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Israel Advocacy

Temple Beth Sholom has a long and proud history of engagement with Israel. Rabbi Lewis led the very first National United Synagogue Youth mission to Israel, as well as many adult trips, over the years.

It is not surprising, then, that TBS pioneered the Confirmation Class Trip to Israel, more than 25 years ago, and that soon became a standard of practice for a number of congregations in our community and beyond. Today, TBS, Beth El, and Adath Israel (Philadelphia) Confirmation Classes participate in a joint Confirmation Class Trip through Camp Ramah Programs in Israel.

Temple Beth Sholom also conducts adult and family trips to Israel on an almost annual basis. Our TBS Israel Experiences always go way beyond standard tours, incorporating special speakers (such as Prof. Menahem Ben Sasson, Chancellor of Hebrew University), as well as meaningful visits to Masorti Congregations and the Conservative Yeshivah, in Jerusalem.

Our commitment to Israel is also reflected in a variety of programs throughout the year. We have hosted Prime Ministers Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak and enjoyed song and dance presentations by the Israeli Youth Troupes. You can count on hearing speakers on Israel related topics annually. In recent years, we have heard briefings from the Editor of The Times of Israel, David Horovitz, as well as Gilead Sher, former Chief of Staff to Ehud Barak.

TBS is also very active in supporting Israel through a variety of organizations. We have co-sponsored events with Jewish National Fund and Hazon (Israel’s premier environmental group). On the High Holy Days, we conduct very successful appeals for Israel Bonds and our Masorti Movement in Israel. TBS is also very actively involved in political action for Israel through AIPAC — the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Adults and high school students attend the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C. each year, and lobby our Congressmen and Senators in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

Israel plays a very prominent role in the life of Temple Beth Sholom, and Temple Beth Sholom is very proud of the congregation’s commitment to Israel in all of our programming, from Youth and Adult Education to Social and Political Action.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784