We begin Shabbat with Kabbalat Panim (a social gathering) at 5:30 pm in our Social Hall. This is an opportunity for the community and guests to congregate and enjoy a light nosh before services.
David Bernstein (Israel Reform Movement) will join us for services to discuss the World Zionist Congress elections.
What You Need to Know About the WZC (World Zionist Congress) Elections
The World Zionist Congress represents the world’s Jewish people. Established by Theodore Herzl in 1897 to promote Zionism around the globe, the WZC meets in Jerusalem every 5 years. The next meeting is in Jerusalem in 2020, and about 500 Jews will attend from all over the world, representing all denominations.
Voting is the only way North American Jews can weigh in democratically about
issues in Israel. The US currently has 145 delegates in the WZC, the largest single delegation outside Israel. Of those delegates, 39% represent the Reform Movement. These US delegates have ensured that more than $4 million/year ($20 million/5 years) is directed to Israeli Reform Movement and its causes. By comparison, the Israeli government provides $1.1 billion/year to Orthodox & Haredi institutions in Israel.
More Reform votes = more influence to support the Reform Movement’s values and positions. These include:
o Religious freedom and equality
o Personal status issues (marriage, divorce, conversion)
o Access to holy places, such as the Kotel
o Commitment to a two-state solution
o Gender rights
o Combatting racism
o Women’s leadership
o Support for Reform synagogues and education in Israel
o Transparency in government funding
Voting is open to: Those age 18 and over (by 6/30/2020) who self-identify as
Jewish, agree to the Jerusalem Program (the official platform of WZC and the
Zionist Movement), and agree to pay a minimal processing fee of $7.50.
MOST IMPORTANT: Voting is quick (about 2 minutes), easy, and accessible by computer or cell phone. Let us know if you’d prefer a paper ballot.