Celebrate Theodor Herzl on the 150th Anniversary of His Birth

Programs and Events are being planned to mark the 150 Anniversary of Herzl’s birth.  Herzl Day (10 Iyar) will be celebrated  the week of April 18 -25, 2010.

Here’s a sampling of some of the programs and activities being planned.
MISSION OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE ZIONIST CAUSE
A JOURNEY WITH HERZL IN PURSUIT OF THE ZIONIST IDEA:
April 14 – 20, 2010 | Special Dor Hemshech Track April 13 – 22, 2010
As a journalist, statesman and visionary, Herzl crisscrossed Europe and the Middle East in a tireless effort to realize his dream of a Jewish state.  A century later we will revisit some of the most important destinations in his travels, reflecting on the monentous impact of his life’s journey and the circumstances and events that shaped the man and his vision. Leadership of the National Institutions, as well as members of Knesset and prominent figures in Israeli society will be participating in the journey along with Zionist and Jewish leadership from around the world.

The journey will begin in Paris and continue through Basle, Vienna and Budapest, culiminating in Israel with the celebration of Israel Independence Day at the official ceremony on Mount Herzl — just a few days before Herzl’s 150th birthday.  This high profile journey is intended to raise public consciousness about the positive meaning of Zionism today, as well as providing participants with an exhilirating opportunity to celebrate all that the Zionist enterprise has achieved while delving seriously into all that it has yet to accomplish.

See the proposed itinerary.

Further details please contact AZM

HERZL UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: TRAVELING EXHIBITION

I truly believe that even after we possess our land, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the yearning for ethical and spiritual fulfillment.

Now, 150 years after Herzl was born, it is up to a new generation to embrace this visionary’s legacy and it its own.  This exhibition rich in archival visuals and thought-provoking text, was produced with that objective in mind.  It is not only about Herzl; it is about how contemporary Jews might shape their personal relationship to Israel and the Jewish people.  This exhibit is available for rental; for more information visit here.

THE ZIONIST SHEKEL

It was Herzl’s way of inviting the entire Jewish world to express support for the Zionist idea, and enabling all who wished to take an active role in the Zionist enterprise to do so.  In honor of his 150th birthday, the WZO will issue a limited edition, beautifully designed Zionist Shekel note capturing the excitement of the early days of the movement as well as the challenges that Herzl’s legacy demands we still meet.

More information will be listed as it becomes available.

Materials to Celebrate Israel’s 61st Anniversary

American Zionist Movement | World Zionist Organization | ARZA |
Jewish National Fund | Hadassah | MERCAZ | Israeli Consulate | Other

AZM

Israel at the Movies: Your Guide to 8 Israeli Films

Celebrate Israel by exploring important themes in Israeli society – through eight easily-accessible Israeli movies. This guide provides background information, activities and questions for discussion for your synagogue, community center, class, film group, Israel club or group of friends.
| Read more

Ideas for Yom Hazikaron

We remember those men and women who gave their lives for a free and secure Jewish Homeland by observing Yom Hazikaron each year. Here are some suggestions and materials for commemorative programs and ceremonies. | Read more

WZO | Visit

Fulfilling the Dream: Celebrating 60 Years of Israel’s Challenges and Achievements

This special exhibit contrasts early scenes of the State of Israel with modern scenes using a hologram form of photography. A joint venture of the Department for Zionist Activities (WZO) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel. Available immediately after Passover. | If your organization, community center, or synagogue is interested in displaying this exhibit in honor of Israel@60, please contact AZM at azm@azm.org.

ARZA | Visit

One Heart, Two Homes

ARZA’s five-session adult education program that addresses the deep, personal issues surrounding the question, “Why should I, an American Reform Jew, have a relationship with Israel?” | More information

Faces of Reform Aliyah

ARZA’s Educational Kit with materials designed to engage congregations with authentic and familiar stories and to expose them to a unique dimension of Reform involvement in Israel.
| More information

18 Ideas ARZA Can Share with Your Congregation

ARZA can help you organize sessions to deepen your connection with Israel, with these creative ways to expand your congregation’s Israel programming. Assistance can range from a quick phone consultation, on-going consultation for new Israel/ARZA committees or a congregational visit from a lay or professional leaders. | View Ideas

