• From the Editor's Table
• Awakenings - Dvar Torah
• Annual General Meeting - New Board Elected
• A Growing Kehillah - Kehillat Hod Vehadar
• A New Approach to Services at Kehillat Moreshet Yisrael
• Noam Chanukah Leadership Seminar
• Marom and Taglit (Birthright)
• Contact information
• Subscriptions and distribution

From the Editor's Table

Rabbi Elisha Wolfin writes that Tu B'shvat is a time for conserving strenth for future growth (see below) and that certainly is a good metaphor for the Masorti Movement at this time. One of the things that gives me strength and hope are the Masorti programs like the Bar-Bat Mitzvah for the Special Child program which on May 8th, will honor founder Judith Edelman-Green and celebrate its ten-year anniversary.

As part of the celebration, ten children from the Onn school in Tel Aviv who have Cerebral Palsy will mark their initiation into the adult Jerusalem community in the presence of family, friends, graduates of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, and staff from all over the country at Kehillat Moreshet Avraham in Jerusalem. A festive luncheon at the Diplomat Hotel in Jerusalem - donated by the Mul Hahar restaurant in Jerusalem - will help ensure that all proceeds of the celebration will go toward strengthening the already successful program. For more information, please contact Zivah Nativ.

Rabbi Paul Arberman
Editor

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Awakenings - Dvar Torah

In these dark and cold and wet months, it seems as if nature has gone to sleep for the winter. To the eye, it looks like nothing is happening. But in fact, the opposite is true - it is just happening deep within the ground. As the strong winds blow, the tree lets go of its leaves of the past year and concentrates on strengthening its roots and limbs - the true essence of the tree.

This is the important lesson of Tu B'shvat, for we are like the tree. There is so much going on inside of us - so much that is not always available for others to see. The cold strong winds of our lives, the challenges and difficult times in life, give us pause to consider what is the true essence of our being and to draw strength from that core. But when the conditions or the opportunity is right - our inner selves flourish and our creativity shines outward allowing others to appreciate what has been developing within.

Trees can't come inside from the cold to warm themselves in a cozy home - they turn inward for a time to prepare for future growth. We can learn from them how to stand tall in life, about how to conserve and build strength and about vital inner spiritual growth.

Rabbi Elisha Wolfin
Kehillat Veahavta, Zichron Yaacov

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Annual General Meeting - New Board Elected

A spirit of unity prevailed at the Masorti Movement's Annual General Meeting held in Beersheva on December 29th. The day began with a lecture on "The Israeli Jewish Identity and the Challenges in Developing Masorti Congregations," by Maayanot (Jerusalem) congregant, Dr. Ezra Koplovich.

Discussions on the direction and future of the Movement followed. The highlight of the day was the election of a new board,led by Moshe Cohen, an independent businessman from Ramat Yishai who was elected National Chairperson. Moshe has previously served as the chairman of his synagogue and as the national chairman of the forum of congregational chairpeople. Dr. Irit Zmora, the outgoing chairperson, was thanked for her service and dedication to the movement and will continue as Deputy Chairperson.

The board reflects the national character of the movement in terms of geography and background; National Chairperson Cohen is from Northern Israel, and much of the board is from Southern Israel. The board includes, native Israelis, South Americans and English speakers. The newly elected board includes Maury Schneider, Treasurer; and the following chairpeople for committees: Dina Matmon, Kehillot development; Jorge Broido, youth programs; Rabbi Ari Bursztein, education; Ronit Dolberg, finance; Amalia Bitelman, immigration; Rabbi Peretz Rodman, initiatives and reactions.

The General Assembly was brought to a close with Chanukah candle lighting and evening services, led by NOAM representatives who came to advocate for their programs and express solidarity with the movement.

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A Growing Kehillah - Kehillat Hod Vehadar

In December Kehillat Hod Vehadar of Kfar Saba held a Shabbat dinner to celebrate and welcome 14 new families into the congregation. One hundred and forty members and new families celebrated the biggest one-time membership increase in the history of the congregation, which now has a membership of 210 families.

