מסורתי עולמי - Masorti Olami

‫תשרי תשס"ט‬
10/08
Masorti Olami
‫מסורתי עולמי‬
s
w
e
n
World Council of Conservative Synagogues
Impacting
Individuals and
Communities
“If you wish to make an impact for one year,
plant corn; if you wish to make an impact for
a generation, plant a tree; if you wish to make
an impact for an eternity, educate a child.”
As Masorti /Conservative Judaism becomes
more entrenched in communities across the
globe, we are making a difference in the lives
of thousands of children, young adults, men
and women through our ongoing programs
and new initiatives. We offer a blend of
traditional and modern values that appeal to
Jews of all ages from different backgrounds
living in a diversity of countries. Working
hand in hand with our dedicated professional
and lay leadership, and with assistance from
our generous supporters, we are digging
deeper roots and educating for our future.
Meet some of the individuals and
kehillot who are making an impact through
Masorti Judaism in their communities.
the first Masorti day school in Argentina,
which was part of Comunidad Beit El in
Buenos Aires, founded by Rabbi Marshall
T. Meyer (z’l). Meyer believed that women
have an important role in the synagogue
and should have a place for expression.
Sarina became actively involved in the
kehillah, youth movement and camp at Beit
El. Her days were filled with study, teaching
and a commitment to mitzvot and tradition.
Vitas decided to share her talents and
passion for Masorti Judaism by becoming
a rabbi. In 2002, she was ordained at
the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano
Marshall T. Meyer and currently serves as
rabbi of Asociacion Israelita de Parana
in the state of Entre Rios in Argentina.
Vitas feels strongly that the power of
halakhah ties us to our roots and unites us
as Klal Yisrael. At Asociacion Israelita de
Parana, she works tirelessly to strengthen
the Jewish identity and knowledge of
the community of 450 members. With
few financial resources, members have
learned to work hard and are proud of their
accomplishments. They have developed a
vibrant kehillah including a Hebrew school,
adult and family education programs,
Rabbi Sarina Vitas
Parana, Argentina
R
abbi Sarina Vitas’s first exposure
to Judaism came from her
grandparents who were religious. Although
Vitas was attracted to the traditions, she
couldn’t comprehend why women weren’t
allowed to lead prayer, have an aliyah to
the Torah or read Torah and megillot. She
questioned why something as important as
Jewish practice was being withheld from her.
Fortunately, Sarina went on to attend
Rabbi Sarina Vitas of Parana, Entre Rios,
Argentina with husband Alex and children
Michal and Dan.
and activities for youth and young adults.
“We live a full Masorti Jewish life, striving
to connect Jews to their legacy. We feel
a responsibility for the continuation of our
community and set a personal example, “
Vitas explains, “Ki lekach tov natati lechem,
torati al taazovu—Precious teaching do
I give you: never forsake my Torah.”
R
José Costa
Lisbon, Portugal
eligion did not play a major
role in José Costa’s family. Born
in 1966 in the city of Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil, he never wondered why his
family did not celebrate Christian holidays
celebrated by his friends. At the age of nine,
he saw The Hiding Place, a movie about
a Dutch woman who hid Jews during the
Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. The movie
impressed him deeply, and in spite of his
young age and the fact that Judaism had
never been mentioned to him, he identified
with the Jewish characters in the film.
José started feeling “different” and he
began a search to find his spiritual home.
When encountering Jews for the first time
on a visit to Sao Paulo, he believed that
they had the answer and could help him.
Twenty years ago at the
age of 22, José moved to
Portugal. He contacted the
local synagogue but was not
welcomed. Instead of feeling
discouraged, he became more
determined that he had finally
found his path. Hope filled him
with strength and courage.
A few months later, José met
a former rabbi of the local
synagogue who heard his
story and said to him, “You’re
a ben anusim – may I call you that?” José
had never heard the term. The rabbi
continued on page 2
explained that he was a son of Conversos
or Crypto-Jews and put him in contact
with a group of bnei anusim in Lisbon.
In 2005 Rabbi Joe Wernik and Rabbi
Chaim Weiner from Masorti Olami visited
the group and encouraged them to learn
through Masorti Judaism. Rabbi Jules and
Navah Harlow have since made ten trips to
Communidad Judaica Masorti Beit Yisrael in
Lisbon, teaching and sharing their love and
spirit of Judaism with the thirsty members.
José explains, “Rabbi Jules and Navah
reached out to us, took us by the hand and
opened the doors that had been locked for
500 long years, since our ancestors had
been forced to convert to Christianity. The
flames of the Inquisition destroyed many
José Costa (front right) studies Pirkei Avot
with Rabbi Jules Harlow (second from left)
and members of Beit Yisrael, Lisbon.
lives, scattered us throughout Europe and
the Americas. But the flame of Judaism
always kept burning within our souls,
and it still does today more than ever.”
José felt unbelievable joy and gratitude
on the first day of Nisan, 5766 when,
after serious study and preparation,
he formally became a halakhic Jew
before the European Masorti Beit Din.
Today José serves as President of
Beit Yisrael. “We are so grateful to the
Masorti Movement for accepting us back
into Judaism. Now we are a part of
the Jewish people. Now we are home.”
Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky
Bogotá, Columbia
If
B
orn in Chile, Rabbi Claudio
Jodorkovsky moved to
Buenos Aires at the age of 18 to
study at the Seminario Rabinico
Latinamericano Marshall T. Meyer.
He served for two years as rabbi
to the Jewish community in Medellin,
Columbia. Since 2005, Jodorkovsky
has been rabbi of Asociación Israelita
Montefiore (AIM) in Bogotá, Colombia.
AIM is a small but growing
congregation of 200 family members.
Jodorkovsky strives to enhance Masorti
ideals and way of life in the community.
