Welcome to our community.
Last night at a newcomers welcome reception, we met several people who are now living in the Central MA area who have moved here for work or study.
Who says young people are not moving here? We are here to help make our newest members of the Jewish community find their social networks, and help them to navigate our community.
Our door is always open and we hope that anyone out there who needs assistance, guidance of just a friendly voice to speak with will reach out.
If you are reading this you probably already know about www.jewishcentral.org
This is your community...we welcome your participation in any way you see fit...and welcome, once again!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Season of Change
At this time of year, families celebrate many important milestones as they see their children and grandchildren graduate from preschool, elementary school, high school, and colleges and universities with various undergraduate and graduate degrees. Spring marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Last night we witnessed the graduation of 6 students from the Worcester Community Hebrew High program. Given their individual remarks at this ceremony, we can be encouraged that as a community our efforts and resources expended for Jewish education are paying off and our investment in our young peoples' future is a sound one. Congratulations to our graduates-Sam Shuster,Morgan Fins, Evan Swartz, Josh Kapiloff,Alice Waters, Zoe Summit and their families.
And even as we salute those who are graduating, we also acknowledge the faculty of not only Hebrew High but all of our educational institutions for their dedication and commitment to Jewish education.
And even as we salute those who are graduating, we also acknowledge the faculty of not only Hebrew High but all of our educational institutions for their dedication and commitment to Jewish education.
Friday, May 11, 2012
New Phase
This week marked the next phase in the creation of the Worcester Community Religious School (WCRS). The interim board chaired by Merilee Freeman and Mary Jane Rein handed the reins over to Karen Kaufman who together with her new board will oversee the implementation of the new school. With representatives from Federation and 3 particpating congregations-Beth Israel, Temple Emanuel and Temple Sinai-, this new board has assumed the responsibility for the operations of the new school. With a champagne toast and the shehecheyanu prayer, the mantle was passed.
Politics was in the air as well. The new coalition government in Israel has brought in the Kadimah party making this coalition more centrist and by far the largest coalition in Israel's history. Will this spark a new peace initiative, what will change in Israel's Iran policy and what impact will this have on the growing economic gap in Israeli society? Stay tuned. Information on Israel can be gleaned from several sources. Check out our website for up to date information. And check out www.jpost.com or www.haaretz.com
Shimon Peres is on a state visit to Canada and has praised the country and its staunch Israel supporting Prime Minister Stephen Harper, for its friendship and support. It, along with the US are Israel's strongest supporters in the UN and in forums around the world where other nations are only too quick to condemn Israel.
Over the next few weeks many events will be taking place in our community...I encourage you to check out our social website www.jewishcentral.org for all of our community's upcomimg programs.
Friday, April 20, 2012
From Sorrow to Joy
This past week, the community came together to commemorate the Shoah, that horrendous period in Jewish history when 6 million of our people were murdered only because they were Jewish. No one asked if they were Orthodox, Reform, Secular or totally assimilated. It did not matter how they defined themselves or how other Jews defined them; in the eyes of the Nazis, they were all the same.
At last Wednesday's program, we heard from Thea Aschkenase, who survived the Holocaust. We also heard from Jacob Maril one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, whose story of persecution and harrowing escape reinforced our fears that genocide and murder are only too frequently occurring phenomena even today.
Their stories also brought to mind several other periods in the not too distant past of the Jewish people.
Thea's heroic story continued with her attempts to reach Israel, then known as Palestine which was under the mandate of the British. After several attempts that were foiled by the British, she made it to Palestine and began her new life there.
Jacob's walk from Sudan to Ethiopia reminded me of the thousands of Jews who walked from Ethiopia through the deserts in their attempts to reach Eretz Yisrael, their holy land as depicted in the Bible. Just as many of Jacob's compatriots lost their lives through brutal attacks, hunger and thirst, so did many Ethiopian Jews.
The one striking difference between Jacob's journey and the one taken by thousands of Ethiopian Jews was that they had a destination in mind: the destination was the Land of Israel, their ancestral home and center of their hopes and dreams for millenia.
So too did Thea's desire to go to Israel come from her desire to live in a Jewish state where fear of persecution and hatred would be forever a thing of the past. Only when Israel became a state in 1948, did that dream come true.
