Social Justice Programs
Encounter
Encounter equips the gamut of Rabbis, Jewish professionals, leaders, and philanthropists with first-hand knowledge of Palestinian life, seeding a multi-denominational cadre of Jewish leadership charged with a two-pronged mission: to transform the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to heal internal Jewish communal rifts formed in its wake. Encounter provides the only opportunity for mainstream American Jewish leaders to visit Palestinian territories in the West Bank. On our Middle East program, a pluralistic group of Jewish leaders meet Palestinian civilians and leaders in Bethlehem, Hebron, or East Jerusalem and engage in thoughtful conversation about the complexities of Israel and the conflict.
Encounter equips the gamut of Rabbis, Jewish professionals, leaders, and philanthropists with first-hand knowledge of Palestinian life, seeding a multi-denominational cadre of Jewish leadership charged with a two-pronged mission: to transform the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to heal internal Jewish communal rifts formed in its wake. Encounter provides the only opportunity for mainstream American Jewish leaders to visit Palestinian territories in the West Bank. On our Middle East program, a pluralistic group of Jewish leaders meet Palestinian civilians and leaders in Bethlehem, Hebron, or East Jerusalem and engage in thoughtful conversation about the complexities of Israel and the conflict.
Truah Year-in-Israel Program
The T’ruah Year-in-Israel Program is a non-denominational experiential learning program that trains rabbinical and cantorial students to develop their rabbinic voice on human rights issues pertaining to the occupation and Israeli society. Through monthly excursions, processing sessions, and text study, the program helps participants to develop their voice as communal leaders, to frame human rights issues in the context of Jewish values and ethics, to discuss challenging topics confidently as religious leaders, and to move from reflection to action. Since 2011, T’ruah’s Year-in-Israel Program has engaged more than 150 rabbinical and cantorial students.
The T’ruah Year-in-Israel Program is a non-denominational experiential learning program that trains rabbinical and cantorial students to develop their rabbinic voice on human rights issues pertaining to the occupation and Israeli society. Through monthly excursions, processing sessions, and text study, the program helps participants to develop their voice as communal leaders, to frame human rights issues in the context of Jewish values and ethics, to discuss challenging topics confidently as religious leaders, and to move from reflection to action. Since 2011, T’ruah’s Year-in-Israel Program has engaged more than 150 rabbinical and cantorial students.
Truah Israel Fellowship
T’ruah accepts six talented rabbinical or cantorial students to be Israel Fellows for the each school year. The fellowship has two components: helping with implementation of the Year-in-Israel program and further development of the fellow’s rabbinic voice and leadership skills. T’ruah is investing in the fellows as current and future leaders who will be significant voices for human rights for all people in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. T'ruah Fellows receive a stipend and free participation in the Year-in-Israel Program, plus additional program. Applications are available in the spring.
T’ruah accepts six talented rabbinical or cantorial students to be Israel Fellows for the each school year. The fellowship has two components: helping with implementation of the Year-in-Israel program and further development of the fellow’s rabbinic voice and leadership skills. T’ruah is investing in the fellows as current and future leaders who will be significant voices for human rights for all people in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. T'ruah Fellows receive a stipend and free participation in the Year-in-Israel Program, plus additional program. Applications are available in the spring.
Volunteering
ATZUM, Tikkun Olam in Israel
Established in 2002, ATZUM endeavors to open eyes and extend hands to those in need, to confront and remedy injustices in Israel. ATZUM’s work is founded on the belief that Israel should serve as an example for the rest of the world in addressing social problems and crises. It encourages individuals to become social activists and be part of a process providing assistance and creating change.
A Wider Bridge
A Wider Bridge builds connection to Israel among LGBT Jews and non-Jews in the U.S. through programming that focuses on bringing LGBT people into meaningful and thoughtful connection with Israel and LGBT Israelis. Our programs create opportunities for education, engagement and experience, and include travel, speakers and discussions, cultural events, online resources, advocacy and philanthropy. We offer programming in five areas:
Givat Haviva
The Center for a Shared Society at Givat Haviva aims to build an inclusive, socially cohesive society in Israel by engaging divided communities in collective action towards the advancement of a sustainable, thriving Israeli democracy based on mutual responsibility, civic equality and a shared vision of the future.
Hebrew University Learning Community, Student Outreach
The Learning Community is a program sponsored by the Center on Campus Program of the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center and Beit Hillel. It meets Wednesday evenings at Beit Hillel on Mt Scopus at 6:45 p.m. (starting some time after Simchat Torah). Our target group is the overseas student population studying at the Hebrew University. Our goal is to create a pluralistic "Beit Midrash" on campus. Every year we look for volunteers among the rabbinical students. Transportation is provided to campus and back as well as dinner. If you are interested in helping please contact Rabbi Ed Romm, Tel. 625-6386 ext. 4 or e mail: [email protected].