“Living in a country where the
majority of affiliated Jews belong
to Orthodox synagogues, our
principal goal is to show that a
pluralistic and inclusive Judaism
is legitimate and a beautiful way
of living our Judaism,” he said.
Jodorkovsky has begun a
number of innovative programs
in the congregation over the past
few years, making a difference
in the lives of both members and
unaffiliated Jews in the community.
Approximately thirty children
between the ages of three and
twelve regularly participate
in “Machon Torati”, a program of
Jewish and Zionist informal education
for children. The program is geared for
children who do not receive any formal
Jewish training. “Beit Midrash AIM” is an
exciting program offering a variety of
courses in advanced Judaism to adults.
Another project underway will bring a
young couple with experience in youth
work to AIM to establish a Colombian
branch of the NOAM youth movement and
work with students and young adults in the
community to develop Marom Colombia.
In May, representatives from AIM
participated in the first Masorti Judaism
Conference of Latin America and the
Caribbean which took place in Buenos Aires.
As a result of this gathering, both Jodorkovsky
and the Board of AIM are actively working
Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky with children
in Asociación Israelita Montefiore (AIM),
Bogotá, Colombia
with leaders of other communities in the
region towards the creation of a sub-region
of Masorti Latin America which will include
Ecuador, Peru and Colombia and others in
order to share activities and enhance the
resources of each community.
With his enthusiasm, ideas, dreams and
leadership, Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky
is helping Masorti Judaism become
a way of life for Asociación Israelita
Montefiore and the Jews of Columbia.
We are pleased to announce that
a new, comprehensive, up-todate website for Masorti Olami,
MERCAZ Olami, Marom Olami
and NOAM Olami will soon be
available on line at
www.masortiworld.org
We hope you will enjoy the new
format and special features.
We welcome your ideas,
suggestions and input!
Receive updates of our activities
by subscribing to our mailing list:
mail@masortiolami.org
Message from our President,
Alan H. Silberman
you are one of the “average” individuals interested in Masorti/
Conservative Judaism -- and my “average” includes rabbis,
hazzanim, educators and lay leaders -- you will read this
newsletter, smile when you read about new developments and exciting
programs and then return to your work. It is not surprising. All of us have
other things in the Jewish and secular world that demand our attention and
our affection.
The work of Masorti Olami is recognized by all as something that is good
for Klal Yisrael and good for the Masorti/Conservative movement. But I’m
afraid this is not very exciting for most people. We tend to be content with
modest, semi-automatic acts of involvement, expressions of admiration and
support, and perhaps even some fundraising.
Does it really matter if young men and women in Budapest grow from
programs of social activity into a real kehillah with t’fillot and a rhythm of
Jewish observance with which they feel engaged? Does it really matter if we
are working in Aix-en-Provence and Marseilles to increase the opportunities
for Masorti communities, multiplying the number of Masorti kehillot in
France? Does it really matter if the leadership of Rabbi Gesa Ederberg in
Berlin has put Masorti Judaism on the map within the German Jewish
community? Or if new synagogues are formed in the United Kingdom? Or
if young men and women throughout Latin America are engaged in regular
study programs with their rabbis? We answer these rhetorical questions with
an unequivocal and non-rhetorical “YES”. It does matter.
We believe that approaching study, observance and community through
the scholarship and inspiration of Masorti/Conservative rabbis and teachers
is the foundation for the future. We believe that it is the key to transmitting
tradition and commitment to the next generation and beyond in a framework
that adapts to the secular world without diluting the principles of Judaism.
We believe, in the words of Rabbi Alan Silverstein, that this is “holy work”.
The challenge, for all of us, is to be willing to confront our inertia.
Knowing about our work and believing in our work is unfortunately not
enough. The achievements reflected on these pages are the result of efforts
by devoted men and women. We need more from you than a smile. We
need you to join us in our efforts
with contributions of time, and
contributions, direct and indirect,
of funds. Please tell us that you
are willing to become engaged in
fulfilling our mission. I, and other
leaders of Masorti Olami, will be
pleased to find time to visit and
work with you to build, strengthen
and renew Jewish life throughout
the world.
You may say I’m a dreamer…
Rabbi Tzvi Graetz, Executive Director
of Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
-from “Imagine” by John Lennon
In our Jewish tradition we learn to dispute our
great and mighty sages, so allow me to dispute with
“Rav” Lennon for a moment. After a full year in my
position traveling around the world, meeting so many
fellow Jews, hearing a multitude of languages and
being exposed to the culture of different countries,
I can indeed say how beautiful and enriched our
world is with all its diversity. I’ve had the privilege of visiting our Masorti
communities in Paris, Marseilles, Nice, London,
Prague, Madrid and Buenos Aires and to meet our
dedicated board and supporters in the New York
area as well. I’ve spent quality time with French,
British, Czech, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Spanish,
Russian, Ukrainian, Argentinean, Chilean, Brazilian,
Uruguayan, Australian and other Masorti Jews and
can testify how different they all are from one
another. On the other hand, because of our shared
Judaism and the values of our heritage, we also
have a great deal in common and care deeply
for one another.
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one.
Here I agree with Lennon. The world, specifically
the Masorti world, could be “as one” if we can
imagine it correctly and work together to make it
happen. We need to respect the customs of each
country and the Jewish culture that was created
in those places, influenced by the traditions of the
general population.
Masorti Olami is trying to do exactly that - to
bring everyone around the world that
identifies with Masorti / Conservative
Judaism to one table of negotiations
and become part of one movement.
This may sound simple but, after one
year, I can humbly say it is a challenging
task—difficult but doable. But I’m not
the only dreamer. Working together, I
believe we can make it happen.
i
t
r
o
s
Ma rope
Eu
As
long as I can remember I
have loved being a Jew. I
have loved the traditions,
the stories, the customs, the practices, the
history, the theology, the community and
everything that goes into the rich fabric
that makes up Jewish living. As Director
of Masorti Europe and the head of the
European Masorti Bet Din, I have, perhaps,
the most interesting job in the Jewish world.
