aviv mayor speak of the importance of Progressive Judaism to Tel Aviv. Incidentally, he has been a major supporter of Beit Daniel and its community center, helping allocate land and allocate funds.
We took a walking tour of Jerusalem, led by two guides: an Israeli Jew and a Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship. Note the new way of speaking about the second: not an Israeli Arab, but a Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship. It is about identity. Years ago, many blacks decided to self-identify as African-Americans, instead of blacks, in order to grasp hold of their African descent. As we walked through Yaffo/Jaffa, we learned about the history of the port city from the perspective of two narratives: that of the Israeli Jew and that of the Palestinian. How to reconcile two “truths”? How to honor the reality each experienced, bringing wholeness to both communities?
The afternoon was a combined celebration of Israeli/Tel Avivi culture and arts, as well as a reflection on issues of social justice. Any Bar Mitzvah student will tell you that when the Torah instructs us in Leviticus 19:4, “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind…”, it was urging ethical action toward all those with disabilities. Our actions must be more than just not placing a block; we must work to embrace those with disabilities. Thus, the production of Not by Bread Alone, a play whose theater assembly is comprised of people who are deaf and/or blind. A majority of the actors suffer from an inherited genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome which initially results in acute deafness and which is followed by loss of vision. Their production was moving, engaging and thought-provoking. Rather than worrying about the stumbling block placed before them, these “disabled” actors removed the block that keep so many from seeing “disabled” as merely “differently abled.” Bravo to the CCAR for providing us with an artistic experience, a social justice encounter, and a wonderful day!
More reflections on the CCAR conference at Ima on (and off) the Bima (Rabbi Phyllis Sommer), Divray Derech (Rabbi Rick Winer), Desperately Seeking Sinai (Rabbi David Cohen).
Any other CCAR rabbis blogging the convention? Email Rabbi Paul Kipnes, and we'll link your blog to the CCAR Israel Convention Blog.
I lay down for my pre-Shabbat schulfee (nap), only to be so filled with memories and stories that I could only sleep for a few minutes.
Yesterday, Thursday, was Tel Aviv day. This would be my second full day in Tel Aviv/Jaffa this trip; possibly only my third week or so total in my lifetime. I’m an Oheiv Yerushalayim, a lover of Jerusalem, by nature. When the Psalmist wrote, Eem eshkacheich Yerushalayim - If I forget thee, O Jerusalem – I seem to have understood this to mean that I must remain focused on the Holy City. Yet these recent trips, spurred on by Tel Aviv Progressive Rabbi Meir Azari’s challenge to open myself up to Jewish life outside of Jerusalem, has led me to appreciate, even come to love, this modern Jewish city.
We heard Tel Aviv mayor speak of the importance of Progressive Judaism to Tel Aviv. Incidentally, he has been a major supporter of Beit Daniel and its community center, helping allocate land and allocate funds.
We took a walking tour of Jerusalem, led by two guides: an Israeli Jew and a Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship. Note the new way of speaking about the second: not an Israeli Arab, but a Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship. It is about identity. Years ago, many blacks decided to self-identify as African-Americans, instead of blacks, in order to grasp hold of their African descent. As we walked through Yaffo/Jaffa, we learned about the history of the port city from the perspective of two narratives: that of the Israeli Jew and that of the Palestinian. How to reconcile two “truths”? How to honor the reality each experienced, bringing wholeness to both communities?
The afternoon was a combined celebration of Israeli/Tel Avivi culture and arts, as well as a reflection on issues of social justice. Any Bar Mitzvah student will tell you that when the Torah instructs us in Leviticus 19:4, “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind…”, it was urging ethical action toward all those with disabilities. Our actions must be more than just not placing a block; we must work to embrace those with disabilities. Thus, the production of Not by Bread Alone, a play whose theater assembly is comprised of people who are deaf and/or blind. A majority of the actors suffer from an inherited genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome which initially results in acute deafness and which is followed by loss of vision. Their production was moving, engaging and thought-provoking. Rather than worrying about the stumbling block placed before them, these “disabled” actors removed the block that keep so many from seeing “disabled” as merely “differently abled.” Bravo to the CCAR for providing us with an artistic experience, a social justice encounter, and a wonderful day!
More reflections on the CCAR conference at Ima on (and off) the Bima (Rabbi Phyllis Sommer), Divray Derech (Rabbi Rick Winer), Desperately Seeking Sinai (Rabbi David Cohen).
Any other CCAR rabbis blogging the convention? Email Rabbi Paul Kipnes, and we'll link your blog to the CCAR Israel Convention Blog.
Friday adventure pre-Shabbat
Jerusalem was expecting a storm today. But I woke up to some beautiful sunshine and sporadic clouds. I wanted to go do a mitzvah before going to the limudim, learning, session.
Bikur Cholim is one of three hospitals in Jerusalem. It is located in the middle of Jerusalem and is the first hospital to respond when there were terrorist attacks in the city center. But today, they are very proud of the new, new infant care unit. I met with the public relations director who is thrilled to share the important work of this hospital. There are some wonderful opportunities for mitzvah projects here.
Following the visit I started walking to the convention center for the Beit Midrash, opportunity to study. It started to drizzle and then the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down. There was lightening, thunder and hail. I dropped into Machaneh Yehudah, the open air market with some cover. I stopped and picked up some chocolate for my host family tonight and hoped to wait out the rain. No such luck, it only kept coming down. So, I put up my hood and umbrella and headed toward the convention center. It was very comical, but I finally made it and joined in on the learning with American and Israeli colleagues.
Now, I'm on the bus heading to Haifa for Shabbat services and home hospitality. Unfortunately, there was a bad accident on the road we would usually take. We turned around and took a more inland highway. The drive was very interesting as we drove parallel to the security fence and in an area that used to have a lot of tension. But today, with the fence the highway is now very safe.
So, here we head to the north. There is rain in the valleys and snow on Mt Harmon.
Shabbat Shalom!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Bikur Cholim is one of three hospitals in Jerusalem. It is located in the middle of Jerusalem and is the first hospital to respond when there were terrorist attacks in the city center. But today, they are very proud of the new, new infant care unit. I met with the public relations director who is thrilled to share the important work of this hospital. There are some wonderful opportunities for mitzvah projects here.
Following the visit I started walking to the convention center for the Beit Midrash, opportunity to study. It started to drizzle and then the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down. There was lightening, thunder and hail. I dropped into Machaneh Yehudah, the open air market with some cover. I stopped and picked up some chocolate for my host family tonight and hoped to wait out the rain. No such luck, it only kept coming down. So, I put up my hood and umbrella and headed toward the convention center. It was very comical, but I finally made it and joined in on the learning with American and Israeli colleagues.
Now, I'm on the bus heading to Haifa for Shabbat services and home hospitality. Unfortunately, there was a bad accident on the road we would usually take. We turned around and took a more inland highway. The drive was very interesting as we drove parallel to the security fence and in an area that used to have a lot of tension. But today, with the fence the highway is now very safe.
So, here we head to the north. There is rain in the valleys and snow on Mt Harmon.
Shabbat Shalom!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Jaffa continued
We continued to walk through the streets of Jaffa including the old city, the Jewish cemetery and ending up at a theater called Na Laga'at - please touch. This theater houses a theater group for the deaf and blind.
First we had the opportunity to meet with producer, Tzafir Kochonovski, for "a touch away" that will be seen on HBO some time. Seriously, look it up, it's going to be incredible.