This week we mark the 64th Anniversay of the founding of the State of Israel. Whatever one's political view of Israel is today, we can only imagine what Jewish life today would be without an Israel-a homeland for the persecuted among us, a safe haven for Holocaust survivors, a new home for a lost segment of our people, our Ethiopian family, the free and open society that welcomed over a million Soviet Jews after the Iron Curtain fell.
This melting pot of Jews is continuing to create and shape our Jewish present and future. Israel cares about its Jewish family outside of Israel just as much as I hope we care about it. It partners with us in improving Jewish education, in offering Birthright Israel trips and in helping to develop Jewish culture in all its many forms.
Let us all be proud of Israel's many accomplishments in its very short existence of only 64 years..and let us all celebrate our relationship with Israel by attending at least one of the many community Israel celebrations over the next few weeks.
Yom Huledet Sameach, Eretz Yisrael! Happy Birthday Israel!
At last Wednesday's program, we heard from Thea Aschkenase, who survived the Holocaust. We also heard from Jacob Maril one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, whose story of persecution and harrowing escape reinforced our fears that genocide and murder are only too frequently occurring phenomena even today.
Their stories also brought to mind several other periods in the not too distant past of the Jewish people.
Thea's heroic story continued with her attempts to reach Israel, then known as Palestine which was under the mandate of the British. After several attempts that were foiled by the British, she made it to Palestine and began her new life there.
Jacob's walk from Sudan to Ethiopia reminded me of the thousands of Jews who walked from Ethiopia through the deserts in their attempts to reach Eretz Yisrael, their holy land as depicted in the Bible. Just as many of Jacob's compatriots lost their lives through brutal attacks, hunger and thirst, so did many Ethiopian Jews.
The one striking difference between Jacob's journey and the one taken by thousands of Ethiopian Jews was that they had a destination in mind: the destination was the Land of Israel, their ancestral home and center of their hopes and dreams for millenia.
So too did Thea's desire to go to Israel come from her desire to live in a Jewish state where fear of persecution and hatred would be forever a thing of the past. Only when Israel became a state in 1948, did that dream come true.
This week we mark the 64th Anniversay of the founding of the State of Israel. Whatever one's political view of Israel is today, we can only imagine what Jewish life today would be without an Israel-a homeland for the persecuted among us, a safe haven for Holocaust survivors, a new home for a lost segment of our people, our Ethiopian family, the free and open society that welcomed over a million Soviet Jews after the Iron Curtain fell.
This melting pot of Jews is continuing to create and shape our Jewish present and future. Israel cares about its Jewish family outside of Israel just as much as I hope we care about it. It partners with us in improving Jewish education, in offering Birthright Israel trips and in helping to develop Jewish culture in all its many forms.
Let us all be proud of Israel's many accomplishments in its very short existence of only 64 years..and let us all celebrate our relationship with Israel by attending at least one of the many community Israel celebrations over the next few weeks.
Yom Huledet Sameach, Eretz Yisrael! Happy Birthday Israel!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Israel, AIPAC, Iran and Us.
I returned from the AIPAC policy conference with a renewed understanding of how are elected officials view Israel. Whether Democrat or Republican, the support for Israel is overwhelmingly positive. Support for Israel seems to be the common denominator on Capital Hill, even if our elected officials can't agree on anything else.
I am sure that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, feels the love. His exhuberant welcome at the AIPAC event on March 5 was probably a wonderful relief from the pounding and split opinion of him in Israel. But in DC he is a hero!
President Obama gave one of his most positive speeches on Israel and outlined for the assembled delegates how his administration has supported and defended Israel in international forums. He enumerated the items and assured a sometimes skeptical community that his support for Israel is steadfast and unwavering.
Netanyahu and Obama differ on the startegy to prevent Iran from having the capablilty of developing a nuclear weapon, although both agree that all efforts must be made diplomatically first. Where they differ is what the redline is and when does the diplomacy end.
Support for Israel within the Jewish community is strong, but nuanced. With the emergence of JStreet and other more liberal opinion groups, support for Israel can take many different approaches, and those who sometimes say they are pro-Israel, have a very different way of expressing that support.
We will delve into that issue -Who and what constitutes support for Israel- at a community breakfast forum on Sunday morning March 18 at 9:30 AM at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester. Our guest will be Professor Steven Cohen, arguably the most prominent sociologist of the American Jewish Community. Check this site for the details.
