January 2001

Dear Friends-- 

 

I hope this message finds you happy and healthy. I am very much looking forward to seeing all of you in just a few weeks (Jan. 25-27). In the mean time, I have important information to share with you, which will hopefully inspire you to action. In this coming year another gathering of the World Zionist Congress will take place. This meeting of representatives of Jewish organizations and communities throughout the world (the first one was organized by Theodore Herzl in 1897, in Basel) makes important decisions about how generous contributions raised on behalf of the State of Israel are allocated and distributed. In the Congress, the Conservative Movement is represented by the Mercaz party. Among the many issues that Mercaz advocates for is religious pluralism in Israel. Many of you know that Conservative and Reform rabbis are not legally permitted to officiate at marriages, conversions, or funerals in the State of Israel, and that religious life is determined in large part by the government-sponsored Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. Our movement, along with Reform, believes that the State of Israel must support a wide spectrum of Jewish life, so that Israelis--who are increasingly secular, and religiously disengaged--can experience the variety of Jewish life that thrives so vibrantly in the American Jewish community, and in other communities throughout the world. If Israel is truly to be a Jewish state for all Jews, the horizons of pluralism must be expanded. The World Zionist Congress works on proportional representation, and the more Conservative Jews who register means a greater voice for Conservative Judaism and religious pluralism in Israel.

 

Mercaz needs your support...All you have to do is register to vote on-line through Mercaz USA; The cost is $4. The Mercaz website is http://www.mercazusa.org where you can register, and learn more about Conservative Judaism and Zionism, as well as the World Zionist Congress. THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 18th!! Please take the time to register and ensure that our community's views are represented. I would be happy to provide more information about these or to answer any questions...Please don't hesitate to be in touch...

 

With Blessings for Peace and Happiness in 2002, 

Adam J. Raskin

Last Updated: 02/09/02