Between Us – January 2015 Cast a Vote for Reform Values in Israel As Jews, lovers of Israel and unconditional supporters of Israel’s right to exist, we are well aware of the many serious challenges confronting Israel today as well as the threats faced by the Jewish people everywhere. In addition to the existential questions confronting the state, as Reform Jews, we are also faced with serious questions concerning societal and institutional values. Questions like: -Will Israeli society and institutions respect and fairly treat all denominations, regardless of level of observance? -Will gender equality be the norm – where men and women can pray and live as equals? -Will we see lasting peace with security and stability for the land and people of Israel? These are serious questions that not only affect our relationship with Israel, but which will shape the soul of the country in the years to come. Anshe Emeth is committed to help shape its future. Together, we have an opportunity to advocate for an Israeli society that represents our values and our vision for Israel – a vision in which the ideals of pluralism, equality and peace are accepted. TO BE SUCCESSFUL, WE NEED YOUR HELP and YOUR PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT!! In October of 2015, the World Zionist Congress (WZC) will convene in Jerusalem. This “Parliament of the Jewish People” will debate and make decisions about critical issues that shape Israel and influence how it will fulfill the dreams of its founders—a pluralistic and democratic Jewish State. You have a critical voice in that discussion. How? In the upcoming election, you have the opportunity to vote for the ARZA slate thereby assuring that ARZA’s delegates represent our values in the United States’ delegation to the WZC. The delegation from the United States is selected by an election conducted by the American Zionist Movement (AZM), an election which will take place from January 15, 2015 until April 30, 2015. Voting is easy and can be completed online or by paper ballot. All Jews over the age of 18 (as of June 30, 2015) can vote. One need not be a member of any other organization or Jewish institution in order to vote. These elections are the strongest way for US Reform Jews to promote and encourage the progressive ideals of social justice, equality and democracy in Israel and help build the kind of Jewish state we dream of - a Jewish state that holds true to the ideals of religious pluralism, the growth of Reform Judaism in Israel, women’s equality in all areas of life, democracy, and a solution to the ongoing conflict. The election is also important because the composition of the WZC has both financial and policy implications in Israel, as resources are allocated based on the number of seats a party holds and the policy positions of those parties. ARZA, representing Reform Judaism, is asking every American Jew who holds these values dear to stand with us. Here is what we hope you will do in the coming weeks: Pledge to Vote: pledge to vote for ARZA - Representing Reform Judaism at reformjews4israel.org between now and January 14. Pledging is easy and quick. Vote: Beginning January 15 – April 30 we ask you to vote. You will be able to do so on line or with a paper ballot. In the coming weeks you will receive more information about voting. Because the election itself is self-financing, the cost for voting is $10.00 for those over age 30 and $5.00 for those 30 and under. Spread the word: Please encourage others to vote - family, friends and fellow congregants. If you are interested in helping our campaign activities, please contact Sara Levine who is heading up our election team, at VoteARZAslsl@gmail The future of K’lal Yisrael is in our hands. Let us join with Reform and progressive Jews across the country and make sure that our voices are heard. Rabbi Bennett F. Miller
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015