Dear Kol Rinah Family,
One of the most difficult feelings to sit with is powerlessness. It's infuriating and demoralizing to feel strongly about something, to feel like we are affected by it, yet to have zero ability to control or even influence at all the outcome.
If you have been feeling powerless when it comes to Israel, and when it comes to supporting the voices, people, organizations and institutions in Israel that share your values, there is a way, albeit a small way, to be involved.
World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections are open now, through May 4. Voting costs $5. There are some restrictions--among them, you have to be 18 by June 30, 2025, not vote in Israeli elections, and live in the US.
The delegates and the bodies those elected form at the WZC determine the leadership and influence the policies of Israel’s National Institutions: the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet Leyisrael (JNF) and Keren Hayesod – which together allocate over $1 billion annually in funding in support of Israel and Jewish communities around the world. These organizations have real power and influence in Israel and Israeli society, as well as in organizations around the globe.
To vote, first you have to register, and then they'll email or text you (your choice) a pin #, which you enter with your email address to vote. (It may take a few minutes after you register for the text or email with your pin # to arrive.)
Then you have to choose which slate to vote for. There are 22 different slates, and you can read about each of them.
I voted for Mercaz-USA, the Conservative Movement's slate. I know many of the delegates, and you may recognize a few names too, including Hazzan Joanna Dulkin.
While I endorse and recommend voting for Mercaz-USA, there are many other slates too, some of which are wonderful, and some of which really do not share Kol Rinah's values.
Having voted, and now encouraging all of you to vote (for Mercaz-USA!), I feel a bit less powerless, and a bit more hopeful for our chances to help shape the Israel we long for.
Email me if you have already voted, or when you do vote. I'd love to be able to report to the whole congregation how many people have voted. I'll let you know next Friday how many votes I've been told about.
Next Shabbat (March 29), we'll have two opportunities to learn more about Israel. Lee Gordon, cofounder of the Yad b'Yad ("Hand-in-Hand") schools--Israel's largest network of bilingual, multicultural Jewish-Arab schools, will be speaking during services, at about 11am.
Following kiddush after services, Lee, will lead a conversation with with Dr. Ayala Hendin. Ayala is an Israel Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis who researches Israeli politics, policy, and society, focusing on education and higher education.
Passover is also coming! All the details are here.
Tuesday night, March 25 at 7:30pm here at Kol Rinah, I'll be teaching on: "Themes and Focuses for Passover 25/5785"
Every year, Passover and the seders hit differently. What might we choose to emphasize this year? What will be challenging? How can we shape our seders to respond to the world this year? Whether you're a seder leader or participant, this will give you food for thought as we prepare for the Feast of Freedom.
RSVPs for our congregational second seder (Sunday evening, April 13 at 6:30pm) are due on April 7. If you would like to attend but cost is challening, please let me know.
Finally, throughout the rest of March, KoREH is collecting used sports equipment. If you have sports equipment no one is using anymore sitting in a closet, bring it by and put it in the bin in the lobby, so it can get rehomed, and used!
***
Candle lighting tonight will be at 6:58pm.
Services tomorrow morning will begin at 9am. I'll be leading Torah Talk at 10:10am.
Shabbat ends at 7:56pm.
We don't know what the future will hold for the remaining hostages, who have been in captivity in Gaza now for 532 days. May they all come home soon.
May the one who makes peace in the heavens make peace over us, and over all Israel, and over all who dwell in the world.
Shabbat shalom, and see you in shul,
Rabbi Noah Arnow
ZOOM AND STREAMING LINKS
To join our Zoom Minyanim or classes, click on the desired meeting link, or call into either of the following numbers:
+1 312 626 6799
+1 646 558 8656
Then, when prompted, enter the Meeting ID of the desired minyan/class then press #. Then, when prompted, enter the password then press #.
Services (all times Central)
Evening Minyan on Zoom
Sunday-Thursday evenings at 6pm (but not on Jewish holidays)
Morning Minyan on Zoom
Monday-Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7am; Sunday mornings and national holidays at 8am (not including Jewish holidays)
(Please note that Thursday morning minyan is now being held in-person at 7am (8am on national holidays) and is not on Zoom)
Friday nights and Shabbat mornings
Fridays, 6pm in the chapel (no streaming)
Saturdays, 9:00am (9:30am when we are doing our musical Kol Chadash service)
Click the link below, for the stream, as well as for additional instructions:
https://www.kolrinahstl.org/kr-streaming
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Phone: 314-727-1747