At this time, it is important to provide the context that can help us better understand the issues that the American Jewish community faces in its ever changing relationship with Israel. Hope to see you at the forum on the 18th.
I am sure that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, feels the love. His exhuberant welcome at the AIPAC event on March 5 was probably a wonderful relief from the pounding and split opinion of him in Israel. But in DC he is a hero!
President Obama gave one of his most positive speeches on Israel and outlined for the assembled delegates how his administration has supported and defended Israel in international forums. He enumerated the items and assured a sometimes skeptical community that his support for Israel is steadfast and unwavering.
Netanyahu and Obama differ on the startegy to prevent Iran from having the capablilty of developing a nuclear weapon, although both agree that all efforts must be made diplomatically first. Where they differ is what the redline is and when does the diplomacy end.
Support for Israel within the Jewish community is strong, but nuanced. With the emergence of JStreet and other more liberal opinion groups, support for Israel can take many different approaches, and those who sometimes say they are pro-Israel, have a very different way of expressing that support.
We will delve into that issue -Who and what constitutes support for Israel- at a community breakfast forum on Sunday morning March 18 at 9:30 AM at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester. Our guest will be Professor Steven Cohen, arguably the most prominent sociologist of the American Jewish Community. Check this site for the details.
At this time, it is important to provide the context that can help us better understand the issues that the American Jewish community faces in its ever changing relationship with Israel. Hope to see you at the forum on the 18th.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Winter in March
OK....did we really believe that we could get through a winter without snow. The possibility existed, and as we crept closer to spring, we became infatuated by the idea.
Well, reality does usually set in, and it did yesterday. But I still find it hard to believe that in good old New England, yesterday's weather was able to spook eveyone and cause as many cancellations as it did. On my trip up Salisbury Street, that beautiful majestic drive to the Worcester JCC and Federation, the road was clear, well plouged and easily manageable. When there is a REAL storm, the street is a hazard, slippery, treacherous and one to avoid.
Maybe it's because there have been so many unused snow days, or maybe the weather forecasters, given the uneventful winter to date, felt they needed to create a major snow panic or maybe it's because we have grown dare I say it....soft!
Whatever the reason, I hope that will be the last snowfall of the season (sorry skiers) and that spring will really be just around the corner.
And don't forget...It's Adar, Be Happy, It's Purim!
Well, reality does usually set in, and it did yesterday. But I still find it hard to believe that in good old New England, yesterday's weather was able to spook eveyone and cause as many cancellations as it did. On my trip up Salisbury Street, that beautiful majestic drive to the Worcester JCC and Federation, the road was clear, well plouged and easily manageable. When there is a REAL storm, the street is a hazard, slippery, treacherous and one to avoid.
Maybe it's because there have been so many unused snow days, or maybe the weather forecasters, given the uneventful winter to date, felt they needed to create a major snow panic or maybe it's because we have grown dare I say it....soft!
Whatever the reason, I hope that will be the last snowfall of the season (sorry skiers) and that spring will really be just around the corner.
And don't forget...It's Adar, Be Happy, It's Purim!
Friday, February 17, 2012
We're in it together
Our Worcester Community Religious School is thrilled to welcome Temple Sinai to our midst.
At a recently held Sinai board meeting, the vote was unanimous to join efforts with Beth Israel and Temple Emanuel in its initiative to create our new religious schol, scheduled to begin classes this fall.
We are indeed fortunate to have bold leadership at this time in our community's history who are willing to not just talk about change, but to see it actually happen.
Our community will be strengthened by this leadership and provide us all with new and innovative solutions to the challenges that we face a a Jewish community.
At a recently held Sinai board meeting, the vote was unanimous to join efforts with Beth Israel and Temple Emanuel in its initiative to create our new religious schol, scheduled to begin classes this fall.
We are indeed fortunate to have bold leadership at this time in our community's history who are willing to not just talk about change, but to see it actually happen.
Our community will be strengthened by this leadership and provide us all with new and innovative solutions to the challenges that we face a a Jewish community.
Friday, January 27, 2012
It's Time to Learn
Last week I along with JFCM president Natalie Rudolph visited the MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham.
