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That is why Temple Beth Sholom includes Israel as one of our five core values.
Our personal identity as Jews is connected with Israel in three domains – with Am Yisrael (the People of Israel); with Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel); and with Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel). We encourage each of you, wherever you are in your Jewish journey, to continue to discover your personal bond with Israel.
Casting your ballot for the Vote Reform Slate (Slate 3) will:
World Zionist Congress Election March 10 – May 4, 2025
Vote Reform (Slate 3)
Temple Beth Sholom is part of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and we encourage everyone to vote, and when you vote, cast your ballot for the Reform Slate, called “Vote Reform”, which is Slate 3 on the Ballot.
This is your chance to stand up for democracy, security, and peace in Israel.
Who can vote? To vote, one must be:
There is also a $5 registration fee. In the United State we are not used to paying to vote as we pay local and federal taxes in the US to subsidize the high cost of running elections. The $5 fee is the only way to raise the money to cover the cost of this election.
What is the World Zionist Congress Election?
Temple Beth Sholom is on the Ballot
We are very proud that at Temple Beth Sholom, six of our members and staff are delegates on the Vote Reform Slate, some of whom are in the under 35-year-old category:
Let’s cast enough votes to get them all elected to the WZC!
How to Vote
We ask every member of the Temple Beth Sholom Community to vote in the WZC Election March 10 – May 4, and cast your ballot for the “Vote Reform Slate” slate 3.
To learn more about the Vote Reform Slate, go to www.vote4reform.org
Welcome to another in our series exploring the volunteer experiences of our members in Israel after October 7, 2023.
My Volunteer Experience in Israel – by Anita Grossman
I had contemplated going to Israel to volunteer for several months. My concerns with making the journey were: what would I do, where would I stay, how would I get around, and then how to choose the right time with my already scheduled trips. Finally, when having an opportunity to go on another trip to a new destination, I decided that it was more important to go to Israel. So, I posted on the TBS Lovers of Israel WhatsApp Group Chat that I was looking for someone to go with me to Israel to volunteer in September 2024. I was so excited when Cathy Tighe responded that she was interested! We then began to plan our important work. With the help of Marc and Karen Rivo and Malka Mordujovich, we put together a rather loose 10-day itinerary.
During our first week, we stayed at the Maxim Hotel in Tel Aviv which gives discounts on rooms for volunteers. It was full of volunteers from all over the world, all participating in different opportunities, from picking vegetables, stocking distribution centers, taking people to therapists and doctors, serving food to soldiers in the Gaza envelope and those who just finished volunteering with the IDF on military bases. Each day, Cathy and I decided what we wanted to do. Transportation was available for some of the activities; however, we learned to navigate the buses, trains, and ride shares. One day we rented a car with 2 other volunteers and drove to Shuva Junction, where we helped prepare and serve food to our soldiers fighting in Gaza who have an hour or two respite and must stay in the fighting envelope. Another day, we took a bus provided by a program called Leket Yisrael and picked eggplant in Tevul, right on the Gaza border. We also stocked distribution centers in Tel Aviv and visited Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
Week Two was spent with the program Livnot U’Lehibanot (To Build and Be Built). This is a five to seven-day program for adults 21 and up. It is a great opportunity for college students and young professionals. During the morning and early afternoon we painted the living quarters of the Thai farm workers on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, so that the workers could return to the kibbutz. We also painted the interior of a community center that was sponsored by JNF. In the afternoon, we were taken to the site of the Nova massacre, the Sderot police station, the car cemetery, and other significant sites. The entire program was planned and staffed by professionals who were wonderful to work with. At a barbeque, we provided for the soldiers protecting Kibbutz Alumin. I got a private tour of the dairy farm, which of course was full of COWS! (For those who don’t know me, I have an extensive cow collection).
These were just some of the highlights of my trip. Everyone we met was so appreciative of our presence. I truly believe that our brethren in Israel are not only protecting our homeland but are protecting Jews around the world. We need to help those who are making the sacrifice of leaving families and livelihoods to fight. We need to help rebuild our Land so our people can return to their homes and Israel survives. I am hoping to return in the next few months, so if anyone wants to join, please let me know. There are volunteer opportunities available for all.
Our Israel Stories, Part 2 of 3
Temple Beth Sholom Volunteers Respond to the October 7th Massacre in Southern Israel
After the terrible events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists in Gaza invaded Southern Israel, Temple Beth Sholom responded immediately, educating our Kehila (community), sending supplies, donating money, traveling to Israel, and participating in rallies and events in solidarity with our beloved Israeli brothers and sisters. We want to bring you the stories of some of our members who have traveled to Israel over the past year to volunteer their time and energy to help and bear witness. Their words are moving and inspiring. Last month we brought you reflections from the Rivo family. This month we bring you a story from Jose Fraga, along with a reflection on his recent trip to Israel with the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA).
