Local synagogues support New Israel Fund conference

by Johanna Ginsberg
NJJN Staff Writer

Two local synagogues — Congregation Shomrei Emunah, a Conservative synagogue in Montclair, and the Reform Temple Ner Tamid of Bloomfield — are among the sponsors of Israel Beyond the Conflict: The Challenge of a Jewish and Democratic State, a New Israel Fund forum that will take place Sunday, Feb. 12, at Columbia University in New York.

Israeli and American panelists will discuss the role of minorities in Israel and the relationship between religion and state. The 27-year-old NIF supports civil rights and social justice programs in Israel.

“The whole idea of social and political equality in Israel — democracy in Israel — is the burning question,” said Shelley Levine, who sits on the international council of the New Israel Fund and also serves as vice president of programming at Shomrei Emunah. When NIF approached the congregation and suggested it become a sponsor, she said, “It made a lot of sense.”

The synagogue — which has been involved in the North American Coalition for Israel Engagement, an initiative of the Jewish Agency for Israel designed to increase the connection between teens and young adults and Israel — has been making efforts to integrate Israel into all its programs. Congregants enjoy Israeli dancing, host visiting Israeli students, and are planning a synagogue trip to Israel.

In addition to sponsoring Israel Beyond the Conflict, Shomrei Emunah, like Temple Ner Tamid, will host a forum featuring an NIF representative in advance of the Feb. 12 event. After Shabbat morning services at about 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, NIF executive director Larry Garber will address the topic Majority Rules? Minority Rights in a Jewish and Democratic State. He will touch upon the role of religion in defining the identity of the state, other democracies’ approaches to religion and state issues, and the challenge of crafting a constitution against the backdrop of the religion/state divide.

Garber will also comment on his role as an official observer for the recent Palestinian elections.

At Temple Ner Tamid, on Friday, Feb. 10, NIF president