We met with staff, board members and visited the classrooms. Our community has a presence at the school not only with 5 students from our area, but staff as well. In addition our young emissaries spend a day a week there developing a greater understanding of Israel.
In our community, the Yeshiva continues to provide a sound educational experience to its students and would welcome visitors to see its dynamic program.
Hebrew High continues to provide a great Jewish educational experience for our teens, and our adult education courses, lectures and discussions inspire us to discover more about ourselves and our relationship to any and all things Jewish.
This fall a new community afterschool religious school will open its doors for the first time and welcome students from Beth Israel and Temple Emanuel in a joint educational endeavor.
Yes it's time to learn...take advantage of all the community has to offer...you will not be disappointed.
We met with staff, board members and visited the classrooms. Our community has a presence at the school not only with 5 students from our area, but staff as well. In addition our young emissaries spend a day a week there developing a greater understanding of Israel.
In our community, the Yeshiva continues to provide a sound educational experience to its students and would welcome visitors to see its dynamic program.
Hebrew High continues to provide a great Jewish educational experience for our teens, and our adult education courses, lectures and discussions inspire us to discover more about ourselves and our relationship to any and all things Jewish.
This fall a new community afterschool religious school will open its doors for the first time and welcome students from Beth Israel and Temple Emanuel in a joint educational endeavor.
Yes it's time to learn...take advantage of all the community has to offer...you will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Another year
It seems that at this time of year everyone is coming up with their top ten lists-movies, songs, events.
Did you ever consider coming up with your own top ten lists? Would they include family milestones-births, marriages, bar/bat mitzvahs? Vacations?Finding a job?A new home?Being promoted?
We all have different criteria for determining what we would consider as our own top ten. Mine would include a big birthday this past year, visiting Russia for the first time and experiencing the regeneration of Jewish life there, spending the summer in Israel, and number one would be becoming a grandfather for the first time.
It would probably be a lot of fun for families to get together before the end of 2011 to develop their own top ten list. What a great way to remember those things we consider to be the most important events of our year and to keep a permanent record of our top ten events.
I hope that all of you will end this year on a very happy note and begin 2012 in the same way!
Did you ever consider coming up with your own top ten lists? Would they include family milestones-births, marriages, bar/bat mitzvahs? Vacations?Finding a job?A new home?Being promoted?
We all have different criteria for determining what we would consider as our own top ten. Mine would include a big birthday this past year, visiting Russia for the first time and experiencing the regeneration of Jewish life there, spending the summer in Israel, and number one would be becoming a grandfather for the first time.
It would probably be a lot of fun for families to get together before the end of 2011 to develop their own top ten list. What a great way to remember those things we consider to be the most important events of our year and to keep a permanent record of our top ten events.
I hope that all of you will end this year on a very happy note and begin 2012 in the same way!
Friday, December 2, 2011
December
The Chanukah-Christmas dilemma is upon us. This year Chanukah actually coincides with Christmas. For a very interesting article on how one family deals with this issue I would direct you to the December issue of our emagazine www.jewishcentralvoice.com
We will also be celebrating Chanukah this year by devoting one night's gift to Beit Singer, a home for at risk children in our Partnership2Gether region of Afula/Gilboa. This project in partnership with Beth Israel, Beth Tikvah, Temple Emanuel, B'nai Shalom Temple Sinai and the Worcester JCC will officially kick off at the family Chanukah Havdallah Happening at B'nai Shalom on Dec 17 from 6-8 PM.
There will be lots happening in our community over the next few weeks in celebration of Chanukah..check out www.jewishcentral.org for all the great info.
We will also be celebrating Chanukah this year by devoting one night's gift to Beit Singer, a home for at risk children in our Partnership2Gether region of Afula/Gilboa. This project in partnership with Beth Israel, Beth Tikvah, Temple Emanuel, B'nai Shalom Temple Sinai and the Worcester JCC will officially kick off at the family Chanukah Havdallah Happening at B'nai Shalom on Dec 17 from 6-8 PM.
There will be lots happening in our community over the next few weeks in celebration of Chanukah..check out www.jewishcentral.org for all the great info.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A Time To Give Thanks
With our fall holidays now over, we turn to one that all Americans celebrate regardless of religion or ethnicity - Thanksgiving.