A look at my diary gives an idea of the
varied functions I fulfill. In the past months
I have travelled to Madrid and Alicante
in Spain, to Trondheim in Norway, Prague,
Lisbon, and Paris. In each of these places
I encounter wonderful people engaged
daily in the task of creating dynamic
and meaningful Jewish communities.
Jewish life in Europe is full of vibrancy.
Sharing the Future
Highlights from Masorti Europe
by Claude Machline (President) and Gill Caplin (Vice President)
Rabbi Chaim Weiner,
Director of Masorti Europe
Masorti Europe has added three new
communities this year, two in France and
one in England. We are constantly being
asked to support other communities across
Europe. Our Bet Din struggles to cope with
the number of requests we have for our
services. Our European Region has held
a successful conference and has launched
a new lay leader training initiative.
The potential for growth is enormous. There
is so much enthusiasm and commitment, yet
our needs are far greater than our resources.
Our challenge is to take full advantage of
this enthusiasm and channel it. The future lies
in our ability to learn from each other and
to share our resources. We need networks to
link with each other online and opportunities
to meet. We need to encourage volunteers
from our strong communities to help
those who are just starting out. We need
to know how to use the good will and
enthusiasm of our members to its full extent.
In July I spent a week in Portugal with a
group from the Jewish Community Centre
of Harrison, a Conservative community
from New York. Meeting our Masorti
community in Lisbon first hand, learning
the history of forced conversions and
exile together with meeting the people
who have kept Judaism alive through it
all, left a lasting impression on all who
came. It is impossible to visit one of our
European communities and not be changed.
Europe has both a rich Jewish history and
an exciting future. I am privileged to be
part of this story. I hope all of you will have
the opportunity to share in that excitement.
Adath Shalom Paris has reason to rejoice.
On November 6-9, the kehillah will
celebrate its 20th birthday. Established
in 1988 with twelve families as the
first Masorti congregation in France,
Adath Shalom has steadily grown to a
membership of over 600 families. Rabbi
Rivon Krygier (standing on right with
tambourine) has been the spiritual leader
of Adath Shalom since 1990. Joyeux
anniversaire! Mazal Tov!
Purim 2008 in Berlin’s
Masorti bi-lingual
kindergarten with friends
and families.
Masorti Europe board
members met in Weesp,
Netherlands in February.
Sitting (left to right): Bernhard
Cohen (Almere/Weesp),
Claude Machline (Paris),
Gill Caplin (London), Joanne
Kubar (Nice), Michael Burman
(London)
Standing (l to r): Silvio
Jazanovich (Madrid), Judy
Gray (Masorti Olami), Wanda
Teplitsky (Valencia), Rabbi
Chaim Weiner (Director
Masorti Europe), Nicky
Cohen (Almere/Weesp), Risto
Aharon Taehtinen (Berlin),
Liz Oppedijk (London),
Sergio Wax (Nice, Chairman
Massorti France), Adriana
Souza (Lisbon).
T
he goal of Masorti Europe is to guide new communities, support
existing kehillot, coordinate activities, foster communication and
cooperate with affiliated organizations and the world movement. During this
past year the Board of Masorti Europe met in Paris, Weesp (Netherlands) and
Prague. Important progress was made as we have ratified our constitution,
developed a strategic plan, began formal affiliation procedures and agreed
upon funding principles. There is a positive feeling as we put aside cultural
differences and learn to work together to accomplish our common objectives.
Below are some brief highlights from this past year:
September 2007
- The first pluralistic Jewish day school based on the model of TALI opened
in Paris, supported by the L.A. Pincus Fund for Jewish Education in the
Diaspora.
- “Dor Chadash”, the first Masorti egalitarian community in Budapest, was
founded by young adults from Marom Hungary.
Members of Kehillah Dor Chadash in
Budapest, (from left) Vicky Bedo, Eszter
Susan and Adam Schonberger, were
delighted to receive tefillin donated by
the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
November 2007
-The first major Conference for Masorti Europe took place in Adath Shalom
Paris from Nov. 2-4 with over 200 people from eight Masorti communities in
Europe.
- Masorti Europe announced the affiliation of a new community in Marseille,
“Centre Judaica” - Communaute Massorti Marseille-Provence.
-The European Academy of Jewish Liturgy (EAJL) was formally inaugurated.
EAJL matches individuals who seek to lead tefillah in their kehillot with a
professional cantor according to the tradition and language in which they
wish to learn.
December 2007 – The Elstree and Borehamwood Masorti Community in London,
the 13th Masorti congregation to join the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues UK,
celebrates their first birthday
February 1-3, 2008 - Masorti Europe Board meeting took place in Weesp,
Netherlands in the beautiful reclaimed synagogue.
May 23-25, 2008 – Masorti Europe Board meeting in Prague, hosted by Rabbi Ron
Hoffberg and Masorti Prague.
June 2008 – Inaugural meeting of a pilot kehillah in Stoke Newington in London.
August 2008 –Approval of our funding application for the EU Life Long Learning
Grundtvig partnership for 2008-2010 for 10 participating communities.
September 7, 2008 - Representatives from Madrid, Valencia and Alicante met
in Madrid to establish a
federation of Spanish Masorti
communities.
September 12-14- The
Masorti Europe Lay
Leadership Seminar took
place in London.
