ARZA - Home

Donate

Join

Contact

Search:

January 05, 2009 9 Tevet 5769

Click on the images above to learn more!

ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, is the Zionist arm and voice for the Reform Movement in the United States. We endeavor to make Israel fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of Reform Jews.

Crisis in Gaza
For the past several weeks, Israel has lived under an increasing barrage of rocket fire from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. On the morning of December 27th the Israeli army took military action. Click here for ARZA's response to the violence in Gaza.

Tu Bishvat – Israel and North America:
Two Branches of One Family Tree
ARZA is pleased to share with you an updated version of Tu Bishvat – Israel and North America: Two Branches of One Family Tree. This early childhood curriculum provides congregations and individuals with meaningful resources to make Israel a more integral part of our Jewish lives. We suggest that you use the ideas in here as a reminder that Tu BiShvat is a holiday essentially connected to the Land of Israel and its bounty. Click here to learn more!

An ARZA/Israel Shabbat for the Whole Congregation
ARZA is happy to share with you our guide for planning a Shabbat observance in your congregation that highlights our people’s connection to the land of Israel through Torah study, story telling, music and of course, food. We hope you will find these materials flexible enough to use with pre-schoolers or seniors, Friday night only or for a complete Shabbaton.
Learn more now!

Stand Up and Be Counted!
Sign Petition for the Rights of Reform Rabbis in Israel!
Support the case of Rabbi Miri Gold, a case that demands the government of Israel to recognize Reform rabbis. Please start the New Year by joining ARZA in signing this important petition now! Learn more...

Israeli Reform Movement on the Brink
The fall of the U.S. dollar in the last few months put the IMPJ, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, into a financial crisis. With more than 30 percent of its funding lost to the decline in the dollar, the IMPJ has had to lay off half its staff and has drastically cut back on its operations. We need your help to support the vibrant, growing and proud Israeli Reform Movement.

Commentaries and Articles of Interest

Israel at 60 Rethinking the Partnership between Israel and World Jewry
By Rabbi Donniel Hartman

Read this thought-provoking article on Israel - Diaspora relations now! It is based on the address that Rabbi Hartman delivered at the 2007 URJ Biennial in San Diego. His presence at the Biennial was made possible by a grant from the ARZA Rabbinic Council.

Add Your Voice to Our Open Conversation About Reform Zionism!
We urge you to visit the site and read and think carefully about Rabbi Knobel's definition and the comments surrounding it, and then to add your own comments, thoughts, and opinions.

Israel at 60: ARZA's Tribute!

Israel at 60, ARZA at 30: In the spring of 2008/5768, we marked the beginning of the 60th year of Jewish sovereignty in the Land and State of Israel. As Reform Jews, we also celebrated our Movement’s 30 years of Zionist activity with the 30th anniversary of ARZA. The Israel at 60 Program Guide can be downloaded for educational programs to connect with Israel throughout this anniversary year and beyond!