Masorti Foundation News Service

August 8, 2019 7 Av 5779

Dear Friends, We're pleased to send you this second edition of the Masorti Foundation News Service. Our aim is to bring you news of Masorti/Conservative Israel in a format that makes it convenient for you to share with your congregants--through your emails, your online newsletters or your printed communications.  We want to be your source of information about the wonderful activities and achievements of Masorti rabbis, students, families and government officials--everything that concerns life in the Masorti Movement in Israel. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Masorti Foundation News Service, so please email me your ideas and comments at garonoff@masorti.org. Gideon Aronoff Executive Director

P.S. If you're not responsible for synagogue communications, I'd be grateful if you would forward the email to the person who is.

Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Masorti Movement, Speaks at Israel Democracy Institute

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Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Masorti Movement, speaks at the Israel Democracy Institute regarding the status of state and religion around the world in a report issued by the United States State Department. It's in English and it's fascinating to hear Yizhar's take on separation of religion and state.   Video

Egalitarian Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel

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This year marks 18 years of Masorti facilitation at Ezrat Yisrael, the Family Kotel. That's 18 years of happy bar and bat mitzahs, weddings and other lifecycle events. And now we have a new tradition...Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel. The first Shabbat saw over 400 people attending a joyous service of heartfelt prayer, song, dance and community...but no mechitza! Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel has become a regular event for many Israelis who want Shabbat in their lives but want it in an egalitarian style. Word Doc

Jewish Agency Head Addresses Annual Meeting of Masorti Movement, July 8th

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On Monday, July 8th, 5 Tammuz, the general meeting of the Masorti Movement was held. Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac (Bougie) Herzog reported on "The State of Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People."   His participation is an acknowledgment of the growing importance and influence of the Masorti Movement in Israel. With over 800,000 Israelis identifying with Masorti and other liberal streams of Judaism, it’s clear that our voices are being heard and taken seriously on issues of pluralism, democracy and halachic practice. The meeting, held at the Yedid Nefesh kehillat in Modi’in, included rabbis, community leaders, and members from all over the country.  The Yedid Nefesh community is in the spirit of the Masorti Movement. In kehillat Yedid Nefesh, prayer and Jewish life unite families into a warm and supportive community.  It’s the perfect place to hold the Masorti Movement’s general meeting and to welcome Chairman Herzog.

Observing Tish B'Av in israel

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To close this Masorti Foundation News Service, we share a beautiful Israeli rendition of Eli Zion Ve'areha, in observation of Tish B'Av, courtesy of Rav Siach. Video Yehuda Amichai Poem in English & Hebrew  Lyrics in Hebrew

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