UPJ Gal Chadash newsletter
Dr. Philip Bliss
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The voice of the Union for Progressive JudaismFebruary 2010 CONTENTS
UPJ executive director: Steve
Denenberg FROM STEVE'S DESKWhy Gal Chadash (New Wave)? by Steve Denenberg
A NUMBER of innovative movements in music, art and politics have been described as ‘New Wave’ – a term that indicates a fresh and challenging approach to an accepted and respected form of expression. So it is with the Progressive movement and its determination to honour the timeless values of Judaism by expressing them in a manner that is relevant to current generations. The Progressive movement is the new wave of Judaism, at the same time part of the overall body of the religion and yet at the forefront of our interaction with the broader community and the world at large. One of the major precepts of Progressive Judaism is that of “informed choice”: the belief that whatever decision you make should be based on knowledge and understanding. Making informed choices should extend to considering the type of ritual you accept as relevant to you; the degree to which social justice is a true expression of Jewish values; and many other aspects of your religious and personal life. As the mouthpiece of the Union for Progressive Judaism, we hope Gal Chadash will provide information about Judaism and the Jewish world that will help you to make these decisions. Over the coming issues you will learn about what is happening in our region of Australia, New Zealand and Asia. You will be directed to articles about the current situation in the Middle East and around the Jewish world, and you will also be able to read articles and opinion pieces by leading scholars and activists in the Jewish world. Why Gal Chadash? Because we want you to be informed as you progress in your understanding of the wonders and issues of our Jewish world. PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Welcome to Gal Chadash by David Robinson
WELCOME to the first edition of Gal Chadash – another initiative from the UPJ. While this newsletter is indeed a “new wave”, it is probably fair to say that the new wave started in October 2008. Why do I say this? Well October 2008 saw a fairly large change in the life of the UPJ. At our biennial conference in Melbourne a new Executive and new Office Bearers were elected. This was complemented with our new Executive Director taking up his fulltime role after having spent a few months as both Executive Director of the UPJ and of Emanuel Synagogue. Your Executive committee, therefore, consisted of people spread geographically across our whole region, from Auckland in the East to Perth in the West and from Hong Kong in the North to Melbourne in the South. In addition the administrative offices moved to Sydney although we still maintain an office in Melbourne. A huge amount of work has gone into planning for the forthcoming year and I am convinced we can look forward to the “new wave” building towards a fantastic conference in November 2010. As we look forward to an exciting 2010, please allow me to briefly reflect on what has happened during 2009. I would be surprised if any member of any congregation in our region is unaware of the development of the new siddur for our region. Mishkan T’filah has been many years in development and is an excellent example of the lay-professional partnership that is the hallmark of the UPJ. It is also a wonderful opportunity for Southern Hemisphere co-operation as we have completed this project in partnership with the South African Union for Progressive Judaism. We look forward to launching the book in 2010. The annual UIA fundraising campaign conducted throughout our region provides essential funding for numerous projects in Israel. The UPJ, through the UIA ProgressiveTrust, is able to channel donations received from its members and supporters to support the work of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism in helping the migration and integration of refugees and migrants. I encourage you all the support the 2010 campaign and to clearly designate your donation to the UIA Progressive Trust. Our Social Action program focused on the “Nothing but Nets” campaign and, while a lot of work was put into getting this accepted by all members, it is fair to report that the results could have been better. Why not consider buying a mosquito net as a gift for an upcoming simcha? This way you will be helping improve the world at the same time as honouring the person in whose name you have purchased this gift. Contact your local synagogue office for details. 2009 also saw us celebrate the formal affiliation of the Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation and we look forward to seeing another few communities joining the UPJ soon. 2010 will be a year of celebration and activity. In addition to the UPJ celebrating 80 years of Progressive Judaism in the region, a number of people will be receiving the Ner Tamid or Vatik awards, which they were awarded in November 2009. In addition a number of member congregations will be celebrating milestones in their histories. The UPJ conference will take place from 25-28 November 2010 in Canberra and I encourage you to mark this in your diary and join us and the leadership of the World Union for Progressive Judaism at our conference. It is clear that Progressive Judaism is thriving in our region and we look forward to you riding the wave with us.