There will be many of us travelling to be with family and friends. With families spread all over the country it is nice when everyone has the time off to come together and celebrate as one.
Airports will be busy, the roads will be packed and we will wonder why are we enduring this ordeal, only to be reminded what is on the other side. There have been many movies made about the trials and tribulations of family reunions at Thanksgiving. In spite of the angst, hurt feelings, unsaid sentiments, hidden emotions and family tensions, most of those movies end happily with an understanding that we all do the best that we can and that we need to do our best to tolerate one another and work out unresolved issues.
Even if we have to wait until next Thanksgiving.
Safe travels, feast on that big juicy turkey (or facsimile), and enjoy your friends and family...
There will be many of us travelling to be with family and friends. With families spread all over the country it is nice when everyone has the time off to come together and celebrate as one.
Airports will be busy, the roads will be packed and we will wonder why are we enduring this ordeal, only to be reminded what is on the other side. There have been many movies made about the trials and tribulations of family reunions at Thanksgiving. In spite of the angst, hurt feelings, unsaid sentiments, hidden emotions and family tensions, most of those movies end happily with an understanding that we all do the best that we can and that we need to do our best to tolerate one another and work out unresolved issues.
Even if we have to wait until next Thanksgiving.
Safe travels, feast on that big juicy turkey (or facsimile), and enjoy your friends and family...
Friday, November 4, 2011
Visiting Israel
What a trip!
I have just recently returned from a Federation trip to Israel. What a joy to spend a week with fellow community members exploring and rediscovering the new and modern Israel while visiting newly uncovered archaelogical sites throughout the country.
With all of Israel's many security and social challenges, it is still remarkable to learn about the tremendous strides being made by this small country in the arts, culture, technology, and medicine.
We ate at amazing restaurants where the food was plentiful and delicious. Breakfasts are always a treat. Fresh fruit, vegetables served with a variety of breads and cheeses.
One of the most important elements of a successful mission is the guide.And we had an outstanding guide. Yona Lefetsh moved from the world of High Tech to the world of showing visitors all that Israel has to offer.
We were briefed on security issues, the social challenges that Israel faces and had a very enlightening explanation of the differences between our political system and Israel's. Prior to our visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, we were priveleged to hear some personal recollections of a child of survivors who now works at Yad Vashem.
We spent the better part of a day in our sister communities of Afula/Gilboa and visited several programs that our Federation funds, and were hosted for dinner by friends from Afula/Gilboa.
We returned home excited and inspired with a much better understanding of Israel and the important role it plays in our Jewish identity and well being.
Join us in 2 years when we will going once again as a community to Israel...and ask our mission returnees to better understand how meaningful and important this trip was.
I have just recently returned from a Federation trip to Israel. What a joy to spend a week with fellow community members exploring and rediscovering the new and modern Israel while visiting newly uncovered archaelogical sites throughout the country.
With all of Israel's many security and social challenges, it is still remarkable to learn about the tremendous strides being made by this small country in the arts, culture, technology, and medicine.
We ate at amazing restaurants where the food was plentiful and delicious. Breakfasts are always a treat. Fresh fruit, vegetables served with a variety of breads and cheeses.
One of the most important elements of a successful mission is the guide.And we had an outstanding guide. Yona Lefetsh moved from the world of High Tech to the world of showing visitors all that Israel has to offer.
We were briefed on security issues, the social challenges that Israel faces and had a very enlightening explanation of the differences between our political system and Israel's. Prior to our visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, we were priveleged to hear some personal recollections of a child of survivors who now works at Yad Vashem.
We spent the better part of a day in our sister communities of Afula/Gilboa and visited several programs that our Federation funds, and were hosted for dinner by friends from Afula/Gilboa.
We returned home excited and inspired with a much better understanding of Israel and the important role it plays in our Jewish identity and well being.
Join us in 2 years when we will going once again as a community to Israel...and ask our mission returnees to better understand how meaningful and important this trip was.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Power of Women
Last Tuesday the Federation held its annual meeting. Natalie Rudolph was elected president. Natalie becomes the second woman president of the Federation. Nancy Leavitt, who now lives in Gloucester served as president from 1984-1987.
We cannot underestimate the role that women have played in the development of our community. It is indeed an honor to once again have a woman leading our community.