Participants from eight countries
attended the Masorti Europe Lay
Leadership Conference at the Edgware
Masorti Synagogue in London in
September, supported by the Grundtvig
Learning Partnership and EU. Delegates
were hosted by Masorti families for
Shabbat. Lectures and workshops
emphasized skills for developing
communities and learning more about
the Masorti approach. In photo, Rabbi
Jeremy Gordon, rabbi of New London
Synagogue, teaches how to prepare a
On September 7, 2008 representatives
from Kehila Beit Shalom in Alicante,
Kehillat Aviv in Valencia and Beit
El in Madrid met with Rabbi Tzvi
Graetz from Masorti Olami and
Rabbi Carlos Tapiero, visiting rabbi to
Alicante, to establish the Asociación
de Representantes de Congregaciones
Masortí de España (Association
of Representatives of Masorti
Congregations of Spain). Newly
elected president Silvio Jazanovich
and founding members signed the
by-laws. Representing the Spanish
kehillot were (left to right) Diane
Nielander (Alicante),Wanda Teplitski
(Valencia), Analia Sznajderowski
(Valencia), Rabbi Carlos Tapiero
(Israel), Ricardo Belilios (Alicante),
Mario Stofenmacher (Madrid), Silvio
Jazanovich (Madrid)
M
Mario A. Grunebaum,
President
asorti AMLAT began the
year with a new board:
President Mario A. Grunebaum
(Brazil), Vice President David Raij
(Uruguay,) Treasurer Andres Kan (Argentina),
and representatives Rodolfo Klein (Chile), Yves Barsimantov
(Peru), Edgardo Band (FEDECC- Federation of Conservative
Communities in Argentina), Leandro Galanternik (Marom
Latin America) and Masorti Shaliach Yoel Schvartz.
Our fist mission was to hire a new Executive Director.
Prof. Isabel Burstein, from Nueva Congregación Israelita
(NCI) in Uruguay, began this position in September.
We thank former director Rabbi Shmuel Szteinhendler
for his excellent work in establishing Masorti AMLAT.
With the support of Masorti Olami, MERCAZ Olami and
the Latin American Rabbinical Assembly, we organized a
continental conference in Buenos Aires, from May 30th to
June 1st, at the Seminario Rabinico Marshall T. Meyer.
Over 120 lay leaders and rabbis from Chile, Argentina,
Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay and Mexico
participated. We concluded our meetings with the resolve
to strengthen our presence and support in all Conservative/
Masorti communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As a result of the conference, Mario Grunebaum and
Yoel Schvartz visited Quito, Ecuador, for the “Continental
Gathering of the Small Communities of the North”, which took
place from August 31st to September 2nd. On September
12-14, our board met in Asuncion, Paraguay to plan future
activities in AMLAT. During this year, Marom AMLAT, an
organization of Masorti young adults throughout Latin
America, was established. The goal is to create an efficient
channel for communication among the new generation of
lay leaders, share experiences and learn to work together.
We hope that 5769 will be a very active year for Masorti
AMLAT. Under the guidance of our new executive director,
we will continue to establish programs, develop leadership,
increase activities and send out a strong, unified message of
what it means to be a Masorti community in Latin America.
Connecting Latin
American Jews to
Masorti Judaism and
Israel
discuss how to integrate Marom members
into our kehillot and other organizations.
We are working on an exciting project now
called “Beit Midrash Baytenu”, creating
learning centers to educate our young
people on the relevance and meaning of
Yoel Schvartz, Masorti Shaliach (emissary) Masorti Judaism in their lives.
to Latin America since August 2007, shares
his work and his mission with us.
Describe the work of a shaliach in Latin
America.
There are two main goals: (1) To
support and develop the activities of the
movement, including providing educational
programming, forging a Masorti Zionist
identity and serving as liaison between
the arms of our movement, and (2) To
increase the connection of Latin American
Jews to Israel. In Sacred Clusters, Dr. Ismar
Schorsch defines Israel as one of the central
pillars of our movement. My challenge is to
strengthen this pillar.
Over 120 lay leaders and rabbis from Chile,
Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Peru,
Paraguay and Mexico participated in the
Masorti AMLAT conference in June in Buenos
Aires.
How do you connect youth and young adults
to the movement and to Israel?
I strive to provide quality programming
to increase participation in our activities.
We work with Marom (young adults) and
other university organizations with Masorti
students. At the Masorti AMLAT conference
in May, we brought 22 young adults from
Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay to
Evening of Tribute
Close to 1800 campers and staff
participated in the eight overnight camps
of Camp Elyse, the NOAM summer
camps in Argentina.
Our youth movement NOAM is strong in
Argentina and Brazil. We also work with
Chazit Hanoar in Uruguay and Brazil and
Bet El and Tikvah in Chile. We develop
programs, train counselors and encourage
participation in Israel programs. Our goal is
to develop committed young leaders for our
communities.
Name a few highlights of this past year.
Close to 1800 campers and staff participated
in the eight camps of Camp Elyse, the
NOAM summer camps in Argentina. It
was a huge effort, both logistically and
educationally, and was very successful.
Most of the rabbis participated in camp,
strengthening the connection of NOAM
members to the kehillot.
In August, we had a special course for 200
NOAM madrichim on the theme of the
Shoa and Jewish identity. The creation of
“Baytenu”, study centers for young adults in
eight communities across Latin America, is
an exciting development. Another success
is “Espacio Caf,” a program for ages 20+
in Buenos Aires. Over 100 young adults
who are not actively connected to Judaism
attend a social gathering with content
based on the Jewish calendar.
The Masorti AMLAT Conference at the end
of May was another highlight this year.
A
Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, one of the
special concert and reception will Dr. Ismar
world’s leading interpreters of Jewish
take place at our annual Evening Schorsch
music, is cantor of the historic Anshe Emet
of Tribute on November 2, 2008 (4
Synagogue in Chicago. He has thrilled
Heshvan 5769) at Park Avenue Synagogue
audiences worldwide in recitals, symphony
in New York City where we will celebrate
concerts, and opera. Affectionately known
Hazzan
the accomplishments of three outstanding
Alberto
Rabbi
as the “Jewish Pavarotti,” Cantor Mizrahi’s
Jewish leaders.
