Israel & Jewish Advocacy
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Living Jewishly. Embodying Zionism. Strengthening Our Connection to Israel.
Israel is a foundational part of Jewish life at BJBE, and our Israel & Jewish Advocacy Portfolio gives us a variety of ways to make that connection part of congregational life. We celebrate Israel, deepen our understanding of Jewish peoplehood and Zionism, and give congregants opportunities to learn about the issues affecting Israel and Jewish communities today. That work takes many forms: cultural programs, speakers, education, teen experiences, advocacy, travel opportunities, and partnerships with organizations throughout the Jewish community. Come learn. Celebrate. Connect. Act. Building Jewish Pride, Knowledge & Engagement
Jewish identity is shaped by what we know, what we experience, the traditions we carry, and the communities we build. At BJBE, we want Jewish life to be visible, joyful, informed, and connected to Israel. We also want our congregants to have the knowledge and resources to take part in conversations about Israel, Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish life today. Three focus areas guide the portfolio: |
Rabbi Adam Wright with IDF Colonel who commanded the elite Yamam counterterrorism team that rescued four hostages, including Noa Argamani.
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INSPIRE
Build Jewish Identity, Pride & Connection Inspire is where culture, community, and personal connection come together. Programs such as Israel Day, the Annual Israeli Art Fair, speakers, music, food, film, storytelling, and Shabbat experiences give us opportunities to celebrate Israel and Jewish life together. These experiences can strengthen our connection to BJBE, to Israel, and to the Jewish people. |
EDUCATE
Build Jewish Knowledge & Agency Educate creates opportunities to learn more about Jewish history, peoplehood, Israel, Zionism, antisemitism, and the issues shaping Jewish life today. Programming may include a Jewish Peoplehood, Israel & Zionism series, teen Israel workshops, parent education, guest speakers, and media literacy programs. We also want to provide useful resources for the conversations our members are already having at home, online, at school, on college campuses, and in the community. |
ACTIVATE
Build Jewish Action & Engagement Activate focuses on what we can do with what we have learned. Congregants will have opportunities to develop advocacy skills, learn how to respond to antisemitism, participate in teen leadership, explore Israel travel and gap-year programs, and connect with Jewish organizations doing this work every day. There will be different ways to participate, allowing people to become involved where their interests and experiences can be most useful. |
Israel Matters
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Discover More of Israel
Israel Matters is BJBE's monthly opportunity to explore stories about Israel that we may not encounter in the daily headlines. Each edition will feature three stories highlighting areas such as Israeli innovation, culture, creativity, people, Jewish values, and contributions to the world. Readers may meet an Israeli doing remarkable work, discover an innovation developed in Israel, or learn something new about Israeli food, music, art, technology, or culture. |
Rabbi Canali and his parents at the Kotel while he studied in Israel, 2022​
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Upcoming Events
Resources
Looking to stay informed or learn more? These media outlets and Jewish organizations offer news, education, advocacy resources, and opportunities to deepen your connection with Israel.
Get Involved
Joshua Ostach, BJBE
Youth Educator and Song Leader, at the Western Wall in 2024 with Penn State Hillel.
Your Energy. Your Ideas. Your BJBE.This portfolio belongs to the BJBE community, and we want congregants to be part of its growth.
PARTICIPATE
Come to a program, hear a speaker, attend a workshop, or join us for a celebration.
SHARE
Tell us what you'd like to see. Bring us an idea, a connection, an experience, or a story that could add to the conversation.
VOLUNTEER
Help plan programs, welcome speakers, develop partnerships, or lend a hand at an event.
We hope Israel & Jewish Advocacy gives more members of our community a way to deepen their Jewish lives and their relationship with Israel.
Your energy. Your ideas. Your BJBE.
PARTICIPATE
Come to a program, hear a speaker, attend a workshop, or join us for a celebration.
SHARE
Tell us what you'd like to see. Bring us an idea, a connection, an experience, or a story that could add to the conversation.
VOLUNTEER
Help plan programs, welcome speakers, develop partnerships, or lend a hand at an event.
We hope Israel & Jewish Advocacy gives more members of our community a way to deepen their Jewish lives and their relationship with Israel.
Your energy. Your ideas. Your BJBE.