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Israel Engagement & Resources

Israel is the eternal and sacred home of the Jewish people. The TBS community fosters a strong congregational relationship to Israel through education, dialogue, advocacy, tourism, and relationship building. Through community engagement, we strive for TBS members to deepen their relationship with Israel and to partner with Israelis in helping to foster a state that is Jewish, pluralistic, democratic, and secure.

We do this by:

  • Engaging Modern Israel: Providing opportunities to deepen our understanding of modern Israel through speakers, seminars, and Israeli cultural offerings that bring religious, political, and historical issues into context and focus.
  • People-to-People Connections: Directly engaging with and build relationships with Israelis and Israeli organizations.
  • Tourism: Every other year, TBS brings dozens of TBS community members, family, and friends for a ten-day adventure to Israel.
  • Family Education: Creating exciting new ways to bring Israel to life for our children and, in doing so, inspiring parents to learn with and through our children.
  • Helping Israel and Israelis: Extending assistance through advocacy as well as philanthropy.
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Responding to the Current Crisis

We continue to strongly support Israel, to promote paths that protect all innocent lives, and to strengthen one another during this time of crisis. In addition to the Israel-focused programming regularly taking place, we have also gathered many helpful resources – opportunities to financially and materially support Israel and Israelis; learning resources for adults, college students, teens and children; ways to reach out to Israelis in Israel; recommended books and media outlets; spiritual resources; and more. If we may be supportive of you and your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clergy and staff.

How You Can Help

Donate

United Hatzalah is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) in Israel. Over 7,000 volunteers and over 120 rescue vehicles remain fully mobilized in response to the current crisis. They work hand-in-hand with the IDF to treat soldiers, adults, and children. Currently, Hatzalah’s highest priority is to source millions of dollars’ worth of urgent medical supplies, protective gear, and communications equipment while increasing their dispatch and logistic capabilities.

The Maglan Unit is an elite unit of the IDF.  An Israeli member of our congregation has family and friends currently serving as reservists with Maglan on the Gaza border. Contributions to the Maglan Unit enable us to make a direct difference in on-the-ground efforts to help Israel defend itself and to protect those directly engaged in the task of protecting Israel.  This fund is a 501c3 with 100% of tax-deductible donations going directly to support this essential unit. Be sure to direct funds to 6212.

SparkIL is an organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in Israel by enabling interestfree loans to small businesses. Founded by the Jewish Agency and Jewish community leaders, including Jon Polin (father of Hersh Goldberg Polin), SparkIL’s mission is to connect global lenders with local entrepreneurs to create a lasting impact. They collaborate with various organizations, including financial institutions and community groups, such as synagogues, youth groups, and Jewish Federations, to maximize our reach and effectiveness. These partners help to ensure that every loan makes a significant impact for Israelis.

Bayit Brigade – A “Lone Soldier” in Israel is someone who moves to Israel and join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to protect the country. Many lone soldiers struggle to find affordable housing during and after their army service. The mission of Bayit (Hebrew for “home”) Brigade is to provide much needed support and help them to find a place to live.

Leket Israel – Leket feeds 330,000 Israelis every week with rescued produce from farms in Israel, providing rescued nutritious meals to Holocaust survivors, single mothers, evacuees, new immigrants fleeing Ukraine, Israeli Arabs and more!

Project Rozana – Health Diplomacy Building Bridges Between Israelis and Palestinians is an international organization promoting access to quality healthcare for Israelis and Palestinians through joint initiatives. These programs build critical relationships, provide essential service ‘on the ground’ within communities in Israel and in the territories, and serves as a model for how communities in conflict may work together.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) has established an Israel Emergency Fund. 100% of contributions go towards supporting victims of terror and addressing unprecedented levels of trauma through partner agencies in Israel.

Volunteer & Advocate

Learn more about volunteering in Israel.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum is on the front lines in Israel and internationally
working for the release of the hostages.

Blue Ribbons for Life: Founded by Temple Aliyah Rabbi Leslie Gordon and her husband David
Goodtree, Blue Ribbons for Life has officially launched its national campaign to put the Hostages First. There are still 136 men and women, children and elderly who are held hostage. Tie a blue ribbon around a tree or lamp post at your home to express your support for the hostages. TBS is proud to have been amongst the very first congregations to participate in this important effort.

RootOne Education Center recommended the following actions that may be taken to support the hostages – elderly, fathers, mothers, young women, children, chronically ill and wounded – and advocate for their release.