Jerusalem Open House, Assisting the Gay and Lesbian Community
The Jerusalem Open House Pride and Tolerance (JOH, Hebrew: הבית הפתוח בירושלים לגאווה ולסובלנות HaBayit HaPatuach, "Open House") is a grassroots, activist organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) people and their allies. Since 1997, the JOH has aimed to provide direct services for the LGBT community within the city of Jerusalem and to secure LGBT rights in Israeli society at large. The organization attempts to bridge political, ethnic and religious boundaries to build and unite a community in pursuit of the common goal of tolerance and mutual support.The JOH’s annual budget is derived entirely from private donations, foundation and federation support, and membership and participation fees. The JOH does not receive financial aid from municipal, governmental sources or commercial sponsorships.
Jerusalem Center for Rehabilitation of Young Adults with Brain Injuries
Merkaz Shikum HaNoar is an extraordinary treasure in the city of Jerusalem. Staffed by approximately half a dozen committed social workers and therapists, this center works with young adults from 15-21 that have suffered mild to severe brain injuries. The goal of the program is teach these young adults skills for living independent and meaningful lives. The program works with approximately 30 young adults and draws from across the Israeli spectrum, Jews and Arabs alike. Ideally, two to three students will volunteer for this remarkable program. The needs are great and time spent here makes a real difference in the lives of these adults.
Masorti Movement Opportunities
The Masorati Movement in Israel comprises some fifty kehillot and havurot, the religious affairs bureau, a kibbutz, a moshav, the NOAM youth movement, IDF garinim (Masorati groups in the army), the MAROM students and young adults organization, programs for children with special needs, regional and local educational learning centers for adults as well as pre-school programs. They are currently developing programs in the fields of family education and leadership and community development. This is in addition to ongoing synagogue services, events and social activities. Legal advocacy is one of the central roles of the Movement, which represents the religious rights of Masorti and Conservative Judaism before the Israeli establishment, including government ministries, the Supreme Court and municipalities.
Shutaf, Working with Children with Special Needs
The Shutaf program was founded in August, 2007 by two parents (Conservative Movement and RAMAH alumni Miriam Abraham and Beth Steinberg) searching for available school vacation and summertime options for their children with special needs. Shutaf was created as a leisure-time program in an outdoor environment that would cater to the needs of both children with special needs and their typically-developing friends, in a relaxed and accepting atmosphere. At Shutaf, we view inclusion as a family affair - we combine all ages and disabilities in our camper groups creating a family-like atmosphere at camp. The campers enjoy activities, have fun and build new friendships, together. Barriers are broken in a supportive, calm and enjoyable atmosphere. Shutaf gives new meaning to what inclusion is all about.
Skilled Volunteers for Israel
Skilled Volunteers for Israel matches experienced professionals with meaningful skilled volunteer opportunities in Israel. They link the expertise of North American Jewish adults and retirees with the critical needs of Israel through serious volunteer engagements. Please note that they do charge for this matching service.
TALI
The TALI (Hebrew acronym for “enriched Jewish Studies”) network of schools provides a pluralistic Jewish Studies program to tens of thousands of schoolchildren in 188 public schools and pre-schools throughout Israel. TALI offers the middle-way in Israel for Jewish education, tradition and the awakening of Jewish identity. Established in 1976, TALI has been sponsored since 1987 by the TALI Education Fund (TEF) which is authorized by Israel’s Ministry of Education to provide educational guidance and resources to all TALI schools. Jews in Israel are deeply divided along religious and secular faudlt-lines – a divide that tears at the fabric of Israeli society. For sixty years, this division has been fostered by Israel’s school system which operates only two educational streams: religious and secular. Yet most Jewish Israelis define themselves as neither Orthodox nor secular, but as traditional. They identify with Jewish culture and heritage, but feel alienated by a rigid, politicized religious establishment. By sending their children to secular public schools, most Israeli parents have forfeited their children’s right to a Jewish education. TALI brings Jewish learning to the secular Israeli classroom, connecting pupils with their heritage, and educating towards religious pluralism in the Jewish state.
Established in 2002, ATZUM endeavors to open eyes and extend hands to those in need, to confront and remedy injustices in Israel. ATZUM’s work is founded on the belief that Israel should serve as an example for the rest of the world in addressing social problems and crises. It encourages individuals to become social activists and be part of a process providing assistance and creating change.
A Wider Bridge
A Wider Bridge builds connection to Israel among LGBT Jews and non-Jews in the U.S. through programming that focuses on bringing LGBT people into meaningful and thoughtful connection with Israel and LGBT Israelis. Our programs create opportunities for education, engagement and experience, and include travel, speakers and discussions, cultural events, online resources, advocacy and philanthropy. We offer programming in five areas:
Givat Haviva
The Center for a Shared Society at Givat Haviva aims to build an inclusive, socially cohesive society in Israel by engaging divided communities in collective action towards the advancement of a sustainable, thriving Israeli democracy based on mutual responsibility, civic equality and a shared vision of the future.