OUR JEWISH WORLDSocial Activism Down
Under, by Naomi
Abelson En route from Los Angeles to Sydney, I pondered the role of social justice in Union for Progressive Judaism congregations. What advocacy issues top the agenda? Which congregational groups take the lead? Is social action an integral part of worldwide Progressive Judaism as it is in North American Reform Judaism? I spent two weeks in late November traveling between cities, sharing resources to help congregations better articulate and implement their social action goals. I gave presentations and led workshops and roundtable discussions on social justice issues, including environmental advocacy, poverty, service learning and Nothing But Nets. I shared examples of North American congregations actively pursuing justice as an expression of their Judaism. I listened to stories of UPJ congregations’ social action accomplishments. Jews for Social Action of North Shore Temple Emanuel conducts successful long-term projects, including asylum-seeker assistance and an Aboriginal literacy project. King David School is expanding their school curriculum to offer two new social justice courses. Beth Shalom of Auckland planted a Biblical Garden to educate their community and begin an environmental dialogue. It was heartening to learn about UPJ involvement in Nothing But Nets (NBN). Joining the worldwide campaign, UPJ congregations pledged to raise $50,000 to combat the spread of malaria by donating $10 bed nets to families living in sub-Saharan Africa. It was exciting to see firsthand the reach and scope of this project. I left Australia and New Zealand with more than when I arrived. Back stateside, I had a suitcase of souvenirs, a deeper appreciation for meat pies, and incredible stories of Progressive activists and activism. And while I plan to keep the souvenirs for myself and my family, the stories I intend to share with your North American sister congregations. Above all, I return with renewed passion for the work of tikkun olam and the knowledge that a mere 16,000 kilometers away, I have new friends doing this work by my side. Naomi Abelson is the Social Action Specialist for the Union for Reform Judaism of North America. She lives in New York. She can be contacted at nabe...@urj.org. MISHKAN T'FILAH
PUBLISHING AGREEMENT SIGNED
ON November 6, at the Union for Reform Judaism biennial conference held in Toronto, Canada, UPJ executive director Steve Denenberg signed a purchase agreement with publisher CCAR Press, officially beginning the publishing process of Mishkan T’filah, World Union Edition. Steve Denenberg is pictured (centre back) with some of the UPJ delegates attending the conference in Toronto. “We are thrilled to be able to work with our friends in the Southern Hemisphere to create a siddur for them that meets their desires and needs. We are very proud that they have chosen Mishkan T’filah as the siddur that most closely fits their outlook and values,” said Rabbi Hara Person, publisher and director of CCAR Press. “This project is a wonderful collaboration,” added UPJ president David Robinson. “The launch of the new siddur will be a central feature of our forthcoming celebrations of 80 years of Progressive Judaism in this region.” Mishkan T’filah was first published in 2007, and is now used in most Reform congregations throughout North America. The World Union Edition, expected to be published in the August 2010, has been adapted and edited by a team of rabbis and lay leaders to meet the needs of Progressive Jewish communities in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Africa. CCAR president Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus said, “Mishkan T’filah is setting a new standard for liturgy not only in North America but around the world. How wonderful that this prayer book will unite Jewish communities in different countries. We are very excited to be part of this historic endeavour.” SPOTLIGHT