Foster a Pluralistic, Democratic, Jewish, Secure Israel

Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ): TBS advocates support for the IMPJ and the critical work that it is doing “on the ground” in Israel to support the fostering of a democratic, pluralistic, secure, and Jewish state – a state that supports all of its citizens and works towards securing peace with its Palestinian neighbors. Some of the specific work of the IMPJ includes:

  • Actively supporting the families of the hostages through personal outreach, advocacy, and consistent participation in demonstrations, including leading Havdallah each week at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
  • Providing pastoral and material care for those displaced from their homes in the north and south. Of special note are the efforts of our regional rabbis who serve our congregations in the conflict zones, and the more than 300 volunteers who are providing various forms of relief for these internal refugees through our Keren B’Kavod humanitarian aid programs.
  • Offering meaningful spiritual support and community to Israelis throughout Israel, many of whom have never thought to turn to Judaism, rabbis, or synagogues for strength and solace in the face of trauma, and are now finding it in our 54 congregations throughout the country.
  • Continuing the fight for democracy, religious pluralism, shared society and equality for all of Israel’s citizens, led by IRAC (Israel Religious Action Center) – the legal and advocacy arm of our movement.

2025 World Zionist Congress Elections: TBS is mobilizing to participate in the upcoming elections of the World Zionist Congress! As Jews around the world wrestle with how best to support the creation of a pluralistic Israeli society, we are urging our members to participate in the upcoming 2025 World Zionist Congress (WZC) Elections, which begin on March 1, 2025. The WZC is a democratically elected body – unaffiliated with the Israeli government – that represents Jews outside Israel. It meets every five years and oversees a multi-billion-dollar budget, giving diaspora Jews a voice in shaping the societal landscape in Israel. Temple Beth Shalom is joining with Reform Jews across the country and around the world to elect Reform delegates to the Congress that will champion our values of democracy and pluralism. Our participation is critical to counter religious extremism. 

The Reform Movement and Israel: The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) has long supported Israel and promoted a democratic, pluralistic, Jewish, and secure Israel.

TBS regularly partners with the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism in their essential educational and advocacy efforts in the United States and in Israel.

Community Inreach & Outreach

At each Shabbat service, we continue to share a special prayer for the people of Israel and for safety, security, and peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

TBS clergy continue to be in relationship with Needham’s Muslim Community. Rabbi Jay and Dr. Huma Farid were interviewed by Needham Superintendent, Dan Gutekanst for his “10 Minutes with…” series:

TBS clergy have continued to work closely with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) as they work with dozens of Boston area schools striving to integrate Israel education in ways that are healthy for students and families.

TBS clergy continues to be in contact with and supportive of state, town, local school, and one Boston area university’s officials regarding healthy responses to rising antisemitism and supporting both the Jewish and Muslim communities.

TBS Children’s Center continues to host several Israeli refugee children and their families, supporting them while they are away from home.

Resources

Books, Articles, & Organizations

Moving Words from an Israeli Leader and Friend of TBS: TBS member and author Jim Hirsch is working with Israeli Brigadier General Bentzi Gruber on a book about leadership. The child of Holocaust survivors, Bentzi has dedicated to defending Israel. Currently, Bentzi is leading 20,000 reservists in Gaza. A friend of Bentzi’s recently asked him to make a brief video from Gaza. Bentzi obliged. While the video is not public – not available on YouTube – it has been sent and viewed around the world. Download Bentzi’s message from iCloud. It is moving and meaningful! ARTICLES
  • Maurit Beeri is among the Israelis who participate regularly in our TBS “Panim el Panim” discussions with members of Congregation Mevasseret Zion in Jerusalem. Maurit is the Director-General of ALYN Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. She has written a number of articles that have been published in the Jerusalem Post.
  • In the Aftermath of the U.S. Election, the recent article “Unholy Alliance” by Rabbi Josh Weinberg, the Executive Director of ARZA, provides helpful context.
  • “Israel is Not Committing Genocide in Gaza” This opinion article printed in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz speaks to the charge of genocide.
  • “The Decolonization Narrative is Dangerous and False” This opinion article appeared in The Atlantic.
  • “The World’s Feminists Need to Show Up for Israeli Victims” by Dahlia Lithwick, Mimi Rocah, Tamara Sepper, Jennifer Taub, Joyce White Vance, and Julie Zebrak.
BOOKS
  • Can We Talk About Israel? A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted by Daniel Sokatch (Excellent for college students and adults)
  • Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby (Excellent for college students and adults)
  • Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn by Daniel Gordis
  • Israel: A History by Anita Shapira
  • For the Love of Israel by Rabbi Steven Lowenstein
ORGANIZATIONS
  • The Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem continues to produce excellent, thought-provoking articles, podcasts, webinars, and programs on the current crisis in Israel. We especially recommend their weekly “For Heaven’s Sake” podcast.
  • Brandeis University’s Schusterman Center for helpful information and resources from the scholars at Brandeis.
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL RESOURCES The film, We Will Dance Again – a documentary on the Nova Festival attack – was recently released.Recording of Seminar with former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni This informal seminar/conversation was hosted by Congregation Beit Daniel, a Progressive/Reform congregation in Tel Aviv soon after the October 7th attack. Informational Responses to Allegations About Israel This document – prepared by the ADL – provides helpful information. Responses to Problematic Rhetoric About Israel This document – prepared by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area – provides information behind many of the chants and charges heard at anti-Israel rallies, such as “From the River to the Sea!” and “Intifada! Intifada!” Senator Chuck Schumer Address to Congress: On November 29th, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a major address on antisemitism. His remarks are eloquent, informed, and heartfelt. Statement by the Women’s Rabbinic Network (WRN): The Women’s Rabbinic Network of the Reform Movement recently issued a powerful statement decrying the unspeakable sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas.

