Report of the Israel Task Force - March 2003

BJ Israel Programs in 2002-2003

BJ Responds - The Crisis In Israel – We have compiled a list of organizations that are working tirelessly, reflecting numerous options for financial contributions. All of these non-governmental organizations are working, in their own ways, to end violence and the impact of violence on individuals and whole communities, and to promote civil and human rights.

Summer trip to Israel – The past two summers, a group of BJ members, accompanied by one of the BJ rabbis, traveled to Israel to study at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and to talk with Israelis. BJ is taking another trip to Israel this summer of 2003. In addition, BJ's Hebrew School teachers will be going to Israel this summer (see Hamidrasha section).

Israel Bonds – The BJ Finance Committee has increased our purchase of Israel Bonds by 200% (from $50,000 to $150,000).

Sukkot Kite Project – The Hebrew School participated in a beautiful old/new ritual to link us to the children of Israel and help sustain and uplift our collective dreams of peace. Modeled after an event begun several years ago at Yad Layeled, the Children's Memorial of the Ghetto Fighters Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei Haghetaot, our students built, decorated, and flew kites in Central Park on September 23, 2002. They will share this experience with students in Israel through photos, letters and shared learning.

Israeli Children's Art Show – An exhibition of Israeli Children's art from schools all over Israel was on display in Frankel Hall from December 8, 2002 through January 8, 2003. The exhibit explored children's reactions to the current turmoil in Israel and was a moving experience for viewers.

Hamidrasha Returns – Hamidrasha will return to BJ in the spring of 2003 to continue their work with the BJ community. Activities this year include staff development for our Hebrew School teachers, interchange with our Women's Retreat, and a community conversation with the BJ Congregation. The program will include a trip to Israel in the summer of 2003 for our Hebrew School teachers. We also are working with Hamidrasha to develop our communal Beit Midrash curriculum.

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) – In addition to regular programming, BJ will be hosting an Israeli Shuk weekend on May 3 and 4 featuring merchandise from vendors in Israel and helping to support the shortfall in the Israeli economy. Our Yom Ha'atzmaut program will feature "The Many Faces of Israel," an exploration of some of the different cultures and people living in Israel today.

Israel Parade – A group of members from a variety of committees (Family Life, Hebrew School, Israel Committee) are organizing increased BJ participation for the parade route. The parade will take place on June 1, 2003.

New Israel Fund/Congregation Connect – BJ will choose a program or organization in Israel with which to partner around a specific issue of concern. BJ will raise $5,000 annually for three years to support this specific issue or organization. Each year, we will choose another project to support.

Scholars from Israel - Five of the six scholars invited to BJ this year came from Israel: Dr. Moshe Halbertal, Melila Hellner-Eshed, Rabbi Mordechai Gafni, Dr. Aviva Zornberg and Rabbi Ohad Ezrahi.

Masorti Rabbi Support - We have the special opportunity to support the Masorti Movement (conservative movement) in Israel by sponsoring one of the extraordinary graduates of Machon Schechter, the Masorti Rabbinical School in Jerusalem. Claudia Kreiman has become Rabbi of Noam, (youth movement of the Masorti) and BJ's partner in disseminating the Torah of Israel in a series of interactions over the year with our congregation.