In addition, the numbers are especially significant as most joined for "not bar-mitzvah" purposes and included more native-born Israelis than in years past.

Each new family introduced themselves and explained why they joined the synagogue. The larger than usual enrollment was attributed to a successful High Holiday season in which over 700 people attended services. Posters for the High Holidays invited those looking for a spiritual outlet in a modern, warm and observant atmosphere. Hod Vehadar board members introduced themselves, and described programs offered by the Kehillah and some of the new members volunteered to help with upcoming events.

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A New Approach to Services at Kehillat Moreshet Yisrael

Adam Frank, new Rabbi of Kehillat Moreshet Yisrael in Jerusalem, introduced a new program to attract and meet the needs of Jerusalem's growing egalitarian population. On Shabbat day December 3, 2005 (parshat Toldot) services at Moreshet Yisrael were in the style of a more contemporary Carlebach approach. Whilethe traditional liturgy was followed, tunes were chosen which encourage people to participate more.

There was a strong turnout of 150 people, many of whom were local Masorti rabbinical seminary students who attended Moreshet Yisrael services for the first time. Another first for the congregation was the offer of free childcare during the service and a number of couples with young children participated.

The reaction of the synagogue's members was quite positive. Many enjoyed the new style and requested that we think of offering this type service on a more regular basis. Discussions and planning are underway for the next Carlebach Shabbat at Moreshet Yisrael. One element of the day has become permanent - childcare will now be provided during the services every Shabbat morning.

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Noam Chanukah Leadership Seminar

Some 100 NOAM high school students and staff participated in the annual Chanukah Leadership Seminar on "Tfillah, Jewish Spirituality and Me." The program consisted of workshops and discussions, led by the Mo'atza (the high schoolers' governing board), and took place for the first time in Eshel HaNassi Youth Village near Beersheva.

The Seminar included a Tikkun Olam project in the Ayalim student village, south of Beersheva. This unique project was initiated (among others) by Danny Glicksberg, a NOAM graduate. Unfortunately, due to budgetary restraints, the members of Hadracha Course (9th graders) could not participate in the Seminar, as opposed to past years. However the Seminar ended on a high note as many of the Mo'atza members joined the Masorti Movement's Annual General Assembly in Beersheva, to take part in the discussions about the future of the Masorti Movement, together with representatives of all the Masorti movement's congregations.

Ze'ev Kainan
Director of NOAM

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Marom and Taglit (Birthright)

Marom had a very successful few weeks as its members spent a Shabbat with Taglit mission made up of members of Koach and USY. Over 45 Israeli and American students participated in the Shabbat program held at the Fuchsberg Center in Jerusalem. In addition to praying and eating together - Taglit participants spent their first Shabbat in Israel with Israelis their own age discussing aliyah, Zionism, Jewish identity, life in Israel, and the personal Jewish histories of the participants.

On Shabbat morning, the Israeli students took the visiting Americans students in small groups to visit local synagogues to experience Israeli services. The unique Masorti Shabbat ended with a musical Havdallah, bringing to a close the third Marom-Taglit Shabbat in the past few years.

Marom is also proud to announce renewal of activities in Haifa. In December this branch got off on the right note with special guest musician, David Broza. Broza spoke and performed on the topic of Jewish music in worship, popular culture and all aspects of Jewish life. Twenty-five students sang and discussed the Jewish music that was essential to their Jewish identity. Thanks go out to the Garin Nahal of the Masorti Movement, which helped with planning and attendance. New students signed up and are looking forward to the next program.

Olya Weinstein
Marom Coordinator

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Contact Information

e-masorti is produced by the Development Department of the Masorti Movement in Israel.
13 Ben Yehuda Street, PO Box 7559, Jerusalem 91074 ISRAEL Web: www.masorti.org
Telephone: +972 (2) 624 6510 ext. 24  Fax: +972 (2) 624 6869  E-mail: development@masorti.org

Donations

Israel and all other countries: to the offices in Jerusalem (above).

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Subscriptions and Distribution

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