On our list of events on www.jewishcentral.org, you will note that a Federation woman's event is being held this Thursday Sept 22. This luncheon will feature Dr. Shira Sanders, who oversees the Womans Empowerment Center in Afula our sister community in Israel. This program is funded by our Federation.
Once again you will be able to see how the power of women makes a huge difference in the lives of so many.
We cannot underestimate the role that women have played in the development of our community. It is indeed an honor to once again have a woman leading our community.
On our list of events on www.jewishcentral.org, you will note that a Federation woman's event is being held this Thursday Sept 22. This luncheon will feature Dr. Shira Sanders, who oversees the Womans Empowerment Center in Afula our sister community in Israel. This program is funded by our Federation.
Once again you will be able to see how the power of women makes a huge difference in the lives of so many.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Here we go
Yikes! It's September. Where did the summer go?
Our last long weekend of the summer is upon us.
As the summer transitions to the fall, our level of activity grows exponentially. It seems that we are all awakened from a short nap, only to be refreshed and reinvigorated to start the rest of the day.
So many exciting things to look forward to and so many issues to debate and discuss.
New Rabbis at our congregations, Consul General of Israel to New England Shai Bazak speaking at the Federation annual meeting on Sept 13 a week before a vote on Palestinian statehood goes before the United Nations General Assembly, a mission to Israel from Oct 23-31, the final planning for a new community religious school to start operations in the fall of 2012, a new community wide adult educational program to be unveiled during the High Holidays, Torathon at a new location, Rabbi Daniel Gordis kicking off our Cotton Leadership program in November, a new community singing group, and so much more...
Take a deep breath...enjoy the end of the summer, and gear up for what promises to be an amazing fall and winter in our Jewish Community of Central Massachusetts.
Our last long weekend of the summer is upon us.
As the summer transitions to the fall, our level of activity grows exponentially. It seems that we are all awakened from a short nap, only to be refreshed and reinvigorated to start the rest of the day.
So many exciting things to look forward to and so many issues to debate and discuss.
New Rabbis at our congregations, Consul General of Israel to New England Shai Bazak speaking at the Federation annual meeting on Sept 13 a week before a vote on Palestinian statehood goes before the United Nations General Assembly, a mission to Israel from Oct 23-31, the final planning for a new community religious school to start operations in the fall of 2012, a new community wide adult educational program to be unveiled during the High Holidays, Torathon at a new location, Rabbi Daniel Gordis kicking off our Cotton Leadership program in November, a new community singing group, and so much more...
Take a deep breath...enjoy the end of the summer, and gear up for what promises to be an amazing fall and winter in our Jewish Community of Central Massachusetts.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Back from Israel
I have returned from an 8 week Sabbatical in Israel. I have shared some of my experiences with you in my weekly fedmail and will have a lengthy article in the upcoming September issue of our emagazine JewishCentral Voice.
Israel continues to be a fascinating country, where the beautiful Tel Aviv beaches compete with the beauty of the Negev desert and the Hills of Galilee. For a small country one wonders at the diversity of landscape and the geographical differences....beaches and desert, plains and mountainous regions, major metropolitan areas and communal villages.
One hears so much about this tiny country-its politics, its economy, its people. Yet so few have visited it to truly understand it.
Join us at the end of October as we experience Israel in all its many facets. For complete details check out our website www.jewishcentralmass.org
Israel continues to be a fascinating country, where the beautiful Tel Aviv beaches compete with the beauty of the Negev desert and the Hills of Galilee. For a small country one wonders at the diversity of landscape and the geographical differences....beaches and desert, plains and mountainous regions, major metropolitan areas and communal villages.
One hears so much about this tiny country-its politics, its economy, its people. Yet so few have visited it to truly understand it.
Join us at the end of October as we experience Israel in all its many facets. For complete details check out our website www.jewishcentralmass.org
Monday, August 1, 2011
Summertime in Israel
Summers in Israel are hot. The only way to escape the heat is to spend some time at the beach, preferably in the morning when the sun is not as scorching and there seems to be a nice breeze or relax in the cool air of an air conditioned apartment store or restaurant.
The beaches are packed with tourists and Sabras, especially on Fridays, when most Israelis don't work or on Shabbat when everyone is off.
