Shalom Chaverim,

The State of Israel turns 75 years old this year, on the 5^th of Iyar (April 26).

We should take a moment to step back from the day-to-day turmoil, and appreciate this amazing milestone for the Jewish State.

The State of Israel is a miraculous achievement.  The only sovereign, Jewish country in 2,000 years, Israel gathered a diverse population from all corners of the world and built an economic, cultural and military powerhouse, based on principles of freedom, equality and justice.  Israelis have much to be proud of and we, as their family, are entitled to feel pride also.

Lee Weisser, President ARZA Canada (right) with Temple Emanu-El Shinshinit Hila Meltzer at Purim

As Reform Jews, we can also be proud of the growth of Reform Judaism in Israel.  Secular Jews want to explore their religious heritage, but in a modern context.  Many have found a home in the Reform movement.

In the last decade the presence of Reform communities doubled to 54 congregations. 

In just the last 2 years, Reform congregations in Israel performed over 3,000 Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, 1,500 egalitarian weddings and 400 conversions. The Reform movement has active programs for youth, pre-army, and young adults, as well as Israel’s premier social action organization – the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC).

We pray that the current tensions subside, and Israelis can have a joyous celebration of Israel at 75.

Members of Temple Emanu-El sing Hatikva to celebrate [email protected]

We continue to encourage our members to support Israel’s Reform movement during the current crisis, as they stand to lose up to $1.5 million of annual funding under the current government coalition, which openly seeks to impede non-Haredi streams of Judaism.

Please donate here.

With gratitude for your support,

Lee Weisser

ARZA Canada President