Jose Fraga, Volunteered in February 2024
In February 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Israel, engaging in various activities that left a lasting impact on my life. Among these, I picked tomatoes at a moshav and packed boxes of food for displaced people from the North. However, the most memorable experience was participating in Chaialim del Asado, which translates to “Soldiers of the Barbeque.”
This unique initiative was organized at army bases, where volunteers like me cooked and served meals to young soldiers. The organizers were “olim chadashim,” new immigrants to Israel, primarily from Argentina and other South American countries. My role was to cook and serve the meat, a task that brought me immense joy and fulfillment.
Meeting soldiers from Argentina, my birthplace, added a special touch to the experience. The soldiers were incredibly appreciative and expressed their gratitude for the special “South American cut of meat” prepared with love. Their warmth and thankfulness made the experience even more rewarding.
Volunteering with Chaialim del Asado was not just about providing a meal; it was about creating a sense of home and comfort for the soldiers. The camaraderie and shared cultural heritage fostered a deep connection, making this experience truly unforgettable. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community when we’re united and the impact of small acts of kindness.
World Zionist Congress Election
Documenting Our Mission to Israel: A Journey with ARZA
This past month, Jeff Agron and I embarked on a powerful and enlightening journey to Israel, as part of an ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America) delegation. This mission proved to be an immersive experience that gave us a deeper understanding of the current issues facing Israel and its people.
Our itinerary was packed with meetings and discussions that offered a comprehensive view of the political and social landscape. We met with various government officials, including Members of Knesset (MKs) from various political affiliations. These conversations were instrumental in helping us grasp the diverse and often polarizing perspectives within Israel’s political sphere.
In addition to our political meetings, we met with leaders of national institutions such as the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael). These discussions highlighted the critical work being done to support the values upon which Israel was founded. As is stated in Israel’s Declaration of Independence “the development of the country shall be for the benefit of all its inhabitants, based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants.”
We also connected with grassroots organizations like Rashut HaRabim (translates roughly as Public Sphere) in Jerusalem, which are working tirelessly to foster community by organizing religious events that reach across and unite all strands of Judaism.
The primary purpose of our mission was to learn to become better advocates for the ARZA slate in the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections in 2025 (March through May). These elections are crucial, as they will shape the future of many policies and priorities within Israel and in the Diaspora. It is more important than ever that we, as Diaspora Jews, understand the issues at stake and actively participate in this democratic process.
Israel is facing existential challenges. The nation is engaged in a multi-front war of a scale and duration not seen since the War of Independence. This existential threat requires our unwavering support and solidarity. Additionally, there are internal threats from extremist parties within the government. The influence of ultra-Orthodox factions in the WZC threatens to undermine the liberal democratic values that are essential to Israel’s identity. In the 2020 WZC election, only four religious-right parties ran. In the upcoming election, there will be nine. These parties represent our opposition in the upcoming WZC elections.
As Diaspora Jews, it is our duty to advocate for a strong and secure Israel that upholds the principles of a liberal democracy. We must ensure that Israel remains a homeland for all Jews, where equality and justice prevail. Our recent trip has reinforced the importance of our involvement and the impact we can have by exercising our right to vote in the WZC elections in 2025.
This mission was incredibly meaningful, as it provided us with a firsthand look at the pulse on the ground in Israel. I urge all members of our community to stay informed, get involved, and support the ARZA slate in the upcoming elections. Together, we can not only hope but also act to shape a future for Israel that reflects our shared values and aspirations. We will provide more information in the upcoming months.
Project 24, Thanks for Giving. Get involved. Temple Beth Sholom in conjunction with the Greater Miami-Dade Jewish Community, is taking part in a very special program to honor first responders and their families from the kibbutzim that were attacked on October 7. These families are heroes, and we are bringing them to Miami to honor them and for some much-deserved healing time. Miami is one of more than 30 New York and Florida Jewish communities hosting the 28 kibbutzim communities for a week-long delegation called Thanks for Giving. On Miami Beach, we are hosting eight families from Moshav Yated from November 11-18. If you are interested in getting involved in any way, please contact Jeff Agron. We will host the families for Shabbat dinner and service on November 15. Registration will open soon.
