IMPJournal - January 2010

[Dr. Philip Bliss]

 

The IMPJ family wishes you all a Happy Tu B'Shvat!

Address from the Reform and Progressive Leadership in Israel Dear friends, in recent years, the celebration of Tu B'Shvat has gained acclaim in Israel. After decades during which the holiday focused on the planting of trees, many Israelis have begun to mark the day through a "Seder Tu B'Shvat" which combines ancient legends and commentaries by the sages with contemporary Israeli poetry and literature. IMPJ's congregations played a key role in both raising awareness - and renewing - the custom of the "Seder Tu B'Shavat" among the Israeli public at large. Thirty years ago, IMPJ's Rabbis presented the contemporary Israeli version of the custom originated by the ancient mystics of Safed. Read More...   Tu B'Shvat: A Celebration of Nature's Rebirth   Thousands of Israeli children, youth and families celebrate Tu B'Shvat, Israel's Arbor Day, with a "Seder" prepared by "Ha'Avoda Shebalev" – The Center for Innovative Liturgy. Rabbi Yehoram Mazor, the 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). Click "Read More" to download an optional Tu B'Shvat seder to share with your family and friends. Read More...

President Shimon Peres visits Kibbutz Lotan In a December 2009 visit to the Eilot region of Israel's southern Arava Valley, Israel President Shimon Peres focused his sites on environmental education and renewable energy, including a tour of the Reform Kibbutz Lotan. The visit was inspired by a video shown at the President's Conference in Jerusalem in October 2009. Peres was particularly impressed with the sustainable technologies incorporated in the Center, including organic gardening and solar ovens. Read More... Israel as a Learning Laboratory 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. 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. Read More...

Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism 13 King David Street, Jerusalem 94101, Israel Telephone: 972-2-6203448 Fax: 972-2-6203446 E-mail: in...@impj.org.il

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