IMPJ Newsletter

Rabbi Yehoram Mazor, IMPJ's Center's Editor and Director, notes that the key theme of the "Seder," originated by medieval mystics, is to express appreciation for the Land of Israel, and the ceremonial gathering includes four cups of wine, special readings and foods (reminiscent of the Passover Seder). The ritual program below, in use in Israel's Reform and Progressive schools, youth movements and congregations, offers everyone the opportunity to give religious expression to the values of appreciating nature and preserving the environment.


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Kibbutz Lotan has achieved national prominence for its ecological projects, and was the final stop of President Peres' visit. He was greeted by a delegation of kibbutz children, and was led by Kibbutz Lotan general director Mark Naveh (a graduate of NETZER Australia) on a tour of the facilities of the Center for Creative Ecology. The President met young Israelis enrolled in a post-high school year of national service and they demonstrated the art of making mud bricks. He also learned about assembling a geodesic dome with palm branches. This lesson was offered by American college students participating in the Center's Peace, Justice & the Environment program (a semester-long program affiliated with Living Routes, the University of Massachusetts and MASA).



A reception at the Center's solar tea house, provided President Peres with an opportunity for an encounter with Kibbutz Lotan members. Mike Nitzan, a Kibbutz founder, shared the history of the kibbutz and its Reform Zionist vision. Michael Livni, the first shaliah (emissary) to the Reform Movement of North America in the 1970's, presented Peres with a copy of his book, "The Reform Option: Another Zionism". The President expressed his appreciation for Kibbutz Lotan’s pioneering role in ecological innovation and also noted the significance of the affiliation with the Reform movement – Judaism's largest stream in the Diaspora.

Peres was particularly impressed with the sustainable technologies incorporated in the Center, including organic gardening, solar ovens, strawbale construction, sewage treatment using a constructed wetland and innovative waterless toilets, an important tool for eliminating pollution and conserving precious resources. Kibbutz Lotan bears the name of an ancient biblical predecessor of Esau and his family, cited in the Book of Genesis (36:20). In the twenty-first century, the Reform movement is making the region home to state-of-the art resources for renewable and sustainable technologies.

The IMPJ Professional Development Seminar, an intensive and creative ten-day study experience, was conducted by the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism in close cooperation with the Hebrew Union College of New York and was held in Israel (December 31, 2009 – January 9, 2010).

The Seminar was designed by the Education Department of the IMPJ, headed by Yael Katz. It was led and designed by Rabbi Dalia Tibon-Lagziel, director of the IMPJ Education Department's Professional Development Program, in close cooperation with Professor Lisa Grant (Hebrew Union College in New York). IMPJ senior educator and coordinator of Israel-Diaspora Relations, Orly Kenig, was a key lecturer and facilitator.

The Seminar's theme "Sacred Vision, Complex Reality", focused on strengthening the capacities of Reform Jewish educators to cultivate a deep and reflective relationship with Israel—through multi-faceted aspects of knowing and experiencing as a precursor to teaching, educating, engaging Israel. Reform advanced degree students in education and current educators, some of whom are rabbinical students as well, gained insight into visionary, ideological, ethical, sacred, contemporary and dynamic dimensions of Israel.

Among the key components of the Professional Development Seminar:: The daily "Shir shel Yom," which introduced a key theme through Jewish text, Israeli music and Hebrew Language; Walking Batei Midrash, which offered creative text study at important historical-cultural sites throughout Israel; keynote lectures and in-depth individual and peer-led study.

The participants, advanced-degree students (together with senior educators from Congregation Bnai Israel of Bridgeport Connecticut) concluded the seminar with the feeling that the ten days invested in professional development in Israel will bear fruit in their academic studies, classrooms and congregations for a long time to come.

The IMPJ rabbis and senior educators look forward to building on the momentum of this intellectually and emotionally rewarding experience to create additional opportunities for professional development and synergy with Reform academics and educators throughout the Jewish world.

Would you like to learn more…

We invite you to contact Yael Katz, Director of IMPJ's Department of Education (yael@impj.org.il) To explore collaboration, including tailored professional development seminars and participation in the Yachdav: School-to-School Israel-Diaspora Virtual Mifgash Program.

Fear and the pit are upon the inhabitants of the earth, the foundations of the earth are shaken and broken, crumbled in pieces, the earth reels like a drunken man. (Isaiah:24)

Master of the Universe, the rainbow was the symbol that the earth would not be flooded again. But the earth trembles once more, and our brothers and sisters, residents of Haiti, have been smitten by an earth quake. We mourn the fallen, and our hearts are pained by the grief of the survivors. Give them comfort and strengthen their endeavors to restore their lives. Save them, heal their bodies and redeem their spirits. Grant wisdom and strength to the rescue forces, good will and generosity to all who provide help. Grant them light, guide their path, and protect them.

In our affliction we called out to God, answer us, hear our voice, envelop us in the divine presence and answer our prayers. We will be grateful and worship; our vows will be fulfilled (Jonah:2).

The individual who saves a single life, it is as though he has saved the entire world (Sanhedrin 4:5)