Mizrahi
David H.
repertoire, which spans nine languages,
Dr. Ismar Schorsch, Chancellor Emeritus of
Lincoln
makes his performance unique in the
the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
field. His extensive discography numbers
and Rabbi Herman Abramovitz Professor
of Jewish History, worked throughout his Rabbi David H. Lincoln, recently retired over twenty-five CDs. He is an officer of
twenty years as chancellor to convey his senior rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in the Cantors Assembly and serves on the
vision of Conservative Judaism as the most New York City, has served as a member of Board of the Zamir Choral Foundation
authentic contemporary expression of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards and the Advisory Board of Genesis at the
rabbinic Judaism. Believing that our survival of the Conservative movement. Rabbi Crossroads. Hazzan Mizrahi will be honored
as Jews depends on serious education, the Lincoln translated from the Yiddish and with the Hiddur Mitzvah Award. William Davidson Graduate School of published The Jewish Ministry and Jewish Todah Rabah to Janet Tobin, devoted
Jewish Education was created. Dr. Schorsch National Autonomy in Ukraine helping to chairperson of the evening and to the
understood the importance of expanding improve Jewish-Ukrainian relations. He is dedicated members of the Tribute
our movement world-wide and made a the recipient of Human Relations Awards Committee. Thank you also to our
significant contribution towards developing from the Ukrainian American Justice NY office coordinator, Patricia Vaturi
Masorti communities throughout the years. Committee and the Society of Ukrainian Neiman, and student intern, Brett Drucker,
In recognition of his vital role as guide to Jewish Relations. Rabbi Lincoln will receive for their tireless efforts to make this
Am Yisrael, Dr. Ismar Schorsch will receive the Rabbi Mordecai Waxman Memorial event a success. For more information:
Lifetime Rabbinic Leadership Award. worldcouncil@masortiworld.org
the Boneh Yisrael Award.
What have you learned on shlichut?
Shlichut gives me a fantastic opportunity
to work with rabbis, lay leaders and
youth. Living and experiencing the
Diaspora enriches me as an Israeli.
I encounter different cultures and
perspectives, and am part of an ongoing
discussion of what it means to be a
Masorti Jew and to understand the
struggle for Jewish identity and Zionism
from the perspective of the Diaspora.
Giving this service to our movement
in Latin America brings me much
satisfaction on a personal level.
What is your vision for the movement?
In Latin America, many Jews live isolated
from one another. Our main challenge
is to work together to build a united
movement with a joint agenda, taking
into account each community and its
special composition. Our differences are
positive and we can use our diversity to
build a strong movement together.
Agreement between Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL)
and FEDECC
O
n Friday, August 15 an agreement was signed between Keren Kayemet
LeIsrael (KKL) and the Federation of Jewish Conservative Communities
(FEDECC). According to the new agreement, trees will be planted in honor of each
Bar and Bat Mitzva child who conducts his/her ceremony in Conservative / Masorti
Synagogues in Argentina. The planting will take place in the FEDECC Forest in Israel.
The two institutions also committed to working together in future
educational and cultural projects. The goal is to develop a consciousness
of the environment, one of the central pillars of Masorti values today.
The agreement was ratified by Mr. Adolfo Filarent, Vice-president of the KKL
and Mr Edgardo Band, President
of FEDECC. Mr. Ariel Blufstein,
the new executive director of
FEDECC, Mr. Ruben Nudelman,
secretary of FEDECC, and Mr. Yoel
Schvartz, Masorti Shaliach to Latin
America, participated in the event.
Mr. Adolfo Filarent, Vice-president of
the KKL (left) and Mr Edgardo Band,
President of FEDECC signing agreement
Kehillot Around the World
Melbourne, Australia
K
By Debra Korman
ehilat Nitzan is thriving “down
under”. We have continued to
grow and we are especially happy with
several new initiatives including a first-time
Shabbat retreat, a monthly youth Shabbat
dinner for post-Bnei Mitzvah children run
by our wonderful shlichim Yair, Michal and
Vered, and a new Tikun Olam project to
feed the homeless. Plans are underway to
build our first permanent home, thanks to a
parcel of land generously donated to our
kehillah. We look forward to your visits.
Rabbi Ehud Bandel (standing on right) with
shlichim and Bnei Mitzvah class at Kehilat
Nitzan.
Ukraine
Reported by Gila Katz
Each year brings more quality
programming for our youth, young adults
and families involved in Masorti activities
in Ukraine. Masorti Olami and Midreshet
Yerushalayim (part of the Schechter
Institute in Jerusalem) work together to
enrich the Jewish communities in Kiev,
Chernowitz, Donetsk, Lvov and Kirovograd.
Highlights in 5768 included a joint
Marom-North American Ramah staff
seminar in January, beginning NOAM in
Chernowitz, a six day family camp in
June for 90 participants, and the 16th
season of Camp Ramah Yachad with
178 campers and 35 staff members.
The Midreshet Yerushalayim Masorti
Olami Educational Center in Kiev is now
in its third year of operation providing a
rich schedule of activities and programs
for more than 150 participants weekly.
Reuven Stamov, Schorsch Rabbinical
Fellow at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary,
travels to our communities several times a
year to teach. Upon completion of his
rabbinical studies in a few years, he will
become the first Masorti rabbi in Ukraine.
Gila Katz serves as Masorti Olami fieldworker
for Ukraine, Director of Midreshet
Yerushalayim in Eastern Europe and Hungary,
and director of Camp Ramah Yachad
Ukraine.
Kehillat “Marom” Moscow attracted over
130 participants to its activities this past
year including Kabbalat Shabbat services,
celebrations of Jewish festivals and
educational activities.
In photo: Lag B’omer celebration.
Uganda
By Adam Baldachin
Uganda’s Jews number about 900 and are
known as the Abayudaya, which in the Luganda
language means “People of Judah.” Adam
Baldachin, a graduate of List College joint
program, and rabbinical student at JTS, spent
this past year volunteering in the community.
