Israel

Established in 2003, our Israel Committee has organized and hosted various exciting and educational activities:

  • Sponsoring annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) Shabbat services and special Onegs;
  • Organizing and running a highly successful campaign for the World Zionist Organization Congress election (TBS cast the second highest number of votes among all congregations in Virginia in 2005-2006, resulting in a resounding victory for the Association of Reform Zionists in America (ARZA), a URJ affiliate that represents the Reform movement at the World Zionist Congress, which debates and takes positions regarding religious rights and equitable funding for the Reform Movement in Israel (see www.arza.org); Hosting “Herzl: Up Close and Personal,” an exhibit celebrating the

Established in 2003, our Israel Committee has organized and hosted various exciting and educational activities such as:

  • Sponsoring annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) Shabbat services and special Onegs;
  • Organizing and running highly successful campaigns for the World Zionist Organization Congress elections in support of the Association of Reform Zionists in America (ARZA), a URJ affiliate that represents the Reform movement at the World Zionist Congress, which debates and takes positions regarding religious rights and equitable funding for the Reform Movement in Israel; 
  • Hosting speakers on issues relating to Israel, including Israeli journalists and commentators Amir Tibon (currently at Haaretz and previously at Walla Walla) and Lahav Harkov (currently at Jewish Insider and previously at the Jerusalem Post);
  • Hosting “Herzl: Up Close and Personal,” an exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, and presenting educational sessions on Herzl and the exhibit to all grades in the religious school.

The committee is very proud that since its inception the Temple’s commitment to Israel-related activities has expanded significantly. These activities include:

  • Congregational trips to Israel led by our rabbis;
  • Creating and maintaining our relationship with our sister congregation in Jerusalem, Kehilat Har-El;
  • Several Israeli Reform rabbis visiting our congregation as scholars-in-residence;
  • Taking action to support equal religious rights for women in Israel, especially their right to pray at the Western Wall.

We welcome and encourage participation of all congregants in developing ideas for programs, planning and implementing programs, and attending our events. We are committed to providing a safe space for all views and opinions, consistent with the mission of ARZA to strengthen and enrich the Jewish identity of Reform Jews in the United States by ensuring that a connection with the land, people, and state of Israel are fundamental parts of that identity.

Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about our committee and/or becoming a participant in our activities.