Commemorate Israel 60 / Shabbat Israel

In celebration of Israel’s 60th Anniversary, the Shabbat between Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’Atzmaut has been designated as Shabbat Israel by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and will be commemorated in an array of events throughout the country.

The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, as a member of the Conference of Presidents and a partner in this initiative, invites all JRF congregations to devote the weekend of May 9-11 to special programs marking this historic milestone in Israel’s history.

Here are some helpful links to support your Israel 60 / Shabbat Israel event planning:

Zionism and Communal Covenant: A Reconstructionist Approach To Essential Jewish Principals An excerpt from the 2004 JRF Israel Policies Task Force Report

A Guide To Talking About Israel In Your Congregation By Rabbi Toba Spitzer

Reconstructionist Educators' Frequently Asked Questions on Israel By Rabbi Shai Gluskin, Rabbi Moti Rieber, and Rabbi Jeffrey Schein

JRF Resource library - Israel section

Pluralistic Judaism in Israel: A Report from the JRF Convention

JRF Omer Teaching: Beyond the Human Perspective, Rabbi Michael Cohen, Arava Institute, Israel