The three-day trip includes extensive visits, meetings for American delegation,
focused on solidarity amidst ongoing violence, restoring rift between Israeli, U.S. Jewry
This week, Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and the Rabbinical Assembly (RA), led a movement delegation that met in-person with Israel’s new President, Isaac “Bougie” Herzog, several members of his cabinet, foreign ministers, and representatives from the new majority coalition in the Knesset and other members of the Knessest.
The American delegation raised three explicit concerns with the new government:
First, the rabbis called for implementation of the so-called Kotel Deal, nearly 5 years after the initial agreement was ratified (only to be tabled 6 months later). This necessary and timely proposal expands the non-Orthodox “mixed” prayer area for both men and women near the southern part of the Western Wall. “This project is significant not just for its emphasis on religious pluralism, but also for attracting Jewish and non-Jewish visitors to one of the holiest sites in the entire country,” the delegation members said.
Second, the delegation compelled Israeli lawmakers to support and defend the rights afforded to Jews who convert or marry. Currently, the State of Israel fails to meet this sacred responsibility when its lawmakers refuse to recognize the customs – the minhagim – of the majority of the Jewish people around the world. “In this light,” the delegation members said, “Israel today is the only western country that doesn’t give freedom of religion to all Jews.”
And finally, the group raised the issue of government funding. In Israel there is no separation between State and Religion. This means that the government funds religious services, but not equally and not for all denominations. “Part of Israel’s effort to promote equality, not just equity, must include diverting government funds and other resources to non-Orthodox communities,” the delegation said.
“With these clear goals in mind, and growing support from millions of American Jews, this new government has a golden opportunity to mend the rift between Israel and world Jewry,” said USCJ and RA CEO Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal. “The solutions to the problems Israel faces this century, as well of those of Jews globally, will only develop through deliberate discourse and advocacy. We are ready and eager to play our part.”
“It was heartening to see the warm reception our movement received from members of the cabinet. We hope that they will be able to address these important issues and wish the new coalition much success” said Rabbi Stewart Vogel, RA president.
In addition to meeting with Pres. Herzog at his official residence, the delegation also met with Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai, Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern, Labor Party leader and Transport Minister Merav Michaeli, MK Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein, MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, MK Zvi Hauser, MK Miki Tzohar, MK Tamar Zandberg, and MK Alon Tal. They also met with Mr. Ya’akov Hagoel, Chair of the WZO and Acting Chair of JAFI.
The delegation was led by Rabbi Blumenthal and included RA President Rabbi Stewart Vogel, USCJ President Ned Gladstein, Rabbi Ashira Konigsburg, COO of the Rabbinical Assembly and Chief Program Officer for USCJ, Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at AJU; Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor the Jewish Theological Seminary; Mercaz USA Executive Director Sarrae G. Crane and Masorti Founding Executive Gideon Aronoff, as well as Masorti Foundation board chair Heidi Schneider. And from Israel, Rakefet Ginsberg, Executive Director of Masorti Israel and Yizhar Hess, former Executive Director/CEO Masorti Israel and Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization; Sophie Fellman Rafalovitz, President of Masorti Israel; Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Executive Director Masorti Olami and Mercaz Olami; and RA Israel President Rabbi Mikie Goldstein.
About the Rabbinical Assembly (RA)
The Rabbinical Assembly is the international association of Conservative rabbis. Since its founding in 1901, the Assembly has been the creative force shaping the ideology, programs, and practices of the Conservative movement, and is committed to building and strengthening the totality of Jewish life. The Assembly publishes learned texts, prayer books, and works of Jewish interest; and it administers the work of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards for the Conservative movement. It also serves the professional and personal needs of its membership through publications, conferences, and benefit programs, and it coordinates the Joint Placement Commission of the Conservative movement. Rabbis of the Assembly serve congregations throughout the world, and also work as educators, officers of communal service organizations, and college, hospital, and military chaplains. More information at www.rabbinicalassembly.org.
About United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)
Founded in 1913, USCJ is the network of nearly 600 Conservative Jewish communities across North America. “Seek Meaning Together” is our underlying philosophy as we represent the values and beliefs of an authentic and dynamic Judaism in North America (US, Canada, Caribbean, Cuba and Mexico), South America and Israel. Our work strengthens kehillot (Jewish communities inside and outside the walls of a synagogue) by providing visionary leadership training, creating opportunities for Jews of all ages to learn and grow, sharing essential resources, and seeding innovative ideas. More information at www.uscj.org.