This week, Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv is hosting the European sand volleyball championship which is bringing more people to the beach. The beaches in Tel Aviv while busy are clean, and beautiful. The 13 kilometer boardwalk that stretches from the old port in North Tel Aviv to Old Jaffa in the south is full of joggers, walkers, and cyclists, once again proving that in spite of the hot and humid weather, there are still some pretty strong resilient Israelis.
Several weeks ago while dining at a restaurant at one of the many Tel Aviv beaches, closer to Old Jaffa, we were surprised to see a group of Arab women in full regalia, from head to toe wading and completely dunking themselves in the Mediterranean Sea.
There husbands of course with no such dress restrictions were swimming separately in the water.
The beaches are packed with tourists and Sabras, especially on Fridays, when most Israelis don't work or on Shabbat when everyone is off.
This week, Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv is hosting the European sand volleyball championship which is bringing more people to the beach. The beaches in Tel Aviv while busy are clean, and beautiful. The 13 kilometer boardwalk that stretches from the old port in North Tel Aviv to Old Jaffa in the south is full of joggers, walkers, and cyclists, once again proving that in spite of the hot and humid weather, there are still some pretty strong resilient Israelis.
Several weeks ago while dining at a restaurant at one of the many Tel Aviv beaches, closer to Old Jaffa, we were surprised to see a group of Arab women in full regalia, from head to toe wading and completely dunking themselves in the Mediterranean Sea.
There husbands of course with no such dress restrictions were swimming separately in the water.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Youth Village and School, Kadoori
The youth village and school, Kadoori, located in the Lower Galilee was the institution that Yitzchak Rabin graduated from. In the lobby of the currently being renovated original building, the report card of the tragically assassinated prime minister was on display. I am happy to report that his behavior received an excellent grade.
There is much to describe about the school which world ORT has adopted and is being transformed into a "smart school" where technology is part and parcel of the interactive learning environment. But I want to talk about the 15 Eritrean refugees that have been rescued from detention centers and are now being taught and nurtured at Kadoori.
These youngsters escaped the war and bloodshed in Eritrea to seek refuge in a country that they had heard about that could become a safe haven for them and a place where they could find work in order to send money to their impoverished families in Eritrea. These refugees are not Jewish, and enter the country illegally. Along the way to Israel, they faced many hurdles, and near death incidents. They bribed their way across the border between Egypt and Israel and most are placed in detention centers until the government can figure out what to with them.
Here comes the magic of Israel. The director of Kadoori goes to these detention centers in the Negev and personally signs for a select number of these refugees and brings them to the school. Because they are personally guaranteed by the director, they are allowed to come under his tutelage and guardianship. They receive room, board and an education. Most of these young refugees want to travel to Tel Aviv to work in order to send money back to their families, but Hillel, the school director ' s philosophy is that providing real opportunities for these kids will be more important to them and their families in the long run. This refugee issue is one of the myriad of the many issues that Israel faces. How can a country as small and as besieged as Israel is, cope with illegal immigrants who are not Jewish, potentially flooding the country. Yet as a country founded to be a safe haven for Jews, how can it be insensitive to the needs of those in the world who are facing such intolerable circumstances in countries like Eritrea. I asked this group sitting around a table in an impromptu moment: Why Israel?
Their answer was swift and to the point. Israel is a good place, where people are treated well and where we can find jobs. In Egypt we would be killed.
Imagine that the only alternative these teenagers had was Israel.
I do not mean to diminish the ongoing issue that this illegal migration to Israel could cause. But in this one instance, the moral and ethical decision to rescue these Eritrean young men from detention is truly a remarkable glimpse of what the unofficial Israel is all about.
There is much to describe about the school which world ORT has adopted and is being transformed into a "smart school" where technology is part and parcel of the interactive learning environment. But I want to talk about the 15 Eritrean refugees that have been rescued from detention centers and are now being taught and nurtured at Kadoori.
These youngsters escaped the war and bloodshed in Eritrea to seek refuge in a country that they had heard about that could become a safe haven for them and a place where they could find work in order to send money to their impoverished families in Eritrea. These refugees are not Jewish, and enter the country illegally. Along the way to Israel, they faced many hurdles, and near death incidents. They bribed their way across the border between Egypt and Israel and most are placed in detention centers until the government can figure out what to with them.
