July 3^rd,2009

 

Dear Friends,

 

Shabbat Shalom! Tomorrow we will read Parashat Balak, where the king of Moab hires the famous prophet Bilam Ben Beor to curse the people of Israel. However, in this parasha, G-d changes the curse into a famous blessing-“Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov”, which we use to open our daily prayers. In this parasha it is very interesting that while even a donkey can see a messenger of G-d, the prophet Bilam cannot, despite the fact that he is right in front of him. This teaches us that sometimes there are things that can cloud our vision and blind us from seeing the important things in the world, even if they are right in front of our eyes. Even more, this parasha teaches us that we should be careful of what we say, since our words may have a great impact on other people’s lives. Let’s hope that G-d will help all of us to only say and do good things in our lives.

 

I want to tell you about the many great things that we saw happen this week at Or Hadash-From overseas visitors, to an interfaith event, and the opening of our summer camp. These are the great things that we do not take for granted in our everyday lives here in the community.

 

On Monday, June 29^th, a group of Christian clergy of different denominations from the Boston area- lead by Nancy Kaufman and Nahma Nadich of the Jewish Community Relations Council-Boston (JCRC); Rabbi Eric Gurvis of Temple Shalom, Newton, MA; Conservative Rabbi Carl Perkis of Temple Aliyah in Needham, MA;  Reverand Hurmon Hamilton of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church in Roxbury, MA; and Marionite Archbishop Paul Sayah, representing Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan; met at Or Hadash together with Vered Yisraely, director of the Boston Haifa Partnership, and Haifa Christian and Muslim representatives, for an interfaith panel discussion and meal. The event was another link in Or Hadash’s push for more interfaith relations with Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Haifa and abroad this year.

 

 Earlier in the year, Or Hadash and the Focolare movement in Haifa organized an interfaith prayer service for peace during the war in Gaza. Also, Or Hadash has had an ongoing participation in Jewish-Christian Bible study classes, Youth exchanges through the German-Christian Dialogue group, and interfaith meetings for kids, during which they interact and play intramural soccer games. We hope that our most recent event will help build even more positive connections between different racial and religious groups in Haifa and around the world.

 

On Tuesday, June 30^th, Or Hadash welcomed Dr. Jan Katzew Director of education for the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) and Ilana Katzew, director of cantorial program at the URJ. Together with Or Hadash board member, Dr. Yishai Lachter, and my assistant Jessica, we were able to talk about the Reform movement in America and Israel, and about the optimistic future of the URJ. Jan and Ilana also taught us about making the synagogue more accessible by “breaking down walls” and letting the outside in, in a non-exclusive way- so as to reach out to those who may not necessarily be in need of the synagogue’s Jewish services at any given point in their lives.

Our good friends Jan and Ilana also enthusiastically heard Yishai’s idea for a global network of Doctors for Reform Judaism. Overall, it was such a pleasant and inspiring visit for all of us at Or Hadash, filled with warm messages and wishes from our good friends.

On Tuesday, June 20^th, Anat Perelman, Vered Ibtzan, and Pnina Sohetzky-leaders of the Or Hadash sisterhood association, met with me to discuss a new project where Or Hadash will team up with the New Center of the Family in Haifa, to work together on the Boston Haifa Partnership’s “Maagalim” project. The project’s aim will be to help Russian immigrant single mothers and their young children (Ages 2-6) integrate into Israeli society. It is set to take place 3 days a week for three hours each session, during which Or Hadash volunteers and social workers will lead the group in recreational and educational activities, such as: Storytelling; cooking; and singing therapy. The project is expected to become a long term, year round commitment, and everyone involved is very happy to get started on such a wonderful endeavor.

 

 

 

 

This week marked the beginning of the Or Hadash 2009 summer camp program-“moadonit”. The camp was designed to provide underprivileged children of single working parents with a safe and education environment during the summer months when school is not in session. Over the course of the program, children will learn how to express themselves through art, dance, and other various activities, such as learning about foreign relations, and Reform Judaism. 

 

This year’s program is expected to be a big success, with a high enrollment of children in need, and a staff of wonderful and knowledgeable teachers. We hope that as the weeks pass, we will only have more positive information to share with you all.