Educational Experiences in Israel
Recently, I visited Israel as part of an intergenerational group of American Reform leaders, thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and several partner organizations, including ARZENU, the WZO, and KKL. One day, we stopped at Sarona Market in Tel Aviv for a quick lunch. I found a vegetarian pasta stand and perused the menu. The person at the cash register, I presume because he noticed my kippah (yarmulke), kindly let me know the restaurant did not have a kashrut certificate (indicating the restaurant adheres to Jewish dietary... Read More
While I was in Israel as part of the 2018 Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Wilkenfeld International Women’s Leadership Seminar, a group from ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America) was touring there, as well. I was able to join their group for a day, themed “What Are We Talking about When We Talk about Settlements?” First, I invite you to think about what the words “settlement” and “West Bank” mean to you. I certainly had images in my mind. During this visit, I had the opportunity to interact with a number of individuals who choose to make their homes in settlements on the West Bank... Read More
Each semester, all URJ Heller High students participate in a Mock Knesset – a full-group, day-long activity that introduces the basics of how the Israeli government forms and operates. The Knesset, which literally means “gathering” or “assembly,” is the Israeli national legislature, responsible for passing the nation’s laws and electing its leaders. We learned all about how the government of Israel works. The State of Israel has a democratic government, and the government has a multiparty parliamentary system. There are 10 different parties represented in the Knesset. There is not a... Read More
America is often referred to as a “melting pot” because of the vast numbers of immigrants who came here, seeking peace, security and freedom from persecution and hunger. Foods we think of as “American” – frankfurters, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and bagels – originated in Germany, Italy, and the shtetls (small villages) of Eastern Europe, respectively. When it comes to food, “melting pot” is a moniker that Israel also can own. After all, Israeli salad – tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions – was called Arab salad before the birth of Israeli cuisine. Jewish immigrants from... Read More
Israel may be a small country, but there are so many sites to see and issues about which to learn. You could spend months touring the country and still feel like you need more time. If you’re visiting for only a week or two, consider adding some of these 18 cultural, religious, historical, and natural sites to your itinerary. The Western Wall (the Kotel) is considered by many to be the most sacred place in Jewish tradition. People from around the world come to pray at this holy site, often placing handwritten notes in crevices in the ancient stones. Recently, the Western Wall has... Read More
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