For eight months, I worked with the
Abuyadaya, an active, committed
indigenous Jewish community in Eastern
Uganda. As Gershom Sizomu, rabbi of
Moses Synagogue and the Nabugoye Hill
community, was in his final year of rabbinical
school at American Jewish University, I took
on a para-rabbinical role in his absence.
I gained the title, “Moreh Adam” when
teaching Hebrew to the community’s leaders.
Most Shabbatot that I spent on Nabugoye
Hill, I would be prepared to hear the
announcement that “Moreh Adam” would
be giving a dvar Torah and reading the
portion of the week. I learned quickly about
the improvisational culture of the community.
Shabbat with the Abayudaya was a
special experience and I always looked
forward to the Psalms in Luganda, dancing
around the room during Kabbalat Shabbat,
and most of all, the friendly atmosphere.
I also spent time helping to manage
the guest house, internet café and first
aid room, and created a new system
for volunteers to offer their skills to the
community. I worked with volunteers Elana
Kieffer and Yona Silverman and local
high school students to organize Shabbat
programming for the youth. It was a great
success and we hope that there will be
other volunteers to continue the program.
My year working with the Abayudaya gave
me the chance to see a Jewish community
actively engaged in learning what it means
to be Jewish and to be members of world
Jewry. The Abayudaya always expressed
their love of meeting visitors, sharing and
learning with them about Jewish tradition,
history, and culture. Volunteering is a great
way to help the community and contribute
all kinds of skills. For more information,
contact Rachel, volunteer coordinator:
abayudayacommunity@gmail.com
Abuyadaya boys
with prayer books
Message from
Rabbi Vernon Kurtz,
President MERCAZ Olami
Z
A
C
R
ME AMI
OL
M
ERCAZ Olami and Masorti Olami work hand-in-hand throughout
the Jewish world establishing a vision of Judaism which is based
on the centrality of Israel, openness to all Jews and respect for people of all
backgrounds. In all four corners of the earth we extend ourselves to teach
Judaism to all who wish to come in contact with us. We are proud of our
many volunteers who give of their time, energy and financial means to
make things happen. We are also proud of our professionals in Jerusalem
and throughout the globe who envision a Jewish world based upon the
concepts of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Hasadim.
As we look towards the next World Zionist Congress in 2010 we
acknowledge our responsibility to insure the fact that Conservative/Masorti
Judaism has a major influence in the local Zionist Federations, in the
World Zionist Organization, the Jewish
Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemet
Le’Yisrael. Our influence is felt in Zionist
Federations based on our membership in
individual MERCAZ chapters.
Join your MERCAZ chapter, support
Conservative/Masorti institutions and
your congregation and become more
involved with Israel and Zionist-centered
activities. This is the challenge that we
Moshe Cohen (left), chairman
of the Educational Center at
have and take willingly upon ourselves.
Hannaton, with Rabbi Vernon
Our ongoing responsibility to our brothers
Kurtz at Kibbutz Hannaton.
and sisters in Israel and wherever Jews
may reside is something that keeps us on target for a meaningful Jewish
life for all.
As we commence the year 5769 may it be a year of good health, fulfillment
and peace for the State of Israel and all humanity.
May we go from strength to strength.
Israeli artist Shlomo Gronich performed
in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in
honor of Israel’s 60th, sponsored by
Masorti and MERCAZ, with support
from the WZO.
Masorti UK joined 7,500 enthusiastic
Israel supporters at Britain’s Zionist
Federation’s Israel 60th celebration,
supported by MERCAZ UK.
Zionism is Alive and Well
A
Dr. David Breakstone
s we continue celebrating 60 years of
Israel’s independence, I am pleased to
report that Zionism is alive and proudly waving its
flag at Kibbutz Hannaton, our Conservative kibbutz
in the Galilee.
MERCAZ and the Masorti Movement are very
much a part of the phenomenon. When we led the
effort within the World Zionist Organization a few
years ago to revise the Jerusalem Program, the
Zionist manifesto, we made sure that “settling the
country as an expression of practical Zionism” would
be included among its basic precepts. Now we are
acting on our principles.
Our movement has recently resolved
to revitalize Hannaton. Over the past
several months, a dynamic and idealistic
group of Masorti families has formed,
determined to build their lives together
in the Galilee alongside the presence
of our earlier pioneers. My wife and I
are part of this exciting group. While
we are not the only ones in our 50’s,
we are not typical of the membership.
The overwhelming majority is in their
30’s with young children, and the product of various
Movement institutions: NOAM, TALI, Marom, Camp
Ramah-NOAM and the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary.
Others are graduates of our movement from around
the world, including Latin America, England and the
U.S. They are an inspiring testimony to our efforts
to create a fertile Masorti/Conservative presence
across the globe.
Yoav Ende and his family are part of the group.
Having just completed rabbinical training at Schechter,
he has been hired to serve as rabbi of Hannaton and
director of the educational center. His vision is to make
the center a spiritual and creative venue for learning
that will serve as an international meeting ground and
leadership training facility for our movement. Five
minutes with Yoav is enough to convince anyone that
he is perfectly capable of making this happen.
To profile all of our members and reveal all our
aspirations would take more space than allotted here.
There is, however, still plenty of room in the dream.
Those interested in exploring the limitless possibilities
should contact Yoav at yoavende@gmail.com
David Breakstone is the Head of the Department of
Zionist Activities of the World Zionist Organization and
International VP for MERCAZ and Masorti Olami.
chim
i
l
h
S
9
6
7
5
r
u
o
t
Mee
ace Corps—sends shlichim
C
10
Pe
hayl Masorti—the Masorti r kehillot and to build closer
ou
n
(emissaries) to strengthe Agency in Israel, the World
Jewish
ties to Israel. We thank the Olami and MERCAZ Olami for
Zionist Organization, Marom
their support.
since August 2007, has
ca
eri
Am
tin
La
to
h
ac
ali
sh
T.