In November, we welcome Hanassi Rabbinic Fellow Rabbi Yael Katz from Israel to our TBS community. Temple Beth Sholom is honored to participate in the John and Suzanne Golden Hanassi Rabbinical Fellows Program. This is an exciting opportunity to expose our congregation to the Israeli Rabbinical Program of the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. It is also a chance for us to create lifelong ties with Israelis and their communities. Rabbi Katz will be with us from November 1-10, 2024 (and again from March 13-22, 2025). There will be many opportunities to engage with Rabbi Katz.
The Israeli government’s system of religious services consists of hundreds of rabbis employed by the state – chief rabbis, city rabbis, neighborhood rabbis, rabbis of regional councils, and of kibbutzim and moshavim. All of them are Orthodox men. In 2013, as a result of our legal struggle, the State began to fund Reform and Conservative rabbis, but instead of employing them directly, financial support is funneled through the movements.
Now, while Israel is still at war, and while so many needs require extra government funding, like helping displaced families, reservists, and wounded soldiers, the government has decided to push a bill that will dramatically increase the number of Orthodox rabbis employed by the State. This bill is nicknamed “The Rabbis Law” or “The Jobs Law”, since it will give the ultra-Orthodox controlled Chief Rabbinate the power to appoint hundreds of additional rabbis in cities all over Israel, including in secular cities where the municipality refuses to employ them.
Take action in support of Israel and advocate to raise awareness about October 7. Many people are uninformed or misinformed about the atrocities or simply won’t acknowledge what happened. There is a new film about the massacre at the Nova party, called, “#NOVA.” It’s a 54-minute-long film, which shows the evidence of the horrifying massacre on October 7. The testimonies were photographed by Hamas terrorists, ZAKA volunteers, and survivors. A group of people are trying to get Netflix to show the film on their platform and thus raise awareness and show the whole world what happened that day. We have been asked to share the information below so you can help. What can you do? (You don’t need a Netflix account to suggest the movie.) First, clickhere. Second, request the documentary in English: “#Nova by Dan Pe’er”, in each of the slots (there are a total of 3 slots; fill them all with the same answer), and click Submit Suggestion. Finally, share this message and instructions with friends and family! You can watch the trailer here.
Israel Resources
Here is a website with the most comprehensive, legitimate list of organizations to support Israel: https://www.standwithisrael.co.il/
- To see the most up-to-date list of volunteer opportunities in Israel, click here.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
An update from the Israel Committee: take the time to watch Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz’s sermon (46:42 time stamp on the video when you click the image); watch this video on Kveller where musicians turn a classic Israeli song into a rock anthem (worth watching); listen to “You’ve Got a Friend” with David Broza and Osher Beniso, a lone soldier from Long Island; and look at these photos from the Washington, D.C. Rally where Rabbi Loiben and Director of Congregational Engagement Mark Baranek were among those 290,000 present. We would also like to ask you to read this article from the Jerusalem Post.
Dear Friends,
October 7th— A good many conceptions—even fundamental values—were impacted by the events of the past two weeks. All of us feel challenged on a variety of levels and are wrestling with our reactions
“רק על עצמי לספר ידעתי”
“I can only share my own story,” writes our beloved poet Rachel (Rachel Blubstein). In a similar vein, writing to you is an opportunity for me to share what I’ve gone through as a father, an Israeli, a human being and a Jew.
On that “Black Shabbat,” I was awakened by a siren. It felt surreal and in my imagination, I heard shouts and screams of children (as was actually the case in a different part of the country). I was unwilling to accept the fact that a war had erupted, particularly in light of the fact that our younger son Itamar was on active duty in the same area. And I’ve always been good at denial…
I finally climbed out of bed and entered the living room, glued to the television. All Israelis have fears in time of war about Army officials knocking at the door to deliver the most horrendous news. I wasn’t willing to consider such a personal scenario and the tension colored my interaction with others that day.
It wasn’t clear what was going on. There were rumors about terrorists capturing kibbutzim but reports were nebulous. The powerful security wall between Israel and Gaza was one of the foundations of our national security. How on earth was it possible to penetrate it? But that is what happened and the terrorists swept through virtually all the villages in the “Gaza Envelope” in unbelievably large numbers, executing terrible war crimes. It appears that before Simchat Torah 5784 we were living in a different conceptual world , a world of fantasy.
We were fortunate that day. Itamar was only lightly injured while heroically engaged in battle for eight hours. He is now recuperating at home. We are coping.
The war has raised a number of existential questions here in Israel:
What will be the future of Israel? Is it as safe as we always assumed? How do we remain loyal to our morals while fighting an inhumane enemy, intent upon ensuring that he will not dare contemplate attacking us in the future?
The war has produced an unbelievable outpouring of volunteers and spontaneously formed voluntary organizations working for the common good, encompassing former political adversaries—but I fear that the basic political tensions remain dormant and continue to constitute a danger. Many Israelis feel helpless and are astounded at having been so disappointed by the government and the defense establishment.