Here comes the magic of Israel. The director of Kadoori goes to these detention centers in the Negev and personally signs for a select number of these refugees and brings them to the school. Because they are personally guaranteed by the director, they are allowed to come under his tutelage and guardianship. They receive room, board and an education. Most of these young refugees want to travel to Tel Aviv to work in order to send money back to their families, but Hillel, the school director ' s philosophy is that providing real opportunities for these kids will be more important to them and their families in the long run. This refugee issue is one of the myriad of the many issues that Israel faces. How can a country as small and as besieged as Israel is, cope with illegal immigrants who are not Jewish, potentially flooding the country. Yet as a country founded to be a safe haven for Jews, how can it be insensitive to the needs of those in the world who are facing such intolerable circumstances in countries like Eritrea. I asked this group sitting around a table in an impromptu moment: Why Israel?
Their answer was swift and to the point. Israel is a good place, where people are treated well and where we can find jobs. In Egypt we would be killed.
Imagine that the only alternative these teenagers had was Israel.
I do not mean to diminish the ongoing issue that this illegal migration to Israel could cause. But in this one instance, the moral and ethical decision to rescue these Eritrean young men from detention is truly a remarkable glimpse of what the unofficial Israel is all about.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Bad weather
Last week, Western Massachusetts suffered a traumatic experience when tornadoes touched down in several locations, including downtown Springfield. For the most part, the Jewish institutions were spared damage. However the building which houses the Harold Grinspoon Foundation was hit. Luckily all those working there were unharmed.
We have absolutely no control over natural disasters. There have been too many this year. Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis have wreaked havoc in so many parts of the world.
It brings into focus the need to take charge of what we have control over. Do we make the right decisions? Are we considerate of others? Do we take into account what really matters in life? Do we take the time to say thank you? Do we really appreciate the good things we have?
It's never too late to ask and answer those questions.
Over the next few weeks I will be blogging from Israel. Hope you take the time to read them.
We have absolutely no control over natural disasters. There have been too many this year. Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis have wreaked havoc in so many parts of the world.
It brings into focus the need to take charge of what we have control over. Do we make the right decisions? Are we considerate of others? Do we take into account what really matters in life? Do we take the time to say thank you? Do we really appreciate the good things we have?
It's never too late to ask and answer those questions.
Over the next few weeks I will be blogging from Israel. Hope you take the time to read them.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Netanyahu and Obama
This week will an interesting one.
Prime Minister Netanyahu meeting with President Obama at the White House, major speeches by Obama and Netanyahu before 10,000 delegates to the AIPAC policy conference, and a joint session of Congress being addressed by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
All this follows the major Middle East foreign policy address given by President Obama on Thursday.
What will be the results of all these meetings? We will see...but it will be interesting!
Prime Minister Netanyahu meeting with President Obama at the White House, major speeches by Obama and Netanyahu before 10,000 delegates to the AIPAC policy conference, and a joint session of Congress being addressed by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
All this follows the major Middle East foreign policy address given by President Obama on Thursday.
What will be the results of all these meetings? We will see...but it will be interesting!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Post Passover Blues
Are any of you suffering from post Passover blues?
Probably not....after all as much as we might like matzah, it does get a bit tedious.
Yet, aren't we lucky...onion matzah, whole wheat matzah, chocolate covered matzah, egg matzah, vegetable matzah crackers, and so many different varieties- yet it's still matzah.
Now that we are past Passover, the community moves into high gear. The next 6 weeks are filled with events, programs, annual meetings, not to mention all the graduations that so many of you will experience.
Take a look at our community calendar at www.jewishcentralmass.org and join in the fun. There is something for everyone and if not, let me know...and we'll see what we can find together.
Probably not....after all as much as we might like matzah, it does get a bit tedious.
Yet, aren't we lucky...onion matzah, whole wheat matzah, chocolate covered matzah, egg matzah, vegetable matzah crackers, and so many different varieties- yet it's still matzah.
Now that we are past Passover, the community moves into high gear. The next 6 weeks are filled with events, programs, annual meetings, not to mention all the graduations that so many of you will experience.
Take a look at our community calendar at www.jewishcentralmass.org and join in the fun. There is something for everyone and if not, let me know...and we'll see what we can find together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