Next, we saw the play, Not By Bread Alone. The theater company is made up of blind and deaf actors, to some degree. It was amazing and touching! This was truly an inspiring evening experience with a wonderful surprise at the end. The theater includes a restaurant called, Blackout. It is completely in the dark and run by 8 blind waiters. Absolutely an amazing cultural experience.
Finally, we topped the day off with dinner in Tel Aviv. Many of us met up with friends or family. I was thrilled to meet up with Becky and her fiancé Ofir. We had a wonderful meal together but the best part was spending the evening together and hearing about their life here in Israel. And, they are adorable together.
Time for some sleep and get ready for another great day and Shabbat tomorrow.
Lailah tov!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
First we had the opportunity to meet with producer, Tzafir Kochonovski, for "a touch away" that will be seen on HBO some time. Seriously, look it up, it's going to be incredible.
Next, we saw the play, Not By Bread Alone. The theater company is made up of blind and deaf actors, to some degree. It was amazing and touching! This was truly an inspiring evening experience with a wonderful surprise at the end. The theater includes a restaurant called, Blackout. It is completely in the dark and run by 8 blind waiters. Absolutely an amazing cultural experience.
Finally, we topped the day off with dinner in Tel Aviv. Many of us met up with friends or family. I was thrilled to meet up with Becky and her fiancé Ofir. We had a wonderful meal together but the best part was spending the evening together and hearing about their life here in Israel. And, they are adorable together.
Time for some sleep and get ready for another great day and Shabbat tomorrow.
Lailah tov!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Thursday -- just getting started
Sorry to just be getting going with contributing to the blog! It took me a full five minutes to figure out how to post entries, if that gives you any idea.
Anyway. It's not uncommon, but was still surprising somehow, the week or so before I left, to be asked "are you nervous?!" about travelling to Jerusalem this week. I told them I wasn't, but the truth is a bit more complicated. I wasn't nervous for the reasons they were imagining. I was nervous because I hadn't been in Israel since my HUC year of study, nearly a decade ago now (I was ordained in 2004). Preparing to come back I found myself overwhelmed with sense memories, things I hadn't thought about for so long. A time when everything about being a rabbi -- everything about being a rabbinic student for that matter -- was still in front of me.
So I don't know... it's an amazing feeling to be here now, to touch that part of my past and to feel how much has changed, both.
Amazing and full day today. I chose the Arab/Jewish unity walk in Tel Aviv -- our guides took turns sharing with us their particular stories, overlapping and opposing narratives of history in Jaffa and Israel as a whole. One people's war of independence is another's collective memory of disaster. That they could say this in each other's presence and allow it to be ... I wish these conversations at home could feel as open.
Afternoon concluded with a performance called "Not By Bread Alone" by a Deaf-Blind Theater Company. Interspersed with skits that were more whimsical an elegaic were first person narratives from the performers as to their levels of vision and hearing... how they experience the world, what makes them feel sad or shut out. As they explained to us, some of them see but don't hear, or hear but don't see, or don't have either ability, yet all have ambitions and all have dreams.
They could have been talking about any of us. Maybe they were.
Anyway. It's not uncommon, but was still surprising somehow, the week or so before I left, to be asked "are you nervous?!" about travelling to Jerusalem this week. I told them I wasn't, but the truth is a bit more complicated. I wasn't nervous for the reasons they were imagining. I was nervous because I hadn't been in Israel since my HUC year of study, nearly a decade ago now (I was ordained in 2004). Preparing to come back I found myself overwhelmed with sense memories, things I hadn't thought about for so long. A time when everything about being a rabbi -- everything about being a rabbinic student for that matter -- was still in front of me.
So I don't know... it's an amazing feeling to be here now, to touch that part of my past and to feel how much has changed, both.
Amazing and full day today. I chose the Arab/Jewish unity walk in Tel Aviv -- our guides took turns sharing with us their particular stories, overlapping and opposing narratives of history in Jaffa and Israel as a whole. One people's war of independence is another's collective memory of disaster. That they could say this in each other's presence and allow it to be ... I wish these conversations at home could feel as open.
Afternoon concluded with a performance called "Not By Bread Alone" by a Deaf-Blind Theater Company. Interspersed with skits that were more whimsical an elegaic were first person narratives from the performers as to their levels of vision and hearing... how they experience the world, what makes them feel sad or shut out. As they explained to us, some of them see but don't hear, or hear but don't see, or don't have either ability, yet all have ambitions and all have dreams.
They could have been talking about any of us. Maybe they were.
Shopping was our afternoon activity. We ended up only at 2 markets but each was a wonderful variety of stands of specific types.
At the Levinsky Spice Market we sampled new varities of fruits, spices, olives, and more.
Shuk HaCarmel was a less crowded Mahane Yehuda with everything in stands, not stores. There was great selection of cheap clothes, DVDs, agricultural products, and much more.
I ended up only buying a Pesel Zman candy bar and a coke. But I was tempted by some Zatar, a soft foam gun, hamamtashen, and and some Purim crowns.
Mark
-- Posted From My iPhone
At the Levinsky Spice Market we sampled new varities of fruits, spices, olives, and more.
Shuk HaCarmel was a less crowded Mahane Yehuda with everything in stands, not stores. There was great selection of cheap clothes, DVDs, agricultural products, and much more.
I ended up only buying a Pesel Zman candy bar and a coke. But I was tempted by some Zatar, a soft foam gun, hamamtashen, and and some Purim crowns.
Mark
-- Posted From My iPhone
Our Bread and Butter
We left Beit Daniel in Jaffa and bean a walking tour through Jaffa, or as Dahvi reminds me, Yaffo. We walked through the market and bakeries. Nothing like hot bread from Abulafia, the oldest bakery in Jaffa, open since 1800s and open 24 hours a day.
Arab women would receive dough when they got married. This dough would need to be sticky enough to stick to above the doorway so that the marriage would last.
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Arab women would receive dough when they got married. This dough would need to be sticky enough to stick to above the doorway so that the marriage would last.
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
A heart stopping morning
CCAR gave us some wonderful backpacks. As I was leaving California, I was thinking I needed a new bag because the one I had was too big to shlep all over. We got in and they gave us these perfect backpacks. However, they all look the same!
I got to the room to start the program in time to have a quick bite and coffee. I had a chance to meet a wonderful rtired rabbi who is now an author. Then they started calling numbers to leave with their groups. My new friend and I said goodbye, picked up our bags and left.
As my group and I started walking to the car we would take, I reached in my bag to get my sunglasses. But the bag was not mine! I saw a black jacket and thought it must be my roomates. Called her, no, not her bag. It was the new friend's bag. But where was he and yes, there was some immediate panic. My wallet, camera and iPhone was in that bag. How was I going to blog!
Thanks to the amazing staff of daat, they tracked down my new friend and we were reunited in a few hours.
What did I learn? First, web you have 300 people with the same bag, make sure to label yours! Second, when with a group of 300 rabbis, there is no need to panic, we're in it together.
Now, off to tel aviv for exploring and learning. This following a wonderful morning with Our own special tours of Jerusalem and the progressive movement's connections and the memorial at Mt
Herzl to the Ethiopian Jews who died en route to Israel.
Now it's time to eat our way through Jaffa.
Heidi
(I have my bag)
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
I got to the room to start the program in time to have a quick bite and coffee. I had a chance to meet a wonderful rtired rabbi who is now an author. Then they started calling numbers to leave with their groups. My new friend and I said goodbye, picked up our bags and left.
