As
we are writing this report, reports of great loss of human lives
and scenes of total devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina
are haunting us all. Please be sure to see the information in
this newsletter about how you can make a contribution.
It’s been a hot, emotionally draining summer here in Israel
and we are now beginning the healing process after the difficult
period of disengagement. We are proud to report that the Masorti
Movement in Israel has been involved by both visiting those
who have left their homes in Gaza to offer support and by showing
their appreciation to the soldiers and police who took part
in the disengagement by bringing them pizza (thanks to donations
from Masorti Jews around the world). NOAM Israel campers, as
part of their “Tikun Olam” project at camp, prepared 450 “Goodnight
kits” for children from Gaza who are staying in temporary housing.
The kits contained candies, a laminated page of the shema prayer,
and decorated mugs made by the campers. They were delivered
to the children by NOAM counselors.
We are happy to report that many more Masorti youth were in
Israel this summer than previous years—participants from USY,
Ramah, NOAM UK, birthright trips and others were seen and heard
once again on the streets of Jerusalem. We hope many young people
will return on long-term programs as well.
You can continue to show your support for the Masorti Movement
around the world by registering for MERCAZ. This is a critical
year to do so as the next World Zionist Congress will take place
in June For more information see: http://www.masortiworld.org/about/mercaz.html
Now, more than ever, Masorti Olami needs your support if we
are to continue our activities and provide the services so desperately
needed by our kehillot around the world. Our growth and development
cannot take place without your personal help and commitment.
Join us in establishing and sustaining the option of Conservative/Masorti
Judaism around the world. Contact us for more information about
Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects, synagogue twinning possibilities,
donations in honor or memory of loved ones and friends, and
projects in need of funding. Write to: worldcouncil@masortiworld.org
or mail@masoritolami.org
You can make a secure, online donation for Masorti Olami on
the Network for Good site: http://www.networkforgood.org/?seg=8
(In the “search” section, type in World Council of Conservative
Synagogues or Masorti Olami and it will bring you to the page
where you can make an online donation.)
Please continue to write to us about your activities and send
us pictures so we can post the news on our web site www.masortiworld.org
and in our future monthly reports. If you know of others who
would like to be included on our mailing list, please let us
know. Our e-mail address is mail@masortiolami.org
If you’re in Jerusalem, please stop by and visit our office
at 16 King George St. (entrance “gimmel).
We wish you a Shana Tova, a year of peace and fulfillment.
Kol tuv,
Judy Dvorak Gray
