THIS MONT H H aHodesh AT CHIZUK AMUNO CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS May 2016 | Nisan–Iyar 5776 Engaging Jewish Life and Learning
RABBI’S COLUMN
5TH ANNUAL
The Torah of Zionism At the AIPAC conference some weeks ago, I attended a special session for rabbis. RABBI RON SHULMAN 750 of us from all religious streams of Jewish life sat together over lunch to think about some of the challenges confronting Israel right now. As we were listening to the speakers and talking among ourselves, a friend of mine observed that this occasion was notable for bringing together such a large and diverse gathering of rabbis who represent the full variety of ideas and practice in contemporary Judaism. He then commented wistfully, “and we came together to talk about politics not Torah.” Political and communal support for the American-Israel relationship is AIPAC’s mission, of course. Yet even in that context, I thought about my friend’s observation. How precious it is to gather in our diversity. How unique is Israel that we form such a broad Jewish community around her in our Zionism and concern, and that within Israel’s borders all forms of Judaism and Jewish identity live. Today there are only two ways we identify as Jews. Through our connection to Jewish tradition and our bond with the history and heritage of the Jewish people. Israeli Jews who are unmoved by Judaism demonstrate their bonds to the ▶ Continued on page 2
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SCHECHTER ON THE MOVE 5K RACE AND FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL - SUNDAY, JUNE 5 8 A.M.
CELEBRATE YOM HA’ATZMAUT ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY
@CHIZUK AMUNO WED., MAY 11 AT 5:30 P.M. Join us for evening of learning, song and dance.
REGISTER TODAY!
5:30 – 6:15 P.M.
Register Online at http://bit.ly/ SchechterOntheMove16
Fun and educational activities for kids of all ages
$30/adult (over 18); $20/child (2-18) and KSDS alumni & faculty; $55/family.
6:15 – 7:15 P.M.
Dry-fit race shirts guaranteed for everyone registered by May 19.
Falafel and pizza dinner, performances by KSDS Choirs, and Israeli dancing 7:30 – 9:00 P.M.
Adult learning sessions (Choose from Israeli dance instruction, an Israeli cooking demonstration, Israeli TV or a speaker on Israeli current events)
Registrants after May 19, and race day registrants, will receive a shirt while supplies last. Baby-sitting available for children ages 2 and up with pre-registration.
$5/person ($18 max./family)
Join us for the 5K race, a one-mile fun run, playground ribbon cutting, awards ceremony, and the Family Fun Festival!
RSVP by May 5 at http://bit.ly/Israelat68
For more information, please contact the KSDS Development Office at 410-486-8640 or contact Alison at alisonw@ksds.edu