As my group and I started walking to the car we would take, I reached in my bag to get my sunglasses. But the bag was not mine! I saw a black jacket and thought it must be my roomates. Called her, no, not her bag. It was the new friend's bag. But where was he and yes, there was some immediate panic. My wallet, camera and iPhone was in that bag. How was I going to blog!
Thanks to the amazing staff of daat, they tracked down my new friend and we were reunited in a few hours.
What did I learn? First, web you have 300 people with the same bag, make sure to label yours! Second, when with a group of 300 rabbis, there is no need to panic, we're in it together.
Now, off to tel aviv for exploring and learning. This following a wonderful morning with Our own special tours of Jerusalem and the progressive movement's connections and the memorial at Mt
Herzl to the Ethiopian Jews who died en route to Israel.
Now it's time to eat our way through Jaffa.
Heidi
(I have my bag)
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Getting to Know You
This morning we divided up into 59 groups and spread out in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to get to know one of the Israeli Reform Jewish professionals and individual Israeli family stories. Everyone I've spoken to loved their varied and creative adventures - and the tremendous weather added to it.
I met with Rabbi Nir Barkin of Congregation Yozma in the fast growing city of Modi'in. He shared the story of his great grandparents who made Aliyah in the 1870s as part of Hovevi Tzion.
We visited the shoe shop his grandather once owned by the Church of the Holy Sepluchure in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Then we went to the Austrian Hostel where his great grandfather had a siesta every day. The view from the roof was tremendous. But sharing his family's story and how it developed over each generation was especially moving. A great start to what is becoming a great day.
-- Posted From My iPhone
I met with Rabbi Nir Barkin of Congregation Yozma in the fast growing city of Modi'in. He shared the story of his great grandparents who made Aliyah in the 1870s as part of Hovevi Tzion.
We visited the shoe shop his grandather once owned by the Church of the Holy Sepluchure in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Then we went to the Austrian Hostel where his great grandfather had a siesta every day. The view from the roof was tremendous. But sharing his family's story and how it developed over each generation was especially moving. A great start to what is becoming a great day.
-- Posted From My iPhone
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Women of the Wall - not so far on the fringes
Today started off incredibly early, but totally worth it. At 6:45 am we were aboard a bus to the old city to join the Women of the Wall for morning services in honor of Rosh Chodesh. I have received emails each month reminding me that it is Rosh Chodesh and that I am invited to join them for services at 7:00 am at the Western Wall. However, it's a bit of a commute from Orange County, California to Israel. But today, I was here and no matter how tired I was, I could not miss being there on this, the 20th anniversary of the Women of the Wall.
We met where we usually do, in the back of the Western Wall Plaza. Women put on their tallitot and wear kippot. We gather tightly around the shaliach tzibur, prayer leader, as she chants us through the Birkat HaShachar. We come to Halleluyah, and it was all we could do to hold back our voices from singing out. But we did not hold back, we sang. 75 strong, we sang out, thanking God for this moment and this morning. And from behind us, behind their mechitzah, the men from CCAR allowed their voices to rise out as well.
However, our voices were not alone. First, there were the orthodox school girls. Very curious about us. It was turn of events as we usually took pictures of them, they took pictures of us. Then there were the voices from the men's side. A very loud and angry man yelling, "women's voices should not be heard! Be quiet! Get out of here! I should not have to hear your voices! You are ruining this holy place!"
The louder he yelled and a few others joined in, the louder we sang out. And, yes, there were a couple of female attendants who were supposed to be security. One got in our faces and yelled at us that this was wrong. The other slowly pulled the cover of her fleece over her face and pulled the strings tight in order that she might be able to drown out the sounds. One woman came up to our friend Debbie and asked her why she wore that tallit and she should take it off. Debbie, not missing a beat said, "why, would you like to try it on?" The woman, in disbelief, stormed off.
Our voices rang out and up and the men of CCAR sang out with us, from behind and on their side as close as they could be to us. Yet, it was finally time for us to join together.
After the amidah, we quietly left the plaza and with a green duffle bag carrying the T
orah, made our way to the area called Robbinson's arch. It is the continuation of the Western Wall, but in an area that allows us to pray together, men and women. And their, on the old Roman street from before 70 CE, we stood, with Torah, tallitot, t'fillin, and song, and we prayed. We read Torah, offered Mi Sheberach, blessings, for the women rabbis present, the future women rabbis, and the Women of the Wall, that they should continue to allow their voices to rise up in song.
Finally, Rosh Chodesh and Jerusalem are magical places. It was there this morning that I turned back to return to my place after the blessing for Torah and came face to face with the young woman who was my first Bat Mitzvah student in Colorado. 13 years ago, Amanda and I stood at the ark and I blessed her as a Bat Mitzvah. And today, we blessed one another and shared tears of joy and thanks for being brought together in a very special place and a very special time.
CCAR with Women of the Wall, on Ynet News
Ynet News, Yedidot Achronot, reported more fully on the CCAR's participation in the Women of the Wall minyan, under title: "Women worshippers stir row at Western Wall".Tensions in Jerusalem: Some 100 women wear prayer shawls, chant from Torah at Western Wall to protest 'attempt to silence half of Jewish people'; rally draws angry reaction, holy site's rabbi slams provocation
Kobi Nahshoni
Published:
02.25.09, 18:43 / Israel Jewish
Scene
Over a hundred women arrived at the Western Wall Wednesday morning wrapped
in prayer shawls and wearing kippahs, to mark 20 years since the inception of
the Women of the Wall organization.
Women of the Wall organizes female prayer groups at the Western Wall each month on Rosh Hodesh. The participants usually wear tallit, teffilin and kippah and chant from the Torah.
The group, which included dozens of Reform movement members from North America, accompanied the Hallel prayer with singing, consequently provoking heated responses from other visitors and the Wall's ushers, who demanded that the group
leave the place as its members "failed to follow the place's customs."
Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israeli Religious Action Center (IRAC), the public and legal advocacy arm of Reform Judaism in Israel, took part in the prayer. She said that the group met with hostility, although the women did not intend to create a provocation.
The vast majority of the Women of the Wall are feminist Orthodox who come to the site once a month to say a prayer and sing quietly, she said. "Because this time there were about a hundred women there, it sounded louder."
Half of Jewish people silenced
According to Hoffman, while the High Court of Justice has already allowed the women's organized prayers to be held at the Western Wall, the holy site's rules stipulate that worshippers' feelings must not be hurt, and also set a prison sentence to offenders. The Western Wall's rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovitch, "interprets the term 'hurting feelings' in a way that silences half of the Jewish people," she said. "The ushers want us to take off our prayer shawls and move our lips without making a sound."
Provocation?
"We feel that there is a great deal of hypocrisy here: On the one hand, the Western Wall symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people, and on the other hand women, who comprise half of this nation, are being silenced, along with the traditions of the biggest Jewish community in the world (American Jewry)," Hoffman claimed.
She added that "local customs" should not be defined by the most extreme ultra-Orthodox denomination in Israel. "The State has turned the Western Wall into an orthodox synagogue where regulations are being enforced by force."
Wall's rabbi: Women desecrated holy site
Meanwhile, Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch told Ynet that the women usually hold their prayer nearby the Wall, and not at the Western Wall Plaza itself. "Unfortunately, they severely offended the holy place… and stirred violence and division," he said.
"The High Court barred them from acting in a way that is not in line with local custom, and the local custom is that women don't wear a prayer shawl, put teffilin or read out from the Torah.
"The Western Wall is open to every woman to pray in her own way, as long as she does not breach the local custom, which is Jewish Halacha. An attempt was made today to create a provocation, desecrate the site and hurt the feelings of men and women worshippers.
