A YEAR OF HOPE

Goodbye to 2020!

Together we look ahead to a time when the pandemic is under control and we can return to a more normal rountine, even if not exactly pre-Covid. But the road ahead will be bumpy.

Israel is rolling out the vaccine faster than most countries, but is suffering its third lockdown in ten months. Israelis are also thrust into a fourth election campaign in two years. At a time when stability is needed, there is even more uncertainty.

But we don't throw up our hands in despair. The pandemic has taught us the power of hope and the power of collective action.

Our colleagues in Israel continue to work for social justice, religious pluralism and equality. Let’s make sure that 2021 is our time to speak out to ensure a Jewish and democratic Israel.

STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT WITH ISRAEL IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Support for Israel is a key principle of our Reform Jewish values. We each have our own perspective on what Israel means to us, based on our personal interests and experiences. Our Rabbinic tradition makes room for discussion and debate. We are encouraged to respect and honour differences of opinion and thought.

What do you think of when you think of Israel?

Is it the land, the people, the history? Is it the modern Hebrew language, Israeli music or Israeli politics?

Working with our Reform communities and the Union for Reform Judaism, ARZA Canada will develop a strategy to enhance Israel engagement in all our congregations. This strategy includes listening to all voices.

Three members of the ARZA Canada board have joined the new Israel Leadership Network of the URJ. In conjunction with Rabbi Josh Weinberg and other lay leaders, we'll create ways for all Reform Jews in Canada to develop a strong, informed, deep and meaningful connection to Israel. Our representatives are: Mark Paidra (Temple B'nai Tikvah - Calgary), Lee Weisser (Temple Emanu-El - Toronto) and Judith Wiley (Temple Israel - London).

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN 2021

The U.S. and Israel: Will the Relationship Change?

Thursday, January 7 -- 1:00 PM ET

As President-elect Joe Biden gets set to takeover, what will change, and how will the new administration approach Israel and the Middle East? What will they continue from the previous administration and where will they change direction? Join us for a high level discussion and analysis with world renown experts.

Amb. Dan Shapiro
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes
Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institute

Jonathan Tepperman
Editor at Large, Foreign Policy Magazine

Event will be livestreamed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARZAUS and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZFvjjAMY3KEpL9jE7az4g

Sights, Flavours and Stories: A Second Virtual Israel Tour

February 8-12, 2021 -- 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET

Join us from the comfort of your home as we embark on a second virtual tour of Israel! Experience off the beaten track sights, flavours and places that you have never seen before. Meet our guide Ishai from Fig Trips who will travel with us on the ground in Israel at a later date. Meet artisans and business owners from interesting start-ups and farms. Join us as we explore Israel in a unique way.

Receive a basket of Israeli wine and products to enjoy as you are participating in our journey.

Itinerary:
Day 1- Community of Mount Carmel
Day 2- Germans in the Galilee
Day 3- The Flavours of Levinsky
Day 4- Nomads and the Negev
Day 5- Bringing it all together (5:15-6:00 pm)

Register by January 5th to receive your ‘Trip Package’ with special Israeli treats.

Cost: Holy Blossom Temple Members: $136. Guests: $154.

City Shul movie night and Havdalah - Saturday, January 16

Save the Date -- "Is Democracy a Value in the Jewish State?", January 28 at 12 PM ET

Presented by ARZENU

You can watch the event at:

Arzenu youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/arzenu

Arzenu Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/arzenuolami

Have time to give and want to make connections with Israelis?

Skilled Volunteers for Israel

Opportunities to teach English online to Israelis.

https://skillvolunteerisrael.org/

Wishing you health, happiness and hope in the new year!