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Thoughts to Nosh OnFebruary 2006From the Desk of Rabbi SharffAt the end of every Passover Seder we recite the curious phrase, "L’shana haba’ah b’yerushalayim, Next year in Jerusalem." This utterance expresses our people’s hope that at the festive gatherings, all Jews can be reunited in the city of our ancient heritage. But more than that, it also is said that Jerusalem is a city, "that transforms all Jews into friends." Of course the nature of this most ancient and modern of cities is much more complicated and precarious than a simple phrase we mention every Pesach. But it does remind us that we are bound to the land of Eretz Yisrael, to the land of Israel. Israel should be a part of our consciousness, and as Jews we should all take a moment to help determine the course of our beloved Jewish State. One of the most significant ways we can do this is by taking the time to participate in the World Zionist Congress, which alas many have not yet participated in. The World Zionist Congress meets every four years in Jerusalem, and it is the only body in which all of world Jewry participates democratically. This body determines where hundreds of millions of dollars go annually, and because of this, its decisions directly impact Progressive Jews living in Israel. But in order for this money to be allocated, we as Reform Jews need to both register and vote in the upcoming election. Fortunately this is simple to do. All one needs to do is register at www.VoteReformJudaism.com by February 15th in order to participate in the election. This election is so vitally important because the votes gathered by the Reform Movement help to determine where the money goes. The larger representation we have, the more money that can be directed towards causes that are in line with the interests of Reform Judaism and ourselves. One can say without hyperbole that without the support of the World Zionist Congress and the Association of Reform Zionists of America, we would not have the rights and privileges we have today in Israel. As Rabbi Hillel said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" I encourage each and everyone of you to take a few minutes to answer this most ancient of questions, so that next year it can truly be a blessed year for all Jews in Jerusalem. Rabbi Ben Sharff |