"This is a severe and inappropriate act, and we will make sure not to let it happen again," he concluded.
JTA on CCAR's Involvement with Women at the Wall
JTA carried this story:
Various CCAR member blogging on the Women of the Wall minyan here.
Women’s prayer group asked to leave Wall
February 25, 2009
JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A women's prayer group was asked to leave the
Western Wall plaza.
The group of 100 women, wearing prayer shawls and kipot, on Wednesday morning was marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Women of the Wall organization, which organizes female prayer groups every month on Rosh Chodesh, Ynet reported.
The group sang out loud during the Hallel prayer, which violates the custom of the plaza.
Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that women can pray in groups at the wall, but that they may not hurt the feelings of other worshipers.
Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch told Ynet that local custom at the Western Wall holds that women do not wear a prayer shawl or tefillin and do not read from the Torah. Singing out loud is also considered a provocation, since men are not permitted under Jewish law to hear women singing.
"The Western Wall is open to every woman to pray in her own way, as long as she does not breach the local custom, which is Jewish halachah," Rabinovitch said. "An attempt was made today to create a provocation, desecrate the site and hurt the feelings of men and women worshipers."
The women usually pray in an area near, but away from, the plaza, the rabbi said.
Various CCAR member blogging on the Women of the Wall minyan here.
Jerusalem Post Covers Jerusalem Mayor at CCAR
Jerusalem Post covered Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's speech to the CCAR Convention:
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat told a conference of north American Reform Rabbis meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday that it was critical to find the common denominator among all streams of Judaism.
"In order to strengthen Jerusalem, we must continue to focus on the common denominator," Barkat said in his address to the delegation at Jerusalem's Hebrew Union College.
He stressed the importance of pluralism, noted that "it is not always simple," and cited his decision to create a wall-to-wall coalition in the city council with religious, secular and haredi city councilors.
Head Spinning, Heart Soaring: Coexistence Experiences
By Rabbi Paul Kipnes(cross posted on Or Am I?)
My head is spinning, my heart is soaring, yet the Israel Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis is only in its second day. So much is happening. Where to start.
The Convention opened with a klezmer band (complete with tuba!?) serenading us as we walked to Mercaz Shimshon, the headquarters of the World Union of Progressive Judaism. We shmoozed, caught up with friends new and old, and heard from the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat. Fellow blogger Ima on (and off) the Bima (Rabbi Phyllis Sommer) and Divray Derech (Rabbi Rick Winer) covered that event on their respective blogs, so click over to them for the low down.
Today (Wednesday) was for me, a day to explore the potential and challenges of coexistence in Israel. I woke early to pray at the Kotel (Western Wall) with Women of the Wall, a group of women dedicated to making it possible for women to seriously daven (and wear tallitot and read Torah) at the Kotel. They gathered at the back of the women’s section and, covered with tallitot and some kippot, davened together aloud. We men stood behind the mechitzah (divider), sang along, took pictures and prayed. We witnessed the fundamentalist, misogynist anger of some of the ultraorthodox men as they called this the “prayer of Hamas”. One colleague had his camera taken by an ultraorthodox man, and in the tussel to get it back, it dropped and was broken. The self-appointed women guards at the women’s section yelled and screamed that this was inappropriate worship. How unfortunate that the shrieking screams of a woman at this place of prayer is deemed more appropriate than the traditional prayers of sung by a collection of women. It was very upsetting, and yet for women (and mixed groups) who want to pray together at one of Israel’s most holy sites, this is more usual than not. We made our way down to the Southern Wall to read Torah; our female colleagues honored with an aliyah. Sadly, fundamentalism is alive and well in ultraorthodox Judaism.
My friend Ron Stern of Stephen S. Wise Temple is getting involved heavily in Los Angeles Interreligious Dialogue. After hearing the amazing stories he tells, I decided to take advantage of the CCAR’s interreligious experience. The afternoon included a jaunt with the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. Rabbi Kronish took us to meet with the Lutheran Bishop (of Israel, Jordan and Palestine) and the Armenian Archbishop. We heard about their communities, the different narratives, struggles and hopes. In general, a picture of hopeful coexistence pervaded. We then met with the Muslim Kadi of Jerusalem, a religious judge who deals with issues of marriage, divorce and inheritance. He spoke of the freedom of religion under Israelis, about the contentment of this Palestinians who are Israeli citizens of their lives living in Israel, but also about the challenges of gaining full complement of services from the State. They shared their very productive dialogues with orthodox rabbis, and how interpersonal connections are leading to better understanding. The afternoon left me with a sense of hope and possibility. That if we see the Other within his life and tradition, barriers can fall. Bravo (and thank you) to the CCAR for bringing us this meaningful interreligious experience!
Let me speak of love. When I travel to conventions, I usually sit in my hotel room during down time. But my head spins and my heart soars with the intoxication of Jerusalem. Every free moment (blogging excepted), I am out and about. Walking the back alleys of the Old City. Meandering through the neighborhoods. Racking up hours of exploring. I cannot get enough of this place! Enough blogging. Gotta get out there and meander!
On the bike trail of the Yarkon and the environment trail
Today, the rabbis are on bikes and traveling along the Yarkon. The Yarkon used to be the most poluted river in Israel. Because Israel was created so quicky, and the factories just dumped into the rivers in the city, they did not deal with this waste. In the 1997, Maccabia, athletes from Australia fell after a bridge collapsed, and died because of the poluted water. Since, Israel has worked hard to rehabilitate the river. Still they have much work to do.
Parks have been established that allows some of the vegetation that grows was planted to help filter the water. The parks are packed on the weekends with Israelis coming to play and relax.
We ended the ride at the beach and had lunch overlooking the Mediteranean.
Off to Ahdod
In Ashdod we saw the Lachish river which is poluted because of the sewage being poured into the sea. Before the mayoral election, Zalul.org.il ran a campaign to encourage people to consider the environment in their votes.
Slowly, they are working at cleaning up the river. In partnership with Zalul, Israel is learning that the water issues are not only about having water but caring for it as well.
Back to Jerusalem.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Helping Israeli Economy
Before the conference begins tonight, I decided that I needed to do my part in helping the Israeli economy with some retail therapy. I have to say, there is nothing like wandering the streets of Jerusalem with no agenda but just to be here and enjoy the sights, sounds and people.
Today, being a work day, has a flavor of those walking along with a mission of needing to get from one place to the other. But there are still those tourist groups along the streets and heading with purpose to sites throughout.
It was an honor to visit with an aquantance at his son's bris. He invited a few of us to attend, but I didn't think I would actually attend. But as I was walking up the street toward the city center, I turned into the Hotel where it was to take place. Michelle and I were dressed in jeans and went with the intention of a quick "mazal tov," but he insisted we stay. We were definitely not dressed for the ocassion. Not that there is a dress code in Jerusalem - but we were not "dressed" like all the other women in the room on our side of the mechitza. OK, so we got a few looks, but nothing that made us feel too uncomfortable.
While it was an honor to celebrate with the community as another child is welcomed into the covenant, there is still something to be said with the liturgy we as Reform Jews have created that brings everyone together in the ceremony.
I finally met up with my roomy, Lisa, and after a quick lunch at Rimon cafe, headed to the new Mamilla shopping area, then wandered into the Jaffa gate. Without really thinking that we were going to go to the Old City, we found ourselves wandering the streets all the way down to the kotel plaza. We didn't go in to the plaza area as we will be there tomorrow morning for Rosh Chodesh and the Women of the Wall's morning service.
