August 7^th, 2009

 

Dear Friends,

 

Tomorrow we will read from the Torah Parashat Ekev, which is the third portion of the book of Deuteronomy (Dvarim). In the beginning of this Parasha, G-d promises in a series of blessings, “Baruch tihyeh m’kol haamim”, May you be blessed among all nations. On Tuesday night Israel celebrated Tu (15) B’Av - Israeli Valentine’s Day, in the middle of the summer. This day falls on the time during the month of Av (August), when the moon is full. This  splendid lunar experience definitely inspires many couples, young and old, to celebrate their love and appreciation of one another at this time.

 

Now, in this time of blessing over Israel and all nations, as well as love for one another, I would like to update you-my great friends, on what happened at Or Hadash in the past week in the fields of interfaith relations and social action.

 

 

From Thursday, July 30th- to Sunday, August 2^nd, many Or Hadash board members and congregants, along with myself and family, had the chance to broaden already existing connections, as well as create new ones, with 150 Christians, Jews, and Muslims, at the Catholic Focolore summer convention at Moshav Nes Amim.

 

While there were many highlights of the convention, one of the most significant for everyone was the Kabbalat Shabbat service that Or Hadash lead.  When the Focolore asked me to do so, I thought that I would simply lead the Jews of the seminar in a typical Friday night service, but I was very moved and honored to discover that all 150 participants participated  in the service together.  Since there were only about 25 Jews there, that means that 125 Christian (Catholic)-Arabs, Muslims, and Protestant volunteers from Germany, were singing Jewish prayers alongside us, the best they could.  It was also inspiring to hear the participants' positive feedback following the service in group discussions, as many of them expressed this to be their favorite part of the conference. Some even said that they would like to come to Or Hadash for regular services!

 

It was also important to me to see my children-Elior, Ariel and Talia, playing with children of all different faiths without fear or prejudice.  I myself felt very honored when the Christian leadership took turns sitting next to me and my family during Catholic mass,  to explain the meaning behind their service and traditions.  Also, the Reverend of Nes Amim, who is originally from Germany, took the time to explain the general idea behind this unique moshav, and it’s important purpose in the State of Israel from 1963, to today.

 

All of the Or Hadash members who participated came back very enthusiastic. Participants from the congregation included: President-Yuri Kilgerman; Vice President- Mirjam Jurrman; Board members Pnina Sohezsky and Jacquelin Zohar ; and our good friends-Earl, and Shulamit

 

After three days, the general feeling was that if everyone in Israel would act like the participants of this conference, then there would definitely be no more war. Even though the general reality is somehow different, it is still important for us to realize that at least some part of our reality in our present society can show the building of a better future peace for everyone in Israel. Below you will see two pictures: One of the Kabbalat Shabbat service, and the other of children of all faiths singing together in the same house of prayer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Or Hadash, we truly believe that another initiative that will help us build a better future in Israel for the coming generations, is the integration of children who are from different socio-economic backgrounds.  As the days and weeks go on, I feel as though the children of our moadonit Kayitz- Summer camp for underprivileged children of single parent households and children at risk- are growing a greater connection to our community through the daily activities and support that they experience. Below you will see a picture of yesterday's ice cream party (one of many!) that was held for the children after a long summer day at Or Hadash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another group of new immigrants met this week for the first time, joining the group that is already taking part in our yearly summer course for those who wish to convert to Judaism. Through a series of weekly courses, participants learn and get acquainted with Jewish history, prayer, and Israeli society. The new group currently consists of 20 participants, and is growing each week. 

 

This week, the group welcomed three new members who are of Argentinean and Russian origin. Many of the participants have already noticed a great difference between their “Orthodox” background and their new found Reform Judaism, noting that they feel much for comfortable, and spiritual, in a more relaxed atmosphere such as at Or Hadash.  The group meets each Friday afternoon to study with me, and then attends the regular Kabbalat Shabbat services with other community members and guests. This gives the group a chance to apply what they have learn, and grow even closer to their new-found community here in Haifa.

 

On September 2^nd, a special session of the Maram Beit Din (Reform Religious Tribunal) will be held at Or Hadash-Haifa (Instead of in Tel Aviv), since all new candidates for conversion are currently studying at Or Hadash.

 

On Wednesday, August 5^th, members of Or Hadash, including Executive Director-Ami Perelman; President, Yuri Kligerman; Hebrew newsletter writer- Shalom Zmirin; and other members; met to discuss recent efforts to get to know our Druze neighbors in Northern Israel even better. This week, the group discussed the importance of having a “vision” for ones community. It is also vital to find a common vision that suits both groups when dealing in interfaith dialogue. In this case, building bridges through friendship and hope, can be considered a worthwhile “vision” that we all can appreciate, and be very proud of. I look forward to only more positive developments, as we continue to learn about our friends and neighbors in Israeli society.