UPJ presents 2009 awards, by Jocelyn Robuck AT the November 2009 conference in Sydney, UPJ president David Robinson announced the recipients of the annual Ner Tamid, Vatik and Atid awards. This year, there were two recipients for each award: Norma Esther and Noel Hall (Ner Tamid); Philip Coleman and Peter Kolliner (Vatik); and Emanuel School student Jennifer Shkolnik and King David School student Davina Vorchheimer (Atid). A committee chaired by Jan Marriott was given the task of evaluating nominations from around the region. “This was not an easy choice,” Jan said. “All of the nominees were very worthy, and we recommend that they be re-nominated in another year.” The primary criterion for the Ner Tamid Award is providing exceptional service within both the congregation and the wider community. Noel Hall’s congregational involvement has included chairing the Ritual Services Committee at Bentleigh Progressive Synagogue. In the absence of a congregational rabbi, he has assisted with bar/bat mitzvahs and conversions. Noel is very active in the local scout troop, is a guide at the MCG, and assists with Meals on Wheels. Norma Esther has served as a trustee for Rodef Shalom for 10 years, and has kept its accounts since 1994. She recently supervised the repairs to the local Jewish cemetery in Mumbai, and has been active in “moral rearmament” group Initiatives for Change for the past 18 years. The Vatik Award is an award for past-presidents of congregations who have made valuable contributions to their congregation and the wider community after concluding their term as president. Philip Coleman is distinguished as the longest serving past-president in the history of Bentleigh Progressive Synagogue, and has recently re-joined the board as a vice-president. He has assisted with the congregation’s ritual committee and choir, and served the general community as treasurer of the VUPJ. Peter Kolliner served twice as president of Temple Beth Israel. He served as chairman of the WUPJ for four years, and focused on increasing the union’s involvement with aboriginal reconciliation and understanding. He has served as treasurer of the UPJ and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. Peter recently retired as chairman of the Progressive Jewish Cultural Fund, and is very active in promoting the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Atid awards recognise high school students’ academic achievements and commitment to the ideals of Progressive Judaism. Engraved awards for Jennifer and Davina were given to their schools for presentation, and David Robinson will personally present the Ner Tamid and Vatik awards in Melbourne and Mumbai later this year. Nominations for the 2010 awards should be submitted to the UPJ by Jan Marriott added, “It is important to note that nominations need to provide specific details, so that the awards committee can be fully informed about the nominee’s attributes and qualifications.” NETZER NEWSNetzer goes from strength to strength, by Jeremy Bliss
THIS summer, more than 200 young people attended Netzer camp, and more than 130 participants and leaders attended Federal Camp. At the end of January, 32 members of Shnat Zahav (Gold) – our largest contingent to date – will depart for their yearlong education and leadership-training program in Israel. This would not be possible without the generous financial support from our Progressive community, which provided more than $60,000 in scholarships. This outstanding level of assistance comes thanks to: the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australian Reform Zionist Association; Rabbis Morgan, Kamins, Zylberman, Jacobson, Keren-Black and Ninio, the Victorian Union for Progressive Judaism, Temple Beth Israel, Kedem, the Leo Baeck Centre, the Netzer Shnat fund, Mrs Marlis Cohen and Dr. Philip Bliss. We are very fortunate this year to have the help of our Mishlachat Shlichut (Delegation of Israel Emissaries). We welcome Anat Baruch, the Sydney Netzer and Progressive Community Shlicha, and Nadav Lavie, the Adelaide Community Shaliach, to join Dana Bar-Zuri, the Netzer Melbourne and VUPJ Shlicha. These shlichim are indispensible to our ideological and practical running and we look forward to a successful year ahead with such a strong delegation. In Israel, Netzer Australia is currently being represented by Lisa Gelbart, our incoming Federal Merakezet, at the Netzer Veidah Olamit, the official ideological conference of our world movement. Soon, our Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education) Yael Appelboom will be joining Lisa in Israel to help run the Australian Zionist Youth Council Shnat Opening Seminar for Shnat 2010. Prior to Federal Camp, we ran our Federal Integration Seminar, with more than 40 Netzer leaders in attendance. The seminar comprised ideological and administrative meetings, together with educational and fun programming to help integrate the returned Shnatties and new leaders. This seminar was a great success and if the ruach (spirit), commitment and excitement exhibited there is any indication of our year ahead, Netzer and the Progressive community in Australia will have a year packed with camps, meetings, Shabbatonim, community events, tiyulim, outreaches, seminars and much more! Jeremy Bliss is the outgoing Federal Merakez of Netzer Australia. TAMAR REPORTTaMaR events raise funds for Nothing But Nets, by Nicola Ossher