Finally, we've wandered back to the hotel for a quick freshening up and then to the opening of the CCAR Conference.
Today, being a work day, has a flavor of those walking along with a mission of needing to get from one place to the other. But there are still those tourist groups along the streets and heading with purpose to sites throughout.
It was an honor to visit with an aquantance at his son's bris. He invited a few of us to attend, but I didn't think I would actually attend. But as I was walking up the street toward the city center, I turned into the Hotel where it was to take place. Michelle and I were dressed in jeans and went with the intention of a quick "mazal tov," but he insisted we stay. We were definitely not dressed for the ocassion. Not that there is a dress code in Jerusalem - but we were not "dressed" like all the other women in the room on our side of the mechitza. OK, so we got a few looks, but nothing that made us feel too uncomfortable.
While it was an honor to celebrate with the community as another child is welcomed into the covenant, there is still something to be said with the liturgy we as Reform Jews have created that brings everyone together in the ceremony.
I finally met up with my roomy, Lisa, and after a quick lunch at Rimon cafe, headed to the new Mamilla shopping area, then wandered into the Jaffa gate. Without really thinking that we were going to go to the Old City, we found ourselves wandering the streets all the way down to the kotel plaza. We didn't go in to the plaza area as we will be there tomorrow morning for Rosh Chodesh and the Women of the Wall's morning service.
Finally, we've wandered back to the hotel for a quick freshening up and then to the opening of the CCAR Conference.
And here we go...
The CCAR Convention officially kicked off tonight with marching band, tons of food, a few speeches, and shmoozing like crazy. As we ran into colleagues, neighbors, classmates, teachers, students, friends from across the Reform rabbinic universe, one can't help but chat it up. The usual questions (how's your family?) seem to have added questions about how we (the congregation/community) are doing in the economic crisis. I think for many of us, we're looking for kindred spirits - to know the struggles we face are not alone.
Tonight was focused on dinner and welcome - with bits of pomp and circumstance mixed in. After dinner, we were welcomed to Jerusalem by her mayor, Nir Barkat. Mr. Barkat is a modern Israel politician - he speaks in a normal voice like any public speaker and not in the dead "ummm" filled monotone of many politicians of old. That was a nice change.
Nonetheless, he gave his stump speech. While his statistics on the changes ahead for Jerusalem were interesting and powerful, I was waiting for his "Reform Jews" and pluralism part of the speech. It wasn't to come. Reform Judaism - whether Israeli or American - is something ignorable. For Mr. Barkat, pluralism is secular and Orthodox, left and right wing working together. Bringing in the issues of Reform Judaism would push the Ultra-Orthodox off the table. I was disappointed in the speech, but I guess I didn't expect him to take a major stand on the issue in this informal presentation. By the way, security standards are a bit light when the Mayor comes to the Reform Rabbis - one his of guards checked his cell phone for much of the time.
Tomorrow, our adventures truly begin.
What's for dinner? Asked Joel.
Joel said I needed to blog the menu from tonight.
After the celebration with the brass marching band, it was an evening of appetizers including stuffed figs and Golan wines.
Then to the fifth floor with salads galore - hummous, lebneh, eggplant, and tabouleh. We kept eating, they kept bringing and then we heard dinner was still to be served!
Dinner was steak and chicken. However, kosher steak...should have kept eating the salads. So we did.
Now, our dessert is a woderful talk by Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barakat.
He said, by 2035, he said that we may lose Jewish majority in Jerusalem. What caused those negative trends? Neglect? Not putting of high enough on priority list for Jewish people? But people leave because the economy is not strong enough here. Education is not high enough and quality of living is not as high as the other parts of the country. But this all has to changed. Jerusalem should be the number one tourist spot. It needs to be built. We need to be working toward making Jerusalem a key place in all our lives and the lives of so many that they too may come here to experience this incredible place.
Now time for coffee and baklava!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
After the celebration with the brass marching band, it was an evening of appetizers including stuffed figs and Golan wines.
Then to the fifth floor with salads galore - hummous, lebneh, eggplant, and tabouleh. We kept eating, they kept bringing and then we heard dinner was still to be served!
Dinner was steak and chicken. However, kosher steak...should have kept eating the salads. So we did.
Now, our dessert is a woderful talk by Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barakat.
He said, by 2035, he said that we may lose Jewish majority in Jerusalem. What caused those negative trends? Neglect? Not putting of high enough on priority list for Jewish people? But people leave because the economy is not strong enough here. Education is not high enough and quality of living is not as high as the other parts of the country. But this all has to changed. Jerusalem should be the number one tourist spot. It needs to be built. We need to be working toward making Jerusalem a key place in all our lives and the lives of so many that they too may come here to experience this incredible place.
Now time for coffee and baklava!
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Listen to the voices!
Here we are opening the 120 CCAR conference! Welcome with a brass band, carnival style, that led us from hotel to Beit Shimshon dancing in the streets. Over 300 Reform Rabbis dancing in the streets an changing the demographics of Jerusalem. It is time to listen to the voices of the Reform Jews and community that we represent and that we are the builders and leaders for Reform Judaism in our world. Here we stand at the spot where snipers used to take aim but now is the most treasured piece of land - a place where change continues and a commitment to the continued growth of the Jewish people lives.
Be happy, it is Adar! And we, the Reform Rabbis are very happy to be here in Yerushalyim and together.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Be happy, it is Adar! And we, the Reform Rabbis are very happy to be here in Yerushalyim and together.
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone in Israel
Monday, February 23, 2009
Meeting with Gidi Greenstein of the Reut Institute
Tonight, on the evening before the start of the Convention, a small group of CCAR Board members, Convention Committee volunteers, and CCAR staff had the opportunity to hear from Gidi Greenstein, the founder and President of the Reut Institute, a non-profit, non-partisan Israeli policy think tank.
Greenstein’s thoughts were interesting and thought-provoking, and I wanted to share them with you. The notes on this meeting, on which this recap is based, were taken by Rabbi Mark Hurvitz, for which I am grateful.
Greenstein spoke about Israel as one of top ten most sophisticated societies, and also one of the top ten in terms of technological sophistication. At the same time, it has a massively underperforming public sector. Thus there is a significant gap and waste that must be addressed.
He spoke about Israel as one of the world’s greatest exporter of talent. Where once people stayed in Israel despite economic challenges because of Zionism, but that is no longer a compelling enough reason for many. As he sees it, catching up economically with the first world is crucial to keep creative, educated, and talented young in the country, where they will contribute to Israel’s ongoing sophistication and growth.
To do so, Israel needs ambitious growth objectives. It needs to be in the top 15 of wealthy countries. But to do so is a leap. He asked how Israel can break away from the pack. This is something that only 13 countries have done. One important goal is to have a minimum of 6 % growth, with takes into account the rapid population increase in Israel. He also argued that to achieve this leap, there must be productive government intervention. But in order to see that vision be a reality, what is needed is the capacity to create transformations.
When asked where Israel’s Arabs fit into this vision, he answered that Arab Israelis are the engine of the leap because they are 20 % of the population but only 8 % of the GNP. He differentiated between Christian Arabs, who overall are highly educated and successful, and the two most generally uneducated Arab groups, Moslem women, and the Beduoin.
He also spoke about the changing relationship to Judaism in Israel happening today. He argued that an unintended consequence of Zionism is a community that is passionateabout Jewish issues, yet ignorant of Jewish culture and texts. He claimed that the intifada of 2001 caused young Israelis to consider that the conflict is not a territorial issue but a cultural/religious conflict.