The Reform Israel Experience: A Guide to Programs and Organizations to Engage with Israel

ARZA created this guide in order to encapsulate the Reform Israel Experience in an easy-to-use encyclopedia of programs and organizations geared toward Reform Jews and Israel. | View Guide

Hadassah | Visit

Israel Is

Hadassah’s multi-faceted program which showcases the side of Israel not often covered by the media. | More information

JNF | Visit

JNF Educational Programs

JNF provides programs and materials for students ranging from elementary school through college, synagogues and their leaders. Programs include Blue Box Bob, Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel Independence Day, GoNeutral Education Programs, Caravan for Democracy and Speakers’ Bureau. | Learn more

MERCAZ | Visit

Celebrating a Green Israel

A special program guide about the State of Israel’s environment, complete with suggested activities appropriate for different age groups.| View Program

The Road to Sixty

The Conservative Movement’s new program of study and celebration for use beginning in November, but suitable throughout the year. | View Program (PDF)

Celebrating the Zionist Dream: Educational Package

A synagogue activity kit and a 40-page book of essays suitable for adult education from the Conservative Movement. Includes “If You Will It” (PDF), a dramaticization of Zionist issues. | More information

Service to Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim

Mark Yom Yerushalayim

Chanukah at the AZM

AZM wishes you and your family a Hanukkah filled with happiness and peace.
By lighting the Chanukah candles, you are united not only with family and friends with whom you share the special moment, but also with Jews around the world also celebrating the Festival of Lights. This Chanukah, take time to reflect on the power of this connection and our responsibility to each other, especially to those who place themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation and its people.

Chanukah Heroes

View online

Chanukah is the Holiday of Light. As you gather with your friends and family to light the Chanukah candles, take a moment to reflect on the heroes who are the Lights of Israel – and what we can learn from their Jewish and Zionist values.

A Zionist Chanukah

Download and print this file | View online

Each night, have in your thoughts a different aspect of Zionism which has built the State of Israel into the nation it is today and which will continue as its foundation into the future.

Remember the Soldiers

Download and print this file | View online

This Chanukah, AZM calls upon Jews to remember Israel’s abducted soldiers. Each night, as you kindle the Hanukkah candles, we ask you to think about a different soldier. AZM has provided a paragraph about each for you to read aloud. We urge you also to share the concept and the materials with your family and friends.

While you are shopping for holiday gifts, please consider giving dogtags engraved with the abducted soldiers’ names and other Zionist gifts available here.

Four More Sons, Four More Questions

Download as a Word Doc

Freedom is the central theme of the Passover seder. It echoes and re-echoes throughout the Haggadah. On this Passover, Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Guy Hever, Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser are not free. They remain captive, their fates unknown. Our hearts ache for them and for their families, and on their behalf we add four additional questions to our Seder tonight.

• Why are these sons different from all other sons?
  These four sons were taken prisoner while bravely fighting for the safety and security of Israel and her People.
• Why are these prisoners different from other prisoners?
  These prisoners have been wantonly denied all human rights which are guaranteed under international law. They have been treated not as prisoners of war, but rather as hostages. They have been allowed no access whatsoever to their families, their country, nor any human rights groups.
• Why are these hostages different from other hostages?
  These hostages continue to be held even though all other Western hostages being held in Lebanon were freed years ago. We have no knowledge of the conditions under which they are held. In truth, we do not know whether they are still alive.
• Why do we raise the issue of these Israeli soldiers who are “missing-in-action” on Passover?
  Of all the Jewish holidays, Passover is the one that truly represents freedom. If there is even one Jew who is being denied freedom, we must all raise our voices on her behalf.

Just as we have done throughout our history, so too, today we must come to the aid of fellow Jews. We dedicate this Seder to Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Guy Hever, Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. We will continue to work toward their release from captivity, and, if our voices are strong enough, perhaps next year we will not have to repeat these extra four questions.

• Read more about the abducted Israeli soldiers
• Learn more about what you can do to help

AZM Purim Connection 2009

Bring a Smile to a Child’s Face
Build a Bridge to an IDF Soldier

For the Jews there was Light, Gladness, Joy and Honor — so may it be for us

Purchase Purim Basket for
An Israeli Child
($18 per basket):

Purchase Purim Basket for
An Injured Israeli Child
($36 per basket):

Purchase Purim Basket for
An Israeli Soldier
($54 per basket):

Purchase Purim Basket for
An Injured Israeli Soldier
($180 per basket):

I wish to support the Purim Connection and the AZM with a contribution of:

My contribution:

All donations must be received by February 27, 2009.