The pogroms—yes, pogroms—that we experienced were devastating. We mourn for the lost lives of civilians and soldiers and are gripped by concern for our children who have been called up for duty.
About 220 of our brothers and sisters were forcibly taken to Gaza, included among whom are a large number of foreign workers. This is almost impossible for us to grasp.
“Releasing the captives” is a major commandment, which we dare not ignore as we continue to attack the terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. Our Rabbis teach us that captivity is worse than hunger or a plague. We must not lose time!!
BRING THEM BACK NOW!!
I wish to add that your heartfelt messages of solidarity and concern mean a lot to me. They truly strengthen us. Thank you. Please continue to present the cause of Israel as strongly as possible to those around you.
As a community we are immersed in pastoral care for bereaved families and support for the huge number of people that were evacuated from their homes in the Northern and Southern borders.
We Remain One People.
כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה
All of Israel are responsible for one another.
Fondly,
Rabbi Ezra Ende
Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz joined local leaders and community members, as well as fellow first responders, gathered at Miami Beach Fire Rescue Station No. 2 Monday morning, November 6, for a special sendoff for eight firefighters heading to Israel to volunteer in the war-torn nation.
The sendoff began with a surprise procession from children at a local Jewish school, singing songs, waving the Israeli flag, and sharing cards with the firefighters to thank them for their service.
The firefighters will be deployed for two weeks, traveling first to Tel Aviv, and then given assignments there, Jerusalem or Haifa as needed, through the Emergency Volunteers Project. The nonprofit was formed in Israel, with the goal of providing assistance during times of emergency, such as natural disasters, and large-scale incidents of terrorism or war, according to its website.
As of the writing of this article, Israel, and in many ways the entirety of the Jewish people, is at war. The war has been raging these many weeks since the horrific and brutal attack on Ha’aretz by Hamas. We have read about and have seen the unspeakable atrocities that occurred on October 7th: we are devastated, we are horrified, and we are heartbroken for all of those lives that were lost and for all of those whose lives which are irrevocably and deeply damaged. We have also witnessed a shocking increase of antisemitism in all of its various forms, here at home and across the globe. But know this: we are also resolute as jews and Zionists in standing by Israel, as we have for the past 80 years. Temple Beth Sholom has and will steadfastly be one with the people, the land, and
The Israel Pillar Committee has been hard at work and has re-focused its efforts, closely aligned with temple leadership, in support of Israel and Israelis, and as well our congregants here at home. (I would be remiss without expressing a deep appreciation for the commitment and efforts of the old and new members of the IPC, as well as our staff liaison Jeff Agron, and the unflagging support of Mark Baranek and our clergy.) Our Israel support is concentrated on the following areas: financial support, materials support, and information.
In summary: our financial support is focused on directing donations to the Miami Jewish Federation Emergency Fund, the Magen David Adom, the IMPJ & IRAC Emergency Campaign, and to Israel Bonds. (Of special note, as of this writing TBS has committed to an institutional purchase of Israel Bonds in excess of $100,000 via the Glickstein Foundation.) TBS also participated in a very special program with the City of Miami Beach, to send two firefighters of the MBFD to Israel for two weeks to replace those Israeli firefighters who were called back into the IDF. All of these efforts will remain ongoing. While the central focus of TBS support is on monetary donations, the temple is now also getting involved with other congregations’ efforts at collecting much needed supplies for IDF units and displaced/impacted Israeli families.
To aid in this area, we have set-up a collection bin for needed supplies and are also coordinating a weekly volunteer supplies drop-off at Skylake Synagogue in North Miami Beach, which has been a local leader in the collection, shipment, coordination and distribution of these supplies into Israel. Many of you may have noticed the ACT NOW for ISRAEL table in the Welcome Center, which affords opportunities for our children to fund-raise through sales of items they have made while at school, as well as opportunities for adult congregants to donate to the funding resources mentioned above.
We are also aligning closely with AIPAC to aid in their efforts at supporting Israel here in the US through having a dedicated iPad at the ACT NOW table, enabling individuals to not just donate, but to participate in AIPAC’s congressional and other governmental letter campaigns to our elected representatives. Our efforts in information/education are geared towards both, age-appropriate student learning opportunities and of course adult opportunities. These opportunities are focused on keeping congregants informed on news and news analysis, first-hand accounts of what has happened and what’s happening now, and providing strategies for how to communicate about Israel with younger family members, and questioning friends and colleagues. Finally, know that our efforts are ongoing and new ways and opportunities to support and stand by Israel will continue to emerge, and anyone who is interested in joining the Israel Pillar Committee and engaging in this important work should reach out to me at any time.