Support for College Students, Teens, & Their Families

The most current edition of “Sources” – a periodical published by the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem – is dedicated to the experience of American college students on campus. Several of the articles are excellent.

Article: “What Jewish College Students Are Grappling with Right Now” from “Hey Alma” – an online website for students.

Video Presentation: “Responding to Questions About the Crisis in Israel” This recorded program was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston. It was specifically aimed at college students but is appropriate for adults as well. Dr. Rachel Fish is the former director of Brandeis University’s Schusterman Center for Israel Studies. She has spoken many times at TBS. In this recent interview with JCRC, Dr. Fish provides helpful framing of the current situation for college students who are on campus and for adults.

Article: “Sad, Scared, Proud, Alone: How US Jewish Teens Are Feeling Amid Israel-Hamas War” from The Times of Israel.

ADL “Not on My Campus” Resource: Our campuses continue to face a troubling increase in antisemitism. Urge university leaders to implement the recommendations put forth by ADL, Hillel International, and our Jewish Communal Partners.

ADL: “What Should Universities Do to Prepare for the Academic Year?”: A summary of recommendations for university leaders, Jewish students, and their families.

Article: “How Universities Should Confront Antisemitism” by Ron Liebowitz, former President of Brandeis University, Boston Globe.

Article: “Jewish American Families Face a Generational Divide Over Israel,” New York Times.

Article: “To Jewish College Students Who Are Scared” by Sarah Hurwitz (former head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama; author).

Resources from Outstanding and Relatable Israel Scholar Dr. Rachel Fish 

Dr. Rachel Fish is a gifted educator who provides essential insight into the current conflict in Israel and the rise in antisemitism nation-wide. She has been an invaluable lifeline, particularly, for the college student community. Dr. Fish is the former director of Brandeis University’s Schusterman Center for Israel Studies and has spoken at TBS on numerous occasions.

Pro Bono Legal Support for College Students Facing Antisemitism: Hillel, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has created a “Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) – a free legal protection helpline for students who have experienced antisemitism. To ask whether what is being experienced requires legal support, a simple online request form may be found here. Or, to receive free 24/7 support, you may text “CALLhelp” to 51555.

Speaking with Children About the Current Crisis

Click here for a full list of helpful resources from our TBS educators.

The Union for Reform Judaism has also created a helpful guide to speaking with our children during this difficult time.

Social Media

With so many getting information and commentary from Instagram and TikTok, B’nai Brith has shared the following recommended list.

Specific Educational Information

  • @awiderframe
  • @adl_national
  • @ajc.global
  • @honestreporting
  • @StandWithUs
  • @jtanews
  • @rootsmetals
  • @telavivinstitute

Active Jewish Voices

  • @noatishby
  • @henmazzig
  • @Hilzfuld
  • @heyalma
  • @awesomeseminars
  • @ncjwinc
  • @idf
  • @livinglchaim
  • @kveller

Emotional & Spiritual Support

Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) is providing support for all – including Israelis who have relocated to our area. 

Yad Chessed is providing support through its network of social workers during this difficult time. 

Your TBS clergy continue to be here to be helpful to you and your family as we navigate this difficult time. If we may be supportive of you, please let us know.

Safety & Security

TBS remains in close contact with the Needham Police Department, the security team at CJP, and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that we are keeping our community safe. We want to send a special “thank you!” to the Needham Police Department for their extra support during this most difficult time. Our community has invested in security personnel, technology, and resources. Your support for these efforts is greatly appreciated. To support our security efforts, please contribute to our TBS Safety and Security Fund.

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