Israel Connections

B’nai Shalom's love of and support for Israel is deep and personal. We have members who have lived there or have second homes there; adult children who have made aliyah; and many teens for whom a March-of-the-Living trip to Israel or gap-year study program is a natural continuation of their Jewish education. Every three years, Rabbi Robert Tobin leads a congregational journey to Israel. He varies the itinerary to explore different aspects of Israeli history, culture and arts, scenery and society.

Commitment to Israel

B’nai Shalom's Israel Committee welcomes all who care about the Jewish State and want to be part of shaping its future. The committee has three goals:

  1. To work with the Jewish National Fund to learn about water and environmental needs and infrastructure development, and to determine our next JNF project.
  2. To support the Masorti Movement and liberal congregations in Israel in the quest to secure full rights and recognition in a setting dominated by the Orthodox Rabbinate.
  3. To bring Israeli speakers, arts and culture to B’nai Shalom.

Our Sister Congregation

The one constant in B’nai Shalom's Israel travel itinerary is a visit to Shira Hadasha, a Masorti congregation in Arad. We spend Shabbat with this “sister congregation,” learning its members' stories and sharing ours.

Set in a desert city of 20,000, on the way from Be’er Sheva to Masada and the Dead Sea, Shira Hadasha has members from Russia, England, South America, South Africa, Germany, America, and Iraq. It's aspiration to create an authentic Jewish experience that is neither Orthodox nor secular is rare.

It is the only Masorti congregation among 22 synagogues in Arad. Gifts and associate memberships from B’nai Shalom members help keep this valiant congregation alive. The congregation receives no support from the city or the Masorti movement. Every gift or membership is a lifeline – helping Shira Hadasha's members explore and enjoy the Judaism that we share.