Yoel Schvartz,
velopment of Masorti AMLA of
de
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on
ct
pa
im
e
ns
me
im
ntity
made an
ing the connection and ide
“I’m committed to develop Israel and with our movement.”
Latin American Jews with p. 6.)
(See interview with Yoel on
i UK community since
ort
as
M
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th
to
ha
lic
sh
ible
Reli Israeli,
e past year as an incredUK.
th
es
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de
,
07
20
r
be
e
Septem
e life of Masorti Jewry in th
opportunity to learn about therwhelmed by the love and level of
“I am deeply moved and ov i communities have shown towards
commitment that the Masort
Israel.”
ael
A, Marom Olami and the Isr nd
US
Z
CA
ER
M
,
an
dm
ee
Fr
i
co
Naom
September, is the first “se
Aliyah Center shlicha sinceserve in this role. She was an active
generation” Masorti Jew to s on staff at NOAM/Ramah camps
member of NOAM and wa omi has her B.A. in Sociology and
in Israel, UK and Ukraine. Nabrew University, is a licensed tour
Anthropology from the He e instructor. She is looking forward
guide and certified folk danc
to her new challenge.
Hugi from Jerusalem, along
d
re
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d
an
h
os
Br
ir
Ya
him
ormal
Bialik shlic
hovot, are involved in the infhool in
Re
m
fro
ieb
ttl
Go
al
ch
Mi
th
wi
k College, a Jewish day sc
educational program at Bialitheir talents to Kehilat Nitzan. We
Melbourne, and volunteer sponsorship of this program.
thank Bialik College for their
m
er for Marom UK, hails fro
ork
ldw
Fie
t
en
ud
St
h,
ac
all
ny
’s rai
Shira W
rning to adjust to London
Tampa, Florida and is lea aduate from List College at JTS,
weather. Shira, a recent griversities in UK to work with Masorti
looks forward to visiting un
students.
ding
shlichim for their outstan two
g
oin
tg
ou
r
ou
to
u
yo
k
d
Than
nt: Itamar Kremer, who serve
contribution to our movemee Conservative Movement in North
years as the shaliach to th h for the Jewish Agency, Vadim
America and aliyah shaliacudent Fieldworker for 5768, Adam
Avshalumov, Marom UK Ste Abayudaya community in Uganda
Baldachin, volunteer with th Friedland, Sigal Ragol and Ornan
and Bialik Shlichim Steven ing you success)!
Steinberg. B’hatzlacha (wish
MAROM OLAMI
Marom, an acronym for “Mercaz Ruchani
u’Masorti” – the Center for Spiritual and
Masorti Judaism—is an organization open to
young adults ages 18-30 around the world.
The goal of Marom is to build Jewish identity,
strengthen ties to Israel and develop young
leadership for the movement. We thank the
Hagshama Department of the World Zionist
Organization and MERCAZ Olami for their
support. Doron Rubin, Chairman of Marom
Olami, and Avigail Ben Aryeh, Director,
update us on developments.
Dor ch
he
s
m
e
H
t
Café Siraly continues to be the center of
Marom Hungary activities in Budapest.
Activities include discussions, lectures,
concerts, movies, seminars, and art
exhibitions. In August, over 300 young
adults participated in a successful eight day
Marom festival outside Budapest.
Marom AMLAT members from Chile, Brazil,
Argentina and Uruguay participated in
the Masorti AMLAT conference in May in
Buenos Aires. A network of study centers
called “Beit Midrash Baytenu” is being
established in Latin America. Participation
on Israel programs has increased. 17 new
immigrants from AMLAT traveled to Poland
in April with Marom Olami.
“Blue, White and Green” was the theme
of two Green Zionist Alliance seminars
that took place in November and March,
in partnership with Marom Olami, MERCAZ
USA and the Hagshama Department of the
WZO. Participants explored the spiritual
and political issues of Israel’s environment
and their connection to the land.
NOAM, an acronym for “no’ar masorti”, our
Masorti youth movement, is active in UK, France,
Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Israel and North
America (USY).
Reli Israeli (right) with Marom UK
Marom Ukraine
Marom Ukraine is thriving in Kiev, Chernowitz,
Lvov, Donetsk and Kirovograd. A National
Marom Council was formed to coordinate
and plan activities. An exciting seminar took
place in January with the participation of
senior staff members from Camp Ramah
in North America and Marom UK student
fieldworker Vadim Avshalumov.
Marom UK has a talented, new staff
including Shira Wallach, coordinator of
Masorti UK university students, and Matt
Plen, educational director.
NOAM OLAMI
ex
Our N on
ati
r
e
n
e
G
NOAM UK had a very successful summer with over
400 campers in camps in Wales and France and
120 participants in the NOAM UK Israel Tour.
Marom Budapest festival
“Shnat” Latin Americans in Israel
Marom Israel Programs
Connecting young adults to Israel
builds Jewish identity and links
our future generation to Am
Yisrael. Marom Olami runs several
innovative programs for “gap
year” (between grade 12 and
university) as well as programs
for university and post-university
students. Options include:
“Shnat” Latin America: a ten
month leadership program for
participants from Brazil, Uruguay,
Chile and Argentina. Students
study at “Machon La’madrichim”
(Institute for Leaders from Abroad),
volunteer in development towns
and kibbutzim, and participate
in seminars and field trips.
Drachim (UK): a ten month
program for UK participants which
include the “Machon” program,
volunteering, community service
in development towns, seminars
and trips.
Hachshara Beit El Mexico:
A four month program of posthigh school students from Beit
El Mexico City that includes
volunteering on kibbutz, seminars
and weekly trips getting to know
the country.