Rabbi Ende’s letter (above) is a moving account of what he and his family experienced on October 7th and beyond. Also, it provides meaningful insights into what Israelis and Jews are facing in this new world we are now living in. – Jonathan Sepsenwol
The Jewish Agency for Israel brings Jews to Israel, connects Israel to Jews, and helps build a better society in Israel and beyond. The Jewish Agency’s mission is to inspire Jews throughout the world to connect with their people, heritage, and homeland, and to empower them to build a thriving Jewish future and a strong Israel.
The first mobile app to bring you digital content from dozens of sources tailored to your personal preferences and interests.
Taglit-Birthright Israel (Hebrew: תגלית), also known as Birthright Israel or simply Birthright, is a not-for-profit educational organization that sponsors free ten-day trips to Israel for young adults of Jewish heritage ages 18–26. Taglit is the Hebrew word for discovery. Join more than 400,000 Jewish young people from 66 countries who have received the gift of a free trip to Israel!
Looking for a life-changing experience in Israel? Masa Israel Journey makes it easy for you to connect to transformative, immersive programs in Israel. Masa Israel Journey, a public-service organization founded by the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Israel, together with The Jewish Agency for Israel, is the leading organization in the long-term Israel experience space, and it sets the industry standard. With more than 200 different options, Masa Israel Journey can help you find the ideal way to connect to your Jewish identity and freedom to explore your own personal, academic, and career interests. Masa Israel Journey also offers scholarships, provides expertise, and supports you throughout the entire process of finding the Israel experience that’s right for you. Masa Israel offers a diverse portfolio of two-to-twelve-month study, service, and career development programs for young Jews ages 18-30. Since its founding, over 100,000 young Jews from more than 60 countries have participated in Masa Israel programs.
The Times of Israel is a Jerusalem-based online newspaper founded in 2012 to document developments in Israel, the Middle East, and around the Jewish world. The Times of Israel has no partisan political affiliation. It seeks to present the news fair-mindedly and offers a wide range of analysis and opinion pieces.
The Jerusalem Post is the leading news source for English-speaking Jews since 1932. This publication covers Israel news, updates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle East and the Jewish World.
Ha’aretz means the “land of Israel”. Founded in 1918, Ha’aretz is Israel‘s oldest daily newspaper. The paper’s editorial content is considered left of center.
YNet News is the online English-language Israeli news website of Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel’s most-read newspaper, and the Hebrew news portal, Ynet. YNet News was established in 2005 in Tel Aviv to provide reporting and news from Israel and the Middle East to the Israeli community and its readers.
AIPAC is a bipartisan organization of United States. citizens dedicated to strengthening, protecting ,and promoting the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of both countries. AIPAC’s staff and citizen activists educate decision makers about the bonds that unite the U.S. and Israel and how ensuring that the Jewish state is safe, strong and secure is in America’s best interest.
Are you going to Israel or have Israeli family and friends, and want to speak Hebrew with them? Learn conversational Hebrew and enrich your mind. The synagogue offers Hebrew language classes. Many websites and helpful learning aids can help you translate Hebrew to English, help you learn Hebrew words, and help you practice your conversational skills.
Subscribe to Hebrew podcasts and learn Hebrew at your own pace through user-friendly video and audio lessons, flash cards, games, and newspapers.
This is a free website offering an easy way to learn the common verbs and how to say them in present, past, and future tense, and in gender, single and plural tense.
A family member or friend from Israel sent you an email or PowerPoint presentation or an article in Hebrew? Just cut-and-paste words and paragraphs from English to Hebrew and Hebrew to English using this free website.
Israel Committee Co-Chairs
Jonathan Sepsenwol
LIAISONS
AIPAC – TBS Liaison Miriam Steinberg
AIPAC Miami Clubs Danny Hertzberg/Mark Meland
Brothers for Life Project Daniel Nir
David M. Dubrow Scholarship in Israel Neil Dubrow
Taglit (Birthright) Stuart Rohatiner
Magen David Adom Andrew and Brenda Nullman
BESHTY Israel VP Goldie LieberPerson
SLJ – Israel / Hebrew Curriculum Carl and Robin Linder
Innovative School Israel / Hebrew TBD
Israel Summer Trip & Bnei Mitzvah TBD
Israel Committee Staff Liaison: Mark Baranek
School for Living Judaism: Barb Shimansky
BESHTY: Rabbi Joanne Loiben
4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
[email protected] | 305-538-7231
Innovative School: 305-532-4756