Chair: Ned Hanover

Israel ConnectRS empowers congregants to build and deepen bonds with the people of Israel by providing dynamic educational programming and by engaging with our sister synagogue in Jerusalem, Achva Bakerem.
 
We are grateful for Israel’s resilience and continuing contributions to the world in science, medicine, technology and the arts as it navigates the many difficult challenges following October 7.
 
Israel ConnectRS stands in solidarity with the people of Israel. We pray for peace and security in our beloved homeland, the release of our hostages, the return of Israelis to their homes, and peace in the region for all peoples.
 
We welcome and value your input, participation, and support.  For further information, contact Ned Hanover at nedhanover@gmail.com.

 

iEngage Series — “Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Challenge of the Future”

iEngage, the program about Israel developed by the Shalom Hartman Institute, returns to Rodeph Shalom on September 15. Rick Berkman, RS Past President, will lead this eight-week series that helps North American Jews prepare for Israel’s future by gaining a greater understanding of pivotal past events. The course explores the critical events of 1947 and 1967 – following the 1917 Balfour Declaration – as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. It engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics, and theology. RSVP to Sophia Schwab.

Join us from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on these Sundays:

Sept. 15 – 1917 – The Balfour Declaration: The Idea of a Homeland for the Jewish People
Sept. 29 – 1947 – The United Nations Partition Plan: The Jews in the World
Oct. 13 – 1967 – The Six Day War: Power, Land and God
Oct. 20 – Judea and Samaria: Occupation or Liberation
Nov. 3 – One State, Two States: Moral Red Lines
Nov. 17 – Jerusalem of God, Prayer and Peoplehood
Dec. 8 – Jerusalem of Responsibility, Loss, and Hope
Dec. 15 – The Jubilee Year and Beyond: Milestones and their Meanings


“One Year Later: The Jewish People After Oct. 7” with Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer
Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m.; Dinner available ($36/person) at 5:30 p.m.

What is the state of the Jewish people in the aftermath of October 7?

Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute and a leading thinker and author on the meaning of Israel to American Jews, will address the impact of this tragedy during a provocative program and dinner.

The presentation is free and will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. dinner, at a cost of $36 per person.

Register here for dinner & program. If you are interested in attending the program only, click here. the Contact Lynn Edelman for information.

The Israel Speakers Series is an initiative of Israel ConnectRS and is co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee &  the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Thank you to Rick Berkman for initiating & supporting this program.