Masorti Olami Tribute Event "Encounter of the Americas"
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On
December 4, 2016, Masorti Olami's successful Annual Tribute Event took place at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. Over two hundred and thirty people from eleven different countries celebrated the Conservative/Masorti Movement and offered tribute to three most deserving honorees. The theme of the evening was "Encounter of the Americas" to highlight the amazing interaction of Masorti Jewish life across the Americas.
Rabbi Marcelo Rittner
from the Bet El Community in Mexico City was the first Latin American to receive the prestigious Rabbi Mordecai Waxman Rabbinic Leadership Award. Bet El has now started the Rittner Fellows Program in order to train the next generation of Masorti leadership.
Cantor Elias Rosemberg
from Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts was presented with the Hiddur Mitzvah Award. Elias was part of the first graduating class of the Beit Asaf Cantorial School at Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano Marshall T. Meyer and has added a new and exciting Latin American dimension to this special community and across the Boston area.
Marion Mayman
from Beth David B'nai Israel Beth Am in Toronto, a true leader and a deeply committed volunteer, received the Rabbi Benjamin Z. Kreitman International Leadership Award. Marion never seeks credit for herself and accomplishes great tasks in an unassuming and thoughtful manner. She is the Immediate Past President of MERCAZ-Canada and currently serves as the Vice President for MERCAZ Olami and the Canadian Zionist Federation.
After a celebratory and festive dinner, everyone assembled for a memorable program in the historic Moorish sanctuary, featuring uplifting music and inspirational speeches which reflected on the state of world Jewry and the many and varied examples of the successes of the Masorti Movement. Over $235,000 was raised to continue the essential work that Masorti Olami does to support and strengthen its worldwide communities.
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Tu B'shvat and Dr. Stephen Wolnek Z"l
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As we celebrate Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for trees, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami reflect on our commitment to the Land of Israel. Our love for the Land of Israel encompasses its bounty and the responsibility we all have for the environment. We value the custom in Israel of planting trees on Tu B'Shvat. New trees are small but possess the potential to reach great heights. Like the trees, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami continue to grow with new goals, programs and communities.
In the spirit of invigorating the Land of Israel, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami remember our friend and leader, Dr. Stephen (Steve) Wolnek z"l. In Deuteronomy 20:19, it says "Man is [compared to] the tree of the field." Steve was a man rooted in his love for the Land of Israel and devoted to planting the seeds of the values of Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami.
"This lovely recreation area in Shoresh Forest, which commemorates the life, work and values of Dr. Stephen ("Steve") Wolnek, will become a center of activity where members of the Masorti/Conservative Movement, young and old alike, will get in touch with nature, the Land and the State."
On behalf of Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami, we would like to thank all of you who donated toward the recreation area in the Shoresh Forest in memory of Dr. Steve Wolnek z"l. The dedication ceremony held on November 3, brought together friends, family and Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami supporters to remember and honor Steve z"l in this lovely area in the Jerusalem hills.
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Masorti Europe Seminar in Nice, France
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A
group of lay leaders from across Europe, along with representatives from Israel, NOAM Olami and Marom young adults, enjoyed the warm and welcoming hospitality of the Maayane Or Masorti community in Nice, France, during the Masorti Europe Seminar. Masorti Europe aims to promote Masorti Judaism in Europe by helping to develop new communities and by supporting and strengthening existing ones. The community invited all participants at the weekend to join them at their lively Shabbat services and the communal meals prepared by the members in their unique Nicoise style. A special tefillah in Hebrew, French and English was recited for rain and to protect those in danger during the fires then raging in Israel.
Rabbi David Touboul
, Rabbi of Maayane Or, thanked Masorti Olami and the WZO for their continuing support.
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Hanukkah in Ukraine
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On the first night of Hanukkah, Rabbi Reuven Stamov, of the Kiev Masoret community, lit the Hanukkiah that stood in Kontraktova Square, in the center of the city of Podil, Ukraine, in the presence of representatives of Jewish organizations and local government. In this historically Jewish region, this was the first time that a public Hanukkah candle lighting has taken place.
"The celebration of Hanukkah is very important and symbolic. Right now Ukraine is going through such difficult times similar to those the Jews have faced - defending their country against a much stronger enemy. This Menorah is a symbol of hope for victory, peace and prosperity for Ukraine." - Rabbi Reuven Stamov
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AYA Convention in Uganda
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On
Nabugoye Hill in Uganda, over 170 young people gathered for five days in January for the annual Abayudaya Youth Association (AYA) Convention. AYA is the local youth movement which is part of the global NOAM Olami network of Masorti/Conservative youth groups. Along with sports, music and a talent show, there were learning sessions explaining many of the brachot, halachot for Shabbat and the young peoples' responsibilities within the community.
Amit Stern,
the Director of NOAM Israel,
led a special session on the benefits of unity and peaceful voting and Moshe Munialo was elected the new AYA president.
"It was quite amazing. Special thanks goes to all the AYA partners and donors including Masorti Olami, NOAM Olami and USY. Your continuing support for this annual youth convention has impacted the Abayudaya youth as a result of lessons learned at every convention." - Musa Munyalo
"Special thanks go to USY and Masorti Olami for supporting and enabling us to have this opportunity where we meet together and we learn more about Masorti Judaism. We really appreciate it." - Prince Bwati Keki
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Taglit NOAM Argentina
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I
n the Old City of Jerusalem, the 40 participants of Taglit NOAM Argentina felt at home.
Reut Yahav,
Director of NOAM Olami, guided the group through the Old City with the last stop being a private home, that of Reut's grandmother. She welcomed them into her home and talked with the NOAMists about her Aliya, her life in Israel and her service to the community. A program followed introducing NOAM Olami chapters throughout the world and about NOAM Olami activities. In this home, together they appreciated the values of NOAM and the meaning of global family.
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NOAM Elise Camp B'Yachad in Argentina
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Shlichim from NOAM Israel, USY in America, NOAM Brazil and NOAM Chile joined 650 NOAMists from kehillot throughout Argentina at the annual summer camp, NOAM Elise Camp B'Yachad. NOAMists look forward to camp all through the year. This is their time of learning, playing and building friendships in a Masorti community that they create - building their tents, leading tefillot, participating in activities, welcoming new friends, learning leadership skills and strengthening their connection to the values of NOAM.
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Onward NOAM Olami 2017
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What?
Six weeks of NOAM leadership training in Israel combined with a professional internship.
Who?
Masorti youth leaders ages 18-27 from around the world.
Why?
1.
Experiencing day-to-day life in Jerusalem while working and living together as locals.
2. Enhancing your Hadracha and leadership training skills, strengthening your NOAM/Masorti identity together with your Halachic Jewish knowledge.
3. Learning from each other by sharing your experiences and Hadracha knowledge.
4. Developing your professional future and enriching your resume through a high-level internship.
5. Using this experience to develop your Masorti youth movement back home.
When?
June 14th - July 24th 2017
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