by Rabbi Uri Regev Yonatan Ariel’s detailed response to my op-ed regarding the Global Jewish Forum’s seminar about Haredim and the Jewish Collective almost had me convinced. I might have accepted his assessment that the matter had been fairly considered, had I not had close acquaintance with the Jewish Agency’s dealing with religion and state in Israel, or had I not read Robbie Gringras’ praiseworthy post regarding the considerations which shaped the JGF seminar. But, I did have the benefit of these things, as well as the State Comptroller’s recent report, and therefore remain unconvinced. In some sense, Ariel’s reply further confirms my feeling of unease with this program and others like it; it exemplified the reluctance of broad Jewish leadership to touch this hot potato in a … Continue Reading
5,000 Individuals Participate in Aliyah Fair in Paris
A record-breaking 5,000 people from throughout France have thus far visited an aliyah fair taking place in the heart of Paris today, the same day as the French run-off election. The fair, organized and run by the Jewish Agency, is being attended by Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Natan Sharansky, as well as by representatives of various Israeli local authorities and government bodies, who are meeting with participants and presenting them with various opportunities for settling in Israel. Jewish Agency Chairman Sharansky noted emotionally that thousands of members of the French Jewish community had visited the fair. “I cannot recall having seen such a massive number of people interested in aliyah since the days when lines of people stretched out of the Israeli embassy in Moscow,” said … Continue Reading
The Global Jewish Forum: Facts and Vectors about Haredim and the Jewish Collective
by Yonatan Ariel Rabbi Uri Regev writes about the Jewish Agency’s Global Jewish Forum on Haredim and the Jewish Collective. His chief concern is that the participants were shielded from contentious facts and clear statistical trends. This he suggests leads to a distorted picture of reality and an inappropriate base upon which to assess interventions - which in Rabbi Regev’s view are urgent. I think that his perspective represents a misplaced view of what was offered. Those present at the Forum were exposed to data and Rabbi Regev’s characterization of Dr. Neri Horowitz’s expertise and its relationship to such data is mistaken. There are shortcomings with the Global Jewish Forum and choices are made amongst compelling alternatives. However the shortcoming claimed by Rabbi Regev is not … Continue Reading
Did The Global Jewish Forum on Haredim Face the Facts?
by Rabbi Uri Regev Recently, the top leadership of worldwide Jewish communities convened in Jerusalem for the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency meeting. In a relatively rare programming initiative, five hours of the three-day gathering were dedicated to the topic of “Haredim and the Jewish Collective”. Makom, created by the Jewish Agency to enhance and nuance conversation about Israel, designed the day’s program. As we at Hiddush are deeply devoted to the vision of Israel as a thriving Jewish and democratic society, Makom’s aim of “careful honesty [rather] than breezy avoidance” speaks profoundly to us. But however well intentioned the Jewish Agency and Makom’s goals were in confronting these issues, I fear they did not provide the assembled Jewish leadership with the … Continue Reading
Rules of Engagement: Giving to Israel Despite Reservations
[This post was originally published October 20, 2009 in PresenTense Magazines' Philanthropy issue. As a part of our continuing discussion on Jewish philanthropy, we are reprinting.] by Josh Buchin For many young Jews, the subject of philanthropy for the sake of Israel does not occupy much of their time. Whether it's because the issue is too political or too overwhelming, the topic often gets pushed aside in favor of other forms of philanthropy. But for some young Jewish philanthropists, Israel is an area that truly speaks to them. PT sat down with young philanthropists to discuss why giving to Israel can be an important and relevant issue in our day-to-day lives. “Theodor” wishes to remain anonymous. He is an active lay leader in the Jewish community of Luxembourg. Tell us a little … Continue Reading
Passover in the Desert
60 strong, adults and children of all ages, hailing from San Francisco, SoBay, EastBay, East East Bay, Los Angeles, New York and Israel, celebrated Passover in the desert. The event symbolized the Mishmash community mini-exodus as a reminder that we CAN pack up our necessities and go to a different place where we can build a home, share meals, games, learn about our Jewish tradition, thoughts and reflections and feel free to do and be whatever we want. The event was a joint effort by two Young Adult Leadership projects - RU-JU-LA in Los Angeles and MishMash in San Francisco. Following the event, one participant told eJP, “The event was wonderfully put together with a lot of care and planning. I personally had a great time getting away from the civilizations, celebrating Passover, … Continue Reading
1000 Gather in Moscow for Limmud FSU
Moscow's seventh Limmud FSU conference for Russian-speaking Jews opens today at the Klyazma retreat center near Moscow. One of the central themes will focus on Russia as a society undergoing change, both in general and in particular for its Jewish citizens. Limmud FSU conferences are considered to be the most prestigious of Jewish cultural events in the former Soviet Union and one thousand participants have registered to attend, both the largest ever Limmud FSU event in Moscow and, the flagship event on the Limmud FSU calendar. Chaim Chesler of Limmud FSU, speaking on the eve of the Moscow event, said, “Our dream was to present to the new generation of young Russian-speaking Jews throughout the world, topics which are close to their hearts and excite their imagination, such as Jewish history … Continue Reading
Ethiopian Olim Guided through Model Seder
Mivasseret Zion, Israel (April 2, 2012) - The little girls stood on stage holding up a child’s painting of the Ten Commandments, quietly but confidently singing “Who Knows One,” the traditional Passover song about Jewish icons such as the Five Books of Moses, the Four Matriarchs, the Three Patriarchs, the two Tablets that Moses brought from Mount Sinai, and the Oneness of God. It could have been a scene from any number of school Passover presentations, but these children were new immigrants to Israel from Ethiopia, demonstrating their Jewish knowledge for family members who, with them, are about to celebrate their first Passover in Israel. This Friday night, an estimated 5,500 members of the Falash Mura community will hold seders together in absorption centers throughout Israel, … Continue Reading
Jewish Peoplehood from Abstract to Action: We Did It
by Smadar Bar-Akiva It is not an easy task to translate the abstract notion of Jewish Peoplehood into action. And even more so, to develop a positive sense of belonging that is not anchored in sorrow and grief; a connection that celebrates cross cultural differences while striving to find common ground. At the World Confederation of JCCs we have just deciphered this secret. How? Several months ago, together with our trusting partners (see below) we launched the Global Jewish Connections Fellows program. We recruited 13 lay leaders ages 25-45 from 11 JCCs in 7 countries - Argentina, Bulgaria, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and USA - in order to train them as global Jewish leaders and social entrepreneurs. These incredibly talented fellows are as diverse as can be. What do they have in common? … Continue Reading
Conference of Russian-Speaking Jewish Educators Taking Place in Israel
A first-of-its-kind conference of Russian-Speaking Jewish educators and leaders is taking place in Israel this week. The conference, an initiative of the Jewish Agency and Genesis Philanthropy Group, is aimed at creating a professional community of Russian-speaking Jewish educators from around the world who can provide the the high-quality Jewish education the Russian-speaking demographic is looking for. Attending are some 150 educators and young leaders active in Russian-speaking Jewish communities in the United States, Israel, Germany and the former Soviet Union, including in Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and elsewhere. These educators are thought leaders in their communities and are constantly engaged in strengthening ties to Israel and to Jewish culture. Participating in lectures, laboratories … Continue Reading
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