This has led to the creation of many different resources for Israelis wanting to engage with Judaism outside the parameters of Orthodox Judaism. He explained that there is massive experimentation with the development of communities, with the very idea of community being front and center for many at this time. This push allows for massive creativity.
He also talked about American Jews and Israel. Where we used to have many barriers between us and Israel, with third parties like Federation or the Jewish Agency to go through, now we have direct “kissing points,” direct areas of connection.
There was much, much more, including some interesting thoughts about Israelis living in the States and the ways in which they now contribute to their communities (admittedly a subject close to my heart). Hopefully this short digest gives you a taste of the conversation. For more, please go the Reut website and learn about their work.http://reut-institute.org/
Lilah tov,
Hara
Greenstein’s thoughts were interesting and thought-provoking, and I wanted to share them with you. The notes on this meeting, on which this recap is based, were taken by Rabbi Mark Hurvitz, for which I am grateful.
Greenstein spoke about Israel as one of top ten most sophisticated societies, and also one of the top ten in terms of technological sophistication. At the same time, it has a massively underperforming public sector. Thus there is a significant gap and waste that must be addressed.
He spoke about Israel as one of the world’s greatest exporter of talent. Where once people stayed in Israel despite economic challenges because of Zionism, but that is no longer a compelling enough reason for many. As he sees it, catching up economically with the first world is crucial to keep creative, educated, and talented young in the country, where they will contribute to Israel’s ongoing sophistication and growth.
To do so, Israel needs ambitious growth objectives. It needs to be in the top 15 of wealthy countries. But to do so is a leap. He asked how Israel can break away from the pack. This is something that only 13 countries have done. One important goal is to have a minimum of 6 % growth, with takes into account the rapid population increase in Israel. He also argued that to achieve this leap, there must be productive government intervention. But in order to see that vision be a reality, what is needed is the capacity to create transformations.
When asked where Israel’s Arabs fit into this vision, he answered that Arab Israelis are the engine of the leap because they are 20 % of the population but only 8 % of the GNP. He differentiated between Christian Arabs, who overall are highly educated and successful, and the two most generally uneducated Arab groups, Moslem women, and the Beduoin.
He also spoke about the changing relationship to Judaism in Israel happening today. He argued that an unintended consequence of Zionism is a community that is passionateabout Jewish issues, yet ignorant of Jewish culture and texts. He claimed that the intifada of 2001 caused young Israelis to consider that the conflict is not a territorial issue but a cultural/religious conflict.
This has led to the creation of many different resources for Israelis wanting to engage with Judaism outside the parameters of Orthodox Judaism. He explained that there is massive experimentation with the development of communities, with the very idea of community being front and center for many at this time. This push allows for massive creativity.
He also talked about American Jews and Israel. Where we used to have many barriers between us and Israel, with third parties like Federation or the Jewish Agency to go through, now we have direct “kissing points,” direct areas of connection.
There was much, much more, including some interesting thoughts about Israelis living in the States and the ways in which they now contribute to their communities (admittedly a subject close to my heart). Hopefully this short digest gives you a taste of the conversation. For more, please go the Reut website and learn about their work.http://reut-institute.org/
Lilah tov,
Hara
Jerusalem Post on CCAR Convention
Jerusalem Post carried an article today about the CCAR convention. It read:
More than 300 Reform rabbis from North America will convene in Jerusalem this week for their annual rabbinical conference, seeking to bolster the tiny Reform Judaism movement in Israel. The six-day event, which opens Tuesday, aims to strengthen the liberal movement's ties with Israel and build bridges to its religious and secular communities.
Although Reform represents the largest denomination of American Jews, the Orthodox establishment has a virtual monopoly on religious life in Israel, where both the Reform and Conservative movements are largely marginal.
The Reform movement in Israel operates 24 congregations, which, like the Conservative movement's synagogues, are not recognized by the state, and do not receive state funding.
"The fact that the largest Jewish community in the world still has not recognized Reform rabbis and Reform Judaism's institution of learning is something that must be fixed," said Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal and political arm of Reform Jewry in Israel. "I want to see liberal Jews around the world break their silence and make their voice heard," she said, adding that "there was not much room for hope" within Israel on the issue.
The gathering of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, which will also focus on Arab-Jewish relations, will include a intra-religious study session with members of all streams of Judaism, and an east Jerusalem tour with "Rabbis for Human Rights," a fringe group which is most widely known for their vocal opposition to the demolition of illegally built homes in east Jerusalem.
The conference will include addresses by both Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, as well as Labor MK Ophir Paz-Pines.
Religious Jerusalem city councilmen from both Shas and United Torah Judaism, which are part of Barkat's wall-to-wall city coalition and view Reform Jewry as anathema, declined to comment Sunday on Barkat's scheduled address at the conference.
The event will also include the inauguration of the group's president-elect, Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus, who leads a small congregation in Homewood, Illinois. Dreyfus, 57, will become the second woman to head Reform's rabbinical assembly.
The annual convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, which is the representative organization of nearly 2,000 Reform rabbis, takes place in different cities around the world, with Jerusalem serving as host city once every seven years.
The last time the conference was held in Jerusalem was in March 2002, when more than 200 Reform rabbis came to Israel at a time of rampant Palestinian suicide bombings.
"To return to Jerusalem and Israel for our conference every seven years is an important symbolic statement for our movement in terms of our connection to the State of Israel," said Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback of Los Altos, California, a participant in the conference who is relocating to Israel this year to head the Hebrew Union College's year in Israel program.
"If Reform and Conservative Judaism want to stay alive in the world, they must take root in Israel," Hoffman concluded.
Minyan or not
The flight to Israel is always an experience. First, the people watching and the new friends one meets on a flight. Opportunities to hear stories about other's lives, families and communities.
I sat next to a man from Ashdod who quickly learned how different Reform Judaism is in the United States. Every time we turned around I could say, he's a rabbi, she's a rabbi, and there is one of my teachers, Dr. Spicehandler. OK that was just way too cool to see him again.
Steve got up early in the morning to daven in the back with the minyan. Yet he wondered about the minyan itself. Isn't the purpose of a minyan to pray in a community? To have 10 men (in this case) to daven together and allow those who need to, say Kaddish? Yes, except in this case, no one of the 14 who were in the back were willing to take the lead. All prayed on their own and when one reached the Kaddish, he said it and the others responded as they were in the middle of their own prayers.
Where was the community? Was it a minyan? Technically, sure. But it's not all about technically now is it?
30 minutes from Tel Aviv...
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone
I sat next to a man from Ashdod who quickly learned how different Reform Judaism is in the United States. Every time we turned around I could say, he's a rabbi, she's a rabbi, and there is one of my teachers, Dr. Spicehandler. OK that was just way too cool to see him again.
Steve got up early in the morning to daven in the back with the minyan. Yet he wondered about the minyan itself. Isn't the purpose of a minyan to pray in a community? To have 10 men (in this case) to daven together and allow those who need to, say Kaddish? Yes, except in this case, no one of the 14 who were in the back were willing to take the lead. All prayed on their own and when one reached the Kaddish, he said it and the others responded as they were in the middle of their own prayers.
Where was the community? Was it a minyan? Technically, sure. But it's not all about technically now is it?
30 minutes from Tel Aviv...