TAMAR, the young adult branch of the UPJ, has been focusing its recent activities around Nothing But Nets. Thanks to a group of keen volunteers in Sydney we have held a series of fundraiser events aimed at young adults of the Jewish and wider-community to raise funds for this social action project. The first event was a highly successful movie night attended by over 70 people. The movie, Funny People, was a highly apt choice given its almost all-Jewish cast! Following the screening, drinks and food were had at a nearby café with some live African music and a talk about the campaign. The second event was a trivia night at the Fair Trade Café, which was a highly entertaining evening. We were fortunate to have URJ Social Action Specialist Naomi Abelson in attendance to give an update on the work of Nothing But Nets in Africa. Over Succot, TaMaR also co-hosted a charity poker evening with the Emanuel Synagogue, with all funds raised benefiting Nothing But Nets. These events have helped raise well over $1000, and we plan to continue with more fundraiser events in 2010. KEHILLAH
(AROUND THE CONGREGATIONS)
New Sefer Torah for Hong Kong's 20th
AS part of its 20th anniversary celebration, The United Jewish Community of Hong Kong (The UJC) commissioned the writing of a new Sefer Torah. The UJC has engaged Jamie Shear, a Jerusalem-based sofer, to write the new scroll. "The Sefer Torah will be particularly meaningful to The UJC because it was created by and for us," said Rabbi Stan Zamek. To complement the Torah project, The UJC has also launched its Year of Torah program. “We see this as a wonderful opportunity to engage members of the community in a discussion about how a Torah is created and the role Torah plays in our lives as Jews,” said Rabbi Martha Bergadine, The UJC’s education and programming director. The dedication of the new Sefer Torah is scheduled in late 2010. ARZA UPDATEARZA focuses on religious equality in Israel, by Jocelyn Robuck ALTHOUGH it is not a fact we are proud of, the reality is that Progressive Jews in Israel do not have equality or freedom of religious practice. Unlike their Orthodox counterparts, Progressive and Conservative congregations and their rabbis receive very little funding from the State. Similarly, they have no status in dealing with life-cycle events, such as bar/bat mitzvah, marriage, conversion or burial. Many Jews around the world believe it is essential for Israel to extend equal rights and support to all Jewish groups and that the fulfilment of this goal will strengthen Israel by making it an even more open, democratic and religious society and the true homeland for all Jews. In order to achieve this goal, ARZA (the Association of Reform Zionists of Australia) and similar groups around the world, work under the banner of ARZENU (Our Land) to promote Israel and work for an egalitarian and pluralistic Jewish State. UPJ executive director Steve Denenberg said, “ARZA provides essential support for informal education about Israel throughout the local Jewish and general communities, and within our own Progressive communities.” “This includes supporting Netzer’s educational youth programs and outreach activities, including providing funding for Shnat (Year in Israel), the Shlichut (Emissary) program, and the UPJ’s TaMar (Young Adult) program,” he added. ARZA also funds Zionist activities at The King David School and Emanuel School, and reaches out to involve youth in Progressive congregations and communities. The organisation actively participates in Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim communal celebrations, and hosts visiting Israeli personalities and speakers. Through its fundraising activities for the United Israel Appeal’s Progressive Trust, ARZA supports the work of the World Union for Progressive Judaism’s work in Israel including support for the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ). The IMPJ is a growing network of 25 Progressive congregations, community centres and schools around Israel that attract many new refugees and migrants. ARZA chair Ian Samuel said, “Our message is: the stronger our movement is in Australia and Israel, the more influence we have in ensuring the basic rights of Progressive and Conservative Jews. Together with the UPJ and as part of ARZENU and the World Union for Progressive Judaism, ARZA’s focus is to make Israel and the Jewish world strong – and healthy – by ensuring respect for diversity.” |
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