Rabbi Daniel Brenner on Birthright Israel to be Rescheduled
What is the Israel Committee?The Israel Committee is the new kid on the block. Growing out of interest within the congregation and last year’s theme of Klal Yisrael (unity of the Jewish people), the Israel Committee was proposed and approved by the BK Board in January. The first effort of the committee was to compose a Mission Statement.
Bnai Keshet Israel Committee Mission Statement
The Israel Committee aims to promote the relationship between the Bnai Keshet community and Israel. We aim to learn about and make connections with the people and the land of Israel in historical, spiritual, cultural and community spheres. As Reconstructionist Jews we acknowledge the centrality of Israel in Judaism. We will provide resources, programs and a forum for respectful discussion of all aspects of our relationship with Israel.
The First Steps
The Committee meets every month to plan activities and facilitate connections with Israel throughout the BK community. There are presently 20 members on the committee and we welcome others to join. Our activities so far include: an Israeli dinner at BK followed by viewing a provocative Israeli movie “What a Beautiful Place” at the NJ Jewish Film Festival; an evolving Israel Bulletin Board with pictures of BKers in Israel from as far back as the ‘60s and ‘70s to our Birthright college students this year; Our Hebrew School students learning about Israel firsthand from Shiri, an 18-year-old from Rishon Israel through MetroWest JCC; Promoting Passport Israel at Bnai Mitzvah and providing matching funds; Celebrating Yom Ha-Atzmaut/Israel Independence Day at a BK Shabbat Service.
Israel … Who, What, Where?
In the coming months, the Israel Committee will continue to work on a number of aspects of our relationship with Israel:
- Getting to know Israelis,
- Exploring our feelings about Israel,
- Increasing our knowledge and experience.
From time to time, we will have opportunities to meet with visiting Israelis in small group settings in the synagogue or in members’ homes. Through these meetings, we hope to build relationships and to further our understanding of life in Israel. Some Israelis who come to our area will be involved in interesting causes and projects in Israel. Others may be colleagues, family and friends of our congregants who can talk to us about their lives. We invite all BK members to join us in creating these opportunities for connection. To participate, contact Lauren Meyer.
Israel Dialogues (see attachment below)
Up, Up and Away...BK Goes to Israel
The charge of the Israel Committee is to promote the relationship between the BK community and Israel by making connections with the people of Israel and the land of Israel. The most direct and significant way to achieve these connections is through a synagogue trip to Israel.
The response to the Israel Committee Israel trip survey was very positive. A wide range of congregants, including those who had never been to Israel, Israel trip veterans, families and adults indicated that they wanted to go. As a result, a task force representing the entire congregation has been formed to plan the trip. Stay tuned for dates and all the information you’ll need.
Other Israel Committee events for the coming year include, in addition to the Dialogues, our second annual NJ Jewish Film Festival movie night, a poetry reading by Jewish and Arab Israeli poets, a trip to a Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv vs. Knicks basketball game, and a Yom Ha-Atzmaut/Israeli Independence Day celebration. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Lauren Meyer.
Join us …
Even if you’ve never been to Israel, are unclear about how you feel, or don’t really know that much about it, please join in our activities and discussions as BK’s relationship to Israel develops.
For more information, contact Lauren Meyer, Israel Committee Chair.