A SPECIAL SERIES: FALL INTO ISRAEL
A series of lectures and concerts highlighting the diverse and dynamic culture of the Jewish state. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification and the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, which laid the foundation for the creation of a Jewish state, we are proud to welcome a series of prominent speakers and activists to Temple Beth El. All events are free and open to the public.
Can Israel Be Both Jewish and Democratic? Friday, October 20, 8:00 pm
with Noga Brenner Samia, Deputy Director, BINA Secular Yeshiva, Tel Aviv BINA (meaning “understanding”) offers gap year, volunteerism and study programs for progressive Jews in Israel and abroad. Situated in the heart of Tel Aviv’s immigrant Florentine neighborhood, BINA also provides vital services and support for Tel Aviv’s burgeoning population of East African refugees.
Richard and Lee Laster Annual Lecture Series Presents: Dr. Tal Becker Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29 with Dr. Tal Becker, Deputy Legal Advisor, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dr. Tal Becker is a Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and serves as a senior member of the Israeli peace negotiation team, including in the last round of talks mediated by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Dr. Becker has been a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, senior policy advisor to Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, a lead negotiator and drafter in the Annapolis peace talks, director of the international law department at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, counsel to Israel’s UN Mission in New York, and an international law expert for the Israel Defense Forces. Dates: Friday, October 27 at 8:00 pm: Shabbat Service with Guest Speaker, Dr. Tal Becker Saturday, October 28 at 10:00 am: “Adult Swim” Service Presentation, with Q&A following the service Sunday, October 29 at 9:30 am: Brunch with Guest Speaker, Dr. Tal Becker
Spiritual responses to the Political Situation in Israel Sunday, November 5, 9:30 am
with Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman, Founder of Congregation Kol Haneshema Please join us to examine texts (and anecdotes) that convey the reality of life in Jerusalem. We live with the tension of a constant security threat yet we are committed to basic Jewish values. Physical survival can conflict with moral survival. What does it mean to make aliyah, be a committed Zionist and a founder of Rabbis for Human Rights? No easy answers in this session.
Chanukah Concert with Beit Tefilah Yisraeli Thursday, December 14, 5:15 pm with Tel Aviv’s Preeminent Progressive Congregation
Beit Tefilah offers a creative, innovative and inclusive Jewish-Israeli community that has redefined Jewish participation for a generation of secular Israelis, attracting thousands of Israelis and visitors to the Tel Aviv port for their festive and participative shabbat services.
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