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Our Reform Movement in Israel is at a crossroad - the hard-fought
achievements of our brothers and sisters will either make the break-throughs
for which they have labored, or we will lose the momentum that brought
us to this point. Our organizations have come together at this
historic moment to create the
Reform Israel Appeal - won't you join us? Your help at this
critical moment can make a difference in the lives of Reform Jews in
Israel and for all of us.
Despite
the lack of governmental recognition, the Israel Movement for
Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) now fosters 25 congregations, as well as
educational and cultural programs, two kibbutzim, a rabbinic
association and growing political clout. The Israel Religious Action
Center fights for immigrant rights, women rights and equal access to
government support for our congregations. Israeli citizens are yearning
for an alternative to Orthodoxy or a secular lifestyle devoid of our
rich religious heritage. They are seeking what we provide
- dynamic, vibrant and progressive Jewish community.
The global economic crisis is felt even more acutely in Israel than
here in North America. And yet, Israelis are signing up for our
kindergartens, municipalities are utilizing our religious educational
programs, and thousands are seeking us out for b'nei mitzvah
ceremonies and weddings. After years of legal challenges, the government
finally is providing plots of land for us to build synagogue buildings.
But we need your help for our movement in Israel to grow and
meet this demand.
Our rabbis are in place. The buildings are ready to be opened. The
programs have been designed. We need you to make success possible.
Please
click here to make a special contribution
at this critical time. (Canadian residents, go to
www.arzacanada.org.) And on behalf of every Reform Jew in Israel,
thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Peter Weidhorn
Chairman
Union for Reform Judaism |
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Rabbi Eric Yoffie
President
Union for Reform Judaism |
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Barbara Friedman
Chair
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion |
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Rabbi David Ellenson
President
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion |
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Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus
President
Central Conference of American Rabbis |
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Rabbi Steven Fox
Executive Vice President
Central Conference of American Rabbis |
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Rabbi Robert Orkand
President
Association of Reform Zionists of America |
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Steve Bauman
Chairman
World Union for Progressive Judaism |
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Les Rothschild
President
ARZA Canada |
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