Israel

Choose from among these 18 recipes to add an Israeli twist to Independence Day – and to enjoy all summer long. 

The Western Wall Agreement refers to the decision to add to the egalitarian section at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. Yet, this historic deal has come under fire and there are threats to undo the progress made by this momentous agreement. 

Recent attempts by Haredi parties to solidify their monopoly over conversions and to be the sole determiners of Jewish identity are part of a long and complicated history of conversion law in Israel. Read about the major developments here.

The struggle for an egalitarian section at the Western Wall (the Kotel) where progressive Jews can pray with dignity is an ongoing and complex story. Read about the major developments here.

The Conversion Bill refers to the pending legislation in Israel that would grant the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over matters of conversion. This bill threatens the legitimacy of Reform, Conservative, and even many Orthodox communities in Israel and beyond. The question of who is a Jew and which denominations are considered valid in the Jewish State are at the heart of this issue

While Israel’s Arab minority has continued to grow (it’s now more than 20% of the entirety of Israel’s population), the tension between Jews and Arabs in Israel has continued to rise.

I am often asked, does it really make sense to bother about the religious rights of Reform Jews when Israel’s very existence is on the line? Shouldn’t religious questions wait until Israel’s security is assured?

Because Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) fall back to back on the Hebrew calendar, Independence Day festivities begin almost immediately after the mourning and solemnities of Memorial Day.

Soon, families will gather around the seder table to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, a major spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. Today, the holiday is a celebration of freedom and family.

Israelis can choose from a variety of youth movements: left- and right-wing ideological movements, nature-oriented organizations, observant and secular options, nonpolitical movements, and even a youth movement for children and teens with disabilities.