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Crawling with Reform Rabbis
by Rabbi Paul Kipnes (cross posted on Or Am I?)This country is crawling with Reform Rabbis. They are much harder here to identify then the ultraorthodox ones, mind you, but with the opening of the convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) beginning on Tuesday, this country is again crawling with Reform Rabbis. (Truth in advertising: there were already plenty of Reform rabbis living here. Through Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Israeli Rabbinic program there are a plethora of homegrown Israeli rabbis, and a vibrant American and English rabbinical aliyah has brought numerous Diaspora rabbis to make this country their home. But I refer now to Diaspora rabbis.) Yes, Israel is crawling with Reform (or as we like to say here, Progressive) rabbis.
And that’s a good thing, mind you, given that Israelis have – across the board – become so alienated from their Jewish heritage/identity/reality by the inflexibility, sexism and political machinations of the Chief Rabbinate and orthodox religious parties. In ever greater numbers, they are embracing the authentic alternative our movement – T’nu’at Yahadut Mitkademet, the Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism – offers. This influx of rabbis injects our movement here with a healthy dose of support, during a time in which they are increasingly igniting a passion for Judaism in the minds of Israelis.
That’s a good thing, mind you, because since the early 1970’s when HUC-JIR instituted its Year in Israel program, requiring all American Reform Rabbis to spend their first year of study in Israel, our American Reform Rabbinate has become infused even more deeply than ever with ahavat yisrael, a love of Israel. Service to the Jewish people begins with an understanding that being a Jew equals being part of a Jewish people, that the religion is part, but not the totality, of that reality, and that Israel is and has always been central to that identity.
That’s a good thing, mind you, because no matter how many trips to Israel we Reform Rabbis lead for/with our congregants, there is something uniquely poignant about coming home to Israel, making Aliyat haNefesh, if you will, with the very people with whom we spent so many months exploring the country in our adult years. (What’s Aliyat haNefesh, a spiritual ascent? Here's my understanding.)
A Reform Rabbinical Convention in Jerusalem
Once every seven years, the CCAR meets for its annual convention in Jerusalem. For a few, this is their every seven years return artza (to the land). For many of us, who try to visit Israel every year or so, this is just another excuse to come home to the Holy Land. For our Movement, this is a clear indication of the depth of our connection to Zion.
Yesterday, with my small touring group of congregants, we visited the new Museum at Har Herzl (Mt. Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery). A brilliantly designed, multimedia experience, the Museum makes you feel like you are falling in love – with the once completely assimilated, non-Jewishly connected Theodore Herzl – with the idea of a Jewish State.
Which led one of our tour participants to ask why in his pre-Bar Mitzvah Jewish education did he not really come to understand the significance of this movement for statehood. Which led me to explain how education is often lost on the youth. Which led him to ask if he ever really learned about early zionism at school or camp. Which led me to suggest that while most all Reform and Conservative schools teach the history of early Zionism, we in our youth are so caught up in ourselves (and irritated that we have to attend supplementary school in the afternoon after our secular school lets out) that we miss half of what we are taught. Which led to the realization that the best way to instill ahavat yisrael, a love of Israel, is to make it possible for the largest number of Jews to visit the Holy Land. Which explains the critical nature of Birthright and annual congregational trips to Israel.
Which explains why, this spiritual ascent to Jerusalem, once every seven years, specially designed for rabbis (and their spouses/partners), is so important. We reconnect with the back alleyways of Israel’s cities, create new kesher (connections) with Israelis across the spectrum, recharge the many facets of our tziyonut (Zionism), and literally fall in love with this country yet again and again.
So Israel is beginning to crawl with Reform Rabbis, as more than 300 of us will gather together for our kinus (conference). And while that will give some ultra-orthodox leaders the creepy-crawlies, it illuminates a indisputable reality: that the Diaspora and Israel are connected by a multidirectional umbilical cord infuses us all – Americans, Israelis, English, Germans, South Americans, Canadians, Russians and… – with a rich heritage and a meaningful Jewish future.
Which explains why, this spiritual ascent to Jerusalem, once every seven years, specially designed for rabbis (and their spouses/partners), is so important. We reconnect with the back alleyways of Israel’s cities, create new kesher (connections) with Israelis across the spectrum, recharge the many facets of our tziyonut (Zionism), and literally fall in love with this country yet again and again.
So Israel is beginning to crawl with Reform Rabbis, as more than 300 of us will gather together for our kinus (conference). And while that will give some ultra-orthodox leaders the creepy-crawlies, it illuminates a indisputable reality: that the Diaspora and Israel are connected by a multidirectional umbilical cord infuses us all – Americans, Israelis, English, Germans, South Americans, Canadians, Russians and… – with a rich heritage and a meaningful Jewish future.
A Certain Holiness
Thus writes the tzedakah wonder worker and poet Danny Siegel:
It was that time of Jerusalem day when the sun chooses
any one of many hills to wash in gold,
the time of day the City assumes a touch of the romantic's magic.
The religious said blessings.
The eloquent called to mind lines memorized in school
for moments such as these
and wrote new songs from notes made of beams.
Others still, held hands and kissed for all this beauty
whose truest words are whispers and sighs and halfsounds,
hints of interjections no one can put to a rhythm
not Shelley, nor Wordsworth, nor the grandsweeping Lord Byron.
And Mozart and Schumann deceive us,
trying to make keys and oboes and strings say things
only a Jewish heart in love with the Holiest of Places
can say.
any one of many hills to wash in gold,
the time of day the City assumes a touch of the romantic's magic.
The religious said blessings.
The eloquent called to mind lines memorized in school
for moments such as these
and wrote new songs from notes made of beams.
Others still, held hands and kissed for all this beauty
whose truest words are whispers and sighs and halfsounds,
hints of interjections no one can put to a rhythm
not Shelley, nor Wordsworth, nor the grandsweeping Lord Byron.
And Mozart and Schumann deceive us,
trying to make keys and oboes and strings say things
only a Jewish heart in love with the Holiest of Places
can say.
At LAX
Here it is, February 22. I'm packed...I hope, checked in and ready to go. I'm joined by Steve Einstein and Larry Goldmark. Steve is wondering how he got assigned seat b - in the middle.
I am looking forward to seeing colleagues, studying and soaking in the Yerushalayim spirit.
N'siah tovah to all traveling.
L'hitraot
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone
I am looking forward to seeing colleagues, studying and soaking in the Yerushalayim spirit.
N'siah tovah to all traveling.
L'hitraot
Heidi
-- Post From My iPhone
Arriving
Landing in Israel on El Al is a familiar experience. The moment you hit the ground, the passengers applaud. Landing in Israel on Continental Airlines had been an unknown experience for me before last Friday afternoon. We landed. I waited. No one clapped. The flight attendant made the English announcement`; `'We have arrived at Ben Gurion airport. Have a nice weekend.`' Staving off feelings of disappointment, I held my breath through the Hebrew announcement until the end when the flight attendant concluded with the words, "Shabbat Shalom." Now I knew I was home.
My Israeli friend Varda met me at the airport. She now lives in Tel Aviv, although when we met 35 years ago, she was living in Jerusalem. We have been reminiscing about that initial meeting. Not surprisingly, our memories differ. Varda lived in the same building as the American friends with whom I first stayed upon arriving in Jerusalem in the fall of 1974. (It was while I was in Israel on a travel fellowship that year that I decided to apply to HUC.) The following December, we both ended up on the same Nature Preservation Society tiyul to Sinai (then still part of Israel). She remembers it was by design that we went on the same trip; I recall that it was accidental. We plan to take out the old photos in hope that they will spark our memories. We do both recall climbing Santa Katerina, a high peak crested in snow despite its location in the Sinai desert. For some reason, the Nature Preservation Society had eschewed the well-worn path up the side of the mountain in favor of pushing and pulling us up its uncharted craggy face. We also both remember how our young Bedouin guide flew bare-footed with ease up and down the mountain as we struggled for traction. I remember wishing I had brought warmer gloves.