Marom Ben Gurion University:
A five month program with a
semester at Ben Gurion University
in the Negev, volunteering in the
development town of Yerucham,
seminars and studies in sustainable
development and environmental
justice.
MAKOR Programs: A five month
program for post-university
students. Participants choose one
of three tracks including study at
the Schechter Institute for Jewish
Studies, Hebrew University or a
professional internship. All tracks
include leadership seminars, trips,
Masorti mentors and adoptive
families.
For more information, contact
For more information, contact
the Marom Olami staff at
marom@masortiolami.org
NOAM Ukraine - The first NOAM chapter opened
in Chernowitz in April. Plans are underway to open
a second chapter in Kiev after Rosh Hashana.
NOAM Argentina – 200 NOAM madrichim
from Buenos Aires and Brazil participated in a
seminar on “Shoa and Jewish Identity” in August,
supported by the Jewish Agency and the Claims
Conference.
NOAM Brazil celebrated the 60th birthday of the
State of Israel during their winter camp in July.
11
Masorti Olami
Executive Committee
President
Alan H. Silberman (USA)
Past President
Rabbi Alan Silverstein (USA)
Senior VP (International)
Dr. David Breakstone
Senior Vice Presidents (USA)
Ned Gladstein, Janet Tobin
Recording Secretary
Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Financial Secretary
David Simon (USA)
Corresponding Secretary
Temma Kingsley (USA)
Vice Presidents
Gloria Landy (USA)
Rabbi Vernon Kurtz (USA)
J.B. Mazer (USA
Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlberg (USA)
Rabbi Alvin Berkun (USA)
Marc Sternfeld (USA)
Bill Lipsey (USA)
Judy Yudof (USA)
Raymond Goldstein (USA)
Edgardo Band (Argentina)
Mario Grunebaum (Brazil)
Rabbi Phil Scheim (Canada)
Claude Machline (France)
Miriam Marcus (Germany)
Moshe Cohen (Israel)
Gillian Caplin (UK)
David Raij (Uruguay)
Vice Presidents
Regional Coordination
AMLAT: Michael Abadi (USA)
Europe: Rabbi Charles Simon (USA)
Honorary President
Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman (USA)
MERCAZ Olami President
Rabbi Vernon Kurtz
Marom Olami Chairman
Doron Rubin
Masorti Europe Chairpersons
Claude Machline, Gill Caplin
Masorti AMLAT Chairman
Mario Grunebaum
G
loria Landy and Judy Horowitz,
representing World Council of
Conservative Synagogues in the NGO/
Department of Public Information in the
United Nations, attended the 61st Annual
NGO/DPI Conference in Paris on September
3-5, 2008. This year’s theme, in celebration
of the 60th anniversary of the passage of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
passed in Paris in 1948, was “Reaffirming
Human Rights: Universal Declaration at 60”.
The conference promoted dialogue and
exchange of ideas with people from every
part of the world. Adath Shalom, our Masorti
synagogue in Paris, hosted NGO delegates
and officials at Friday night services
and Shabbat dinner at the synagogue.
(from left) Maria Luisa Chavez, Chief of
NGO Relations in the Outreach Division
of DPI, Gloria Landy, World Council of
Synagogues’ representative and coordinator
of Registration for the conference, Eric Falt,
Director of Outreach Division UN Department
of Public Information, and Mark Weitzman,
Executive Director of the Simon Wiesenthal
Tolerance Center.
Mission Statement
The World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues—
Masorti Olami builds, renews and strengthens Jewish life
throughout the world, with efforts that focus on existing
and developing communities in Europe, Latin America,
the Former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia and Australia. We
conduct our activities within the context of the overall
Conservative/Masorti movement, in close cooperation with
our affiliated organizations in North America and Israel.
Partner with us to advance Masorti Judaism throughout
the world. Your support is crucial to help us answer the
needs of our communities. Contact Rabbi Tzvi Graetz to
find a project of interest: ravtzvi@masortiolami.org
Program Personnel
12
Executive Director
Masorti Olami / MERCAZ Olami
Rabbi Tzvi Graetz
Marom Olami Director
Avigail Ben Aryeh
Masorti AMLAT Director
Isabel Burstein
European Beit Din /
Masorti Europe Director
Rabbi Chaim Weiner
Projects & Communications
Judy Dvorak Gray
Jerusalem Office Administrator
Hana Hoffman
NY Office Coordinator
Patricia Vaturi Neiman
Project Assistant
Brett Drucker
The Israel Center of Conservative Judaism in Fresh
Meadows, NY donated a sefer Torah in July to
Communauté Massorti Marseille- Provence. We thank the
Israel Center for their important contribution.
In photo with new Torah, (left to right) Gérard Adjadj,
Jean-Marc Benaccoun, Sonia Binisti (Marseille’s three
co-presidents) with Sergio Wax, President of Massorti
France.
World Council of Conservative
Synagogues (Masorti Olami)
3080 Broadway
New York, NY 10027 USA
Tel: 1-212-280-6039
Fax: 1-212-678-5321
worldcouncil@masortiolami.org
Masorti Olami, MERCAZ Olami,
Marom Olami
18 Ha'uman St.
Jerusalem, Israel 93420
tel: +972-2-624-7106
fax: +972-2-624-7677
mail@masortiolami.org
www.masortiworld.org
Editor: Judy Dvorak Gray
Graphic Design: Osnat Ganor
Thank You to our Supporters
We are grateful to the World
Zionist Organization, Jewish
Agency for Israel, L.A. Pincus
Fund for Jewish Education
in the Diaspora, Hagshama
Department of the WZO,
Elise Lipsey Educational Fund,
Gimprich Foundation, Feldman
Family Foundation, USY Tikun
Olam and the European Union
for their support. We also thank
our individual donors for their
generosity and Rabbi Jacob
Herber for his assistance in
publishing this newsletter.