Learn More About AZM’s Purim Connection
View Photo Gallery from Last Year’s AZM Purim Connection

Yom Yerushalayim

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. It is an Israeli national holiday.

Yom Yerushalayim takes place on 28 Iyar (June 2, 2008).

Resources

• Zionist Poetry
• Activities (Jewish Agency)
• Rabbi David Nelson on Yom Yerushayalim (ARZA)
• Leader’s Guide for Yom Yerushalayim Ceremony – Word document (Mercaz)
• Event Ideas (USD/Hagshama)

Remembering Israel’s Fallen Soldiers

Since 1948, Jewish people all around the world have been fortunate to see and celebrate a prosperous and ever-growing Jewish State in the Land of Eretz Yisrael. Year after year on Yom Ha’atzmaut (The Day of Independence), together as a worldwide community, we commemorate Israel’s Independence, a modern miracle that was thought impossible just 100 years ago.

However, as we celebrate this joyous and wondrous occasion, we must remember those men and women who gave their lives for a free and secure Jewish Homeland. It is for that reason that each year we observe Yom Hazikaron (The Day of Remembrance) on the day preceding Yom Ha’atzmaut. For Jews worldwide, Yom Hazikaron is the day that we stop and remember all of the Jewish soldiers, the brave men and women, who gave their lives so that the Jewish State of Israel could become a reality and remain a free and independent nation.

Resources

• Prayers and Poems for IDF Soldiers
• Prayer for the State of Israel and the IDF
• Yizkor for the Fallen Soldiers
• Readings

Suggested Program

Considering the somber tone of this holiday, the following suggestions are commemorative rather than celebratory in nature. One possible activity would be a commemorative ceremony. Below are suggested components for a community observance:

• Group procession
• Torchlighting ceremony
• Flags at half-mast
• Appropriate Israeli music
• Suitable scenery
• Exhibition
• Master of Ceremonies
• Main address by guest speaker

Bring Israel’s Soldiers Home Now

These educational materials are an essential tool in teaching about the abducted soldiers as well as the important Jewish, moral issues associated with our duty to redeem captives. Youth movements and religious schools can each benefit from the roleplaying dialogues, background information, and questions for discussion provided in this comprehensive unit.

Click here to learn more and to purchase materials.

Yom Ha’atzmaut: Exploring Israel’s Environmental Legacy
Read more at http://www.greenzionism.org/resources/yom-haatzmaut

From a small state of farmers and nation builders to becoming a leader in technology and innovation, the State of Israel has gone through much transition in just six decades.  However, this growth and success has come at a cost to the land, the water and the health of the People of Israel.
The Green Zionist Alliance, in partnership with MERCAZ USA, the Zionist arm of the American Conservative Movement, asks you to add a little about the State of Israel’s environment to your Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.  The resources noted below will help you teach about our relationship to the State of Israel’s environment today and connect congregants of all ages — through role-playing, simulations and debates — to organizations and models working to help protect Israel’s environmental future.

The Green Zionist Alliance and MERCAZ USA gratefully acknowledge the work of MERCAZ Olami, the international Zionist organization of the Conservative/Masorti Movement, and Masorti Olami – World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues for their assistance gathering materials and resources on environmental conservation and activism from a Jewish perspective. The entire CD entitled “Judaism and the Environment” can be accessed at http://more.masortiworld.org/environment/welcome.html.

Excerpt from www.greenzionism.org

Israel at the Movies:
Your Guide to 8 Israeli Films

In addition to being fun to watch as entertainment, Israeli films can be powerful lenses through which to examine Israeli society. Whether you are looking to teach about Israel or learn more about it yourself, this guide will enable you to delve deeply into the important themes underlying Israeli society at your synagogue, community center, class, film group, Israel club or just with a group of friends. In addition to providing the relevant cinematographic and historical background crucial for a full appreciation of these movies, this guide enables active, critical thinking through thought-provoking activities and questions for discussion.

Click here to purchase: Israel at the Movies – Guide to 8 Israeli Films