Hebrew University Learning Community, Student Outreach
The Learning Community is a program sponsored by the Center on Campus Program of the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center and Beit Hillel. It meets Wednesday evenings at Beit Hillel on Mt Scopus at 6:45 p.m. (starting some time after Simchat Torah). Our target group is the overseas student population studying at the Hebrew University. Our goal is to create a pluralistic "Beit Midrash" on campus. Every year we look for volunteers among the rabbinical students. Transportation is provided to campus and back as well as dinner. If you are interested in helping please contact Rabbi Ed Romm, Tel. 625-6386 ext. 4 or e mail: [email protected].
Jerusalem Open House, Assisting the Gay and Lesbian Community
The Jerusalem Open House Pride and Tolerance (JOH, Hebrew: הבית הפתוח בירושלים לגאווה ולסובלנות HaBayit HaPatuach, "Open House") is a grassroots, activist organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) people and their allies. Since 1997, the JOH has aimed to provide direct services for the LGBT community within the city of Jerusalem and to secure LGBT rights in Israeli society at large. The organization attempts to bridge political, ethnic and religious boundaries to build and unite a community in pursuit of the common goal of tolerance and mutual support.The JOH’s annual budget is derived entirely from private donations, foundation and federation support, and membership and participation fees. The JOH does not receive financial aid from municipal, governmental sources or commercial sponsorships.
Jerusalem Center for Rehabilitation of Young Adults with Brain Injuries
Merkaz Shikum HaNoar is an extraordinary treasure in the city of Jerusalem. Staffed by approximately half a dozen committed social workers and therapists, this center works with young adults from 15-21 that have suffered mild to severe brain injuries. The goal of the program is teach these young adults skills for living independent and meaningful lives. The program works with approximately 30 young adults and draws from across the Israeli spectrum, Jews and Arabs alike. Ideally, two to three students will volunteer for this remarkable program. The needs are great and time spent here makes a real difference in the lives of these adults.
Masorti Movement Opportunities
The Masorati Movement in Israel comprises some fifty kehillot and havurot, the religious affairs bureau, a kibbutz, a moshav, the NOAM youth movement, IDF garinim (Masorati groups in the army), the MAROM students and young adults organization, programs for children with special needs, regional and local educational learning centers for adults as well as pre-school programs. They are currently developing programs in the fields of family education and leadership and community development. This is in addition to ongoing synagogue services, events and social activities. Legal advocacy is one of the central roles of the Movement, which represents the religious rights of Masorti and Conservative Judaism before the Israeli establishment, including government ministries, the Supreme Court and municipalities.
Shutaf, Working with Children with Special Needs
The Shutaf program was founded in August, 2007 by two parents (Conservative Movement and RAMAH alumni Miriam Abraham and Beth Steinberg) searching for available school vacation and summertime options for their children with special needs. Shutaf was created as a leisure-time program in an outdoor environment that would cater to the needs of both children with special needs and their typically-developing friends, in a relaxed and accepting atmosphere. At Shutaf, we view inclusion as a family affair - we combine all ages and disabilities in our camper groups creating a family-like atmosphere at camp. The campers enjoy activities, have fun and build new friendships, together. Barriers are broken in a supportive, calm and enjoyable atmosphere. Shutaf gives new meaning to what inclusion is all about.
Skilled Volunteers for Israel
Skilled Volunteers for Israel matches experienced professionals with meaningful skilled volunteer opportunities in Israel. They link the expertise of North American Jewish adults and retirees with the critical needs of Israel through serious volunteer engagements. Please note that they do charge for this matching service.
TALI
The TALI (Hebrew acronym for “enriched Jewish Studies”) network of schools provides a pluralistic Jewish Studies program to tens of thousands of schoolchildren in 188 public schools and pre-schools throughout Israel. TALI offers the middle-way in Israel for Jewish education, tradition and the awakening of Jewish identity. Established in 1976, TALI has been sponsored since 1987 by the TALI Education Fund (TEF) which is authorized by Israel’s Ministry of Education to provide educational guidance and resources to all TALI schools. Jews in Israel are deeply divided along religious and secular faudlt-lines – a divide that tears at the fabric of Israeli society. For sixty years, this division has been fostered by Israel’s school system which operates only two educational streams: religious and secular. Yet most Jewish Israelis define themselves as neither Orthodox nor secular, but as traditional. They identify with Jewish culture and heritage, but feel alienated by a rigid, politicized religious establishment. By sending their children to secular public schools, most Israeli parents have forfeited their children’s right to a Jewish education. TALI brings Jewish learning to the secular Israeli classroom, connecting pupils with their heritage, and educating towards religious pluralism in the Jewish state.