What's new for Adar 5776-February 2016? Non-Orthodox usage of public Mikvaot

Global week at Mechina

Tu b'Shvat at Keren b'Kavod

Family Day at Gan Zait

Domim-aLike: Adar alef study session Dear friends, As you all know, a little over two weeks ago, the Israeli government passed an unprecedented and historic resolution legalizing and officially recognizing pluralistic prayer at the Western Wall-Kotel, thereby making clear that the Kotel is indeed the holiest place for ALL Jewish people, and not only for a chosen few. As we expected, a number of public Israeli figures were less than happy with the resolution, and lashed out against it, the Reform and Conservative Movements and Women of the Wall. One of them, Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin, a secular Israeli, felt it his duty to use borderline profanities in referring to diaspora Jewry and their relationship with Israel. But Minister Levin’s comments were not left unanswered and received a proper response from leaders of the pluralistic movements in both Israel and North America. Here at the IMPJ, we view this and many other developments as great positives and look forward to translating the victory at the Kotel to a recognition of Reform Judaism and the Israel Reform Movement in every corner of Israeli society. Through a continued expansion of congregational initiatives, continuously updating and distributing educational curricula and more and more Israelis who are “voting with their feet” by choosing our services for their life-cycle events, our footprint in Israeli society is becoming ever larger. In two weeks’ time, we will welcome North American rabbis coming to Israel for the CCAR convention. Right after the convention, a lucky few and other friends and partners will sojourn on an unforgettable Ride4Reform from the Negev up to Jerusalem. Within just nine months, through DOMIM-aLike, we have increased and strengthened even further the relationships between Israeli and overseas Reform communities and congregations. If you have not done so yet, we invite you to join in this important initiative and fulfill the mission of Klal Yisrael – connecting the Jewish people worldwide.



Ta'anit Tractate in the Babilonian Talmud teaches us that M'she'nichnas Adar Marbin b'Simcha - When Adar arrives, we rejoice. May the coming month be a month of continued achievements and much joy.

Wishing you a Chodesh Tov,

Rabbi Gilad Kariv