Israel and Sweden At Odds Over “Blood Libel” Accusation of IDF Organ Thefts
Israel has urged the Swedish government to condemn an article recently published in a Swedish newspaper that accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of harvesting organs from Palestinians wounded or killed by soldiers. (more…)
On the job for barely two months, the new chief executive of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, Rabbi Steven Wernick, is announcing a restructuring of the organization. For some critics, United Synagogue has been a poster child for the movement's ills and Wernick, who spoke to JTA in our offices Thursday morning, wants to make it smaller and better, reducing the number of regions from 15 to six and eliminating five positions in the main office, with more layoffs likely to come.Synagogues have complained for some time that they don't get enough value for their dues to the organization, and Wernick says he is determined to change that. He also wants to reform an unwieldy organization that is "over-institutionalized," with a bloated board and insufficient accountability. On this front, the organization's board will be voting this week on proposed governance and structural changes aimed at granting Wernick more authority,…
Our synagogue is in the process of changing from one prayer book, what we call the Silverman Siddur, to Sim Shalom, the new prayer book of the Conservative movement. In fact, Jacob is the first Bar or Bat mitzvah ceremony in this shul to use the new prayer book. Our shul has been slow to change, at least partly because of me. I want to tell you why I was so slow to change, but also why I found a prevailing reason to change, and why I now think it was so necessary. All matters of the spirit are personal, so I ask your indulgence in allowing me to speak in very personal terms.
Israelis Quietly Question U.S. Resolve Against Iran
Israel is encouraged by U.S. vows to curb Iran’s nuclear program, but still questions whether the Obama administration is willing to make good on the pledge “no matter what,” an Israeli official said recently. The timeline and tenor of Washington’s bid to talk Tehran into abandoning atomic projects with bomb-making potential have stirred concern in Israel, which backs the diplomacy but has also hinted at a last-resort, pre-emptive strikes against its foe.
Netanyahu Endorses “Two-State” Solution
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu uttered the words “Palestinian state” in a mid-June speech that mixed tough Zionist statements with talk of peace and conciliation. “I turn to you, our Palestinian neighbors,” he said, “let us start negotiations for peace immediately.
Israel Picks Michael Oren as Ambassador to U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the appointment of Michael Oren, a New York-born and Princeton-educated historian and commentator on Middle East affairs, as the country’s new ambassador to the US.
I have known Gail Raucher for 30 years. But, I never got the chance to really know her until I asked if I could interview her for the Bulletin. She and Steve and their then 9 month old Ari moved to my old neighborhood when I had just married and “moved out.” The Rauchers were my parents’ backyard neighbors. “Small world”, I always say.
Thank you, Stuart for accepting the role as Installing Officer. I have appreciated all your support you have given me this year. I would like to quote a predecessor, Shira Rosenblatt. She said to me, “Being a president of our synagogue is only a 2 year stint, but, being a past president is eternity.” I – and future presidents will be calling on you for your wisdom and expert opinions for many years to come. (more…)
Add VIII.7 No member shall be eligible for the Board of Trustees until he/she has been a member for at least five years and in good standing at the time of election. In XVII.4.a change "past First Vice Presidents or Ritual Vice President" to "past Ritual Vice Presidents" In XVII.4.g.vii.(e) Change "matter" to "manner" in "It shall publicize the existence and purposes of the Fund in such matter as it deems appropriate." In XVII.4.g.i Add "Endowment" as The Endowment Fund shall consist of... In XVII.4.g.v.(b) Add "Endowment" as Property transferred to the Endowment Fund... In XVII.4.g.vi Add "Endowment" as Income of the Endowment Fund shall be used... ... except those endowment funds that have been … In XVII.4.g.vi.(a) Add "endowment" as The Committee may lend Endowment Fund... In XVII.4.g.vii.(a) Add "Endowment" as ... maintain property received by the Endowment Fund. In XVII.4.g.vii.(b) Add "Endowment" as It shall invest the corpus of the Endowment Fund and distribute income…