Although I have returned to Israel a number of times since 1974, it is that maiden voyage (begun as a student fare on the cruise ship Michelangelo) that occupies my thoughts today. When I first arrived in Israel, I carried only what I could fit in the pack on my back. This time, I packed more for ten days than I did then for a year. When we returned to Varda's apartment from the airport, we walked to the beach and welcomed Shabbat by listening to a drumming circle that harmonized with the crashing surf. Yesterday we walked around Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa. If the weather in Tel Aviv has been unusually rainy and windy, Jerusalem promises to be that much colder.
We watched CSI:New York on Israeli TV last night. My hope was that reading the subtitles would reawaken my dormant Hebrew. So much has changed since that first visit. At the time, Varda was my only friend who had both a television and a land-line telephone. (That many years ago, you applied for a phone and then waited years for it to be installed. I remember being told that Israel had difficulty laying the phone cables because each attempt at digging uncovered an archaeological site that required preservation. I don't know if that explanation was true or apocryphal, but I believed it at the time.) Israeli TV gave you access to two channels, one the state-run station and the other a Jordanian channel that showed endless reruns of Kojak with Arabic subtitles. Now cable TV has come to Israel and with it thousands of programs I wouldn't watch in the U.S. Thankfully for me, cell phones have arrived in Israel as well and I have rented one for the duration of my trip. Somehow the country feels less isolated now that it has acquired satellite TV and cell phones, although that feeling remains illusory when it comes to international politics and geography.
Tomorrow I go up to Jerusalem. This convention heralds a reunion for many of us from the Israel year 1975-76. We have seen each other since but never in Jerusalem where we first met. I can't wait.
My Israeli friend Varda met me at the airport. She now lives in Tel Aviv, although when we met 35 years ago, she was living in Jerusalem. We have been reminiscing about that initial meeting. Not surprisingly, our memories differ. Varda lived in the same building as the American friends with whom I first stayed upon arriving in Jerusalem in the fall of 1974. (It was while I was in Israel on a travel fellowship that year that I decided to apply to HUC.) The following December, we both ended up on the same Nature Preservation Society tiyul to Sinai (then still part of Israel). She remembers it was by design that we went on the same trip; I recall that it was accidental. We plan to take out the old photos in hope that they will spark our memories. We do both recall climbing Santa Katerina, a high peak crested in snow despite its location in the Sinai desert. For some reason, the Nature Preservation Society had eschewed the well-worn path up the side of the mountain in favor of pushing and pulling us up its uncharted craggy face. We also both remember how our young Bedouin guide flew bare-footed with ease up and down the mountain as we struggled for traction. I remember wishing I had brought warmer gloves.
Although I have returned to Israel a number of times since 1974, it is that maiden voyage (begun as a student fare on the cruise ship Michelangelo) that occupies my thoughts today. When I first arrived in Israel, I carried only what I could fit in the pack on my back. This time, I packed more for ten days than I did then for a year. When we returned to Varda's apartment from the airport, we walked to the beach and welcomed Shabbat by listening to a drumming circle that harmonized with the crashing surf. Yesterday we walked around Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa. If the weather in Tel Aviv has been unusually rainy and windy, Jerusalem promises to be that much colder.
We watched CSI:New York on Israeli TV last night. My hope was that reading the subtitles would reawaken my dormant Hebrew. So much has changed since that first visit. At the time, Varda was my only friend who had both a television and a land-line telephone. (That many years ago, you applied for a phone and then waited years for it to be installed. I remember being told that Israel had difficulty laying the phone cables because each attempt at digging uncovered an archaeological site that required preservation. I don't know if that explanation was true or apocryphal, but I believed it at the time.) Israeli TV gave you access to two channels, one the state-run station and the other a Jordanian channel that showed endless reruns of Kojak with Arabic subtitles. Now cable TV has come to Israel and with it thousands of programs I wouldn't watch in the U.S. Thankfully for me, cell phones have arrived in Israel as well and I have rented one for the duration of my trip. Somehow the country feels less isolated now that it has acquired satellite TV and cell phones, although that feeling remains illusory when it comes to international politics and geography.
Tomorrow I go up to Jerusalem. This convention heralds a reunion for many of us from the Israel year 1975-76. We have seen each other since but never in Jerusalem where we first met. I can't wait.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Aliyat haNefesh, My Soul Ascends to Jerusalem
by Rabbi Paul Kipnes (also posted at Or Am I?).I'm in Israel now. This might be a good time to reflect upon the purpose of this trip. My Israel Adventure 2009 has three purposes:
- To attend the convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform Movement rabbis) who meet once in seven years in Israel;
- To help guide a small group of Or Ami people (a congregant and his current/future sons-in-law) through Israel;
- To make my annual Aliyat haNefesh (spiritual ascent) to our Jewish holy land.
Back on Yom Kippur 2007/5768, I spoke to Congregation Or Ami about deepening our relationship with Israel. I paraphrased the writings of my colleague (the rabbi of my youth, one of my role models) then President of the Association of Reform Zionist of America, Rabbi Stanley Davids, who called for an aliyat hanefesh, a spiritual aliyah. (My sermon also drew from the writings of Rabbi Robert H. Loewy.)
Today, on Yom Kippur, I call for a new kind of connection to Israel, an aliyat hanefesh, a spiritual aliyah. Aliyah, from the root, Ayin-Lamed-Hey means to rise up. When you move to Israel, like my (then) 19 year old niece Yonina did, we say you make aliyah. When traveling in Israel, and you go to Jerusalem, even if you are in the north traveling down south, we say la’alot lirushalayim – that you make go up to Jerusalem, rising up to our spiritual center. When you ascend the bimah to bless Torah, we say you have an aliyah, rising up to that spiritual plane.
I ask you all to consider making it a religious duty to participate in an “aliyat hanefesh, a spiritual aliyah.” Let it be “a soul-driven aliyah that places love for Israel near the center of our lives. Aliyat hanefesh could be expressed by visits for study and for vacations, by extended sabbatical stays, by making certain that our children and grandchildren have extensive personal experiences of Israel, by becoming informed advocates for Israel and by personally making certain to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut as a religious holiday each May.”
Today, this Yom Kippur, I call for each of us to recommit to the covenant with God by committing to travel to Israel soon and again. Let us walk the streets of our holy land once every 5 to 10 years. Let its holiness wash over our souls…
For me, once every 5 years is not enough. It is my hope, my goal, to lead a group of Or Ami congregants to Israel once every 12 to 18 months. So while our Or Ami Summer 2009 trip was canceled – the economy took its toll on everyone’s travel plans – this CCAR convention, and Mark’s desire to take his sons-in-law for a week of touring, provided me with the opportunity to fulfill this year’s aliyat haNefesh.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Getting ready to go!
Welcome to the CCAR Israel Convention 2009 Blog. Over here at the CCAR office in New York, we are all getting ready for the Convention, taking care of last minute details and arrangements so that we can all have an amazing and unique experience in Israel next week.
We all look forward to seeing those of you who will be joining us in person. And for those of you who will not be able to be there, we look forward to sharing the experience with you through our blogs.
N'siyah tovah,
Hara
We all look forward to seeing those of you who will be joining us in person. And for those of you who will not be able to be there, we look forward to sharing the experience with you through our blogs.
N'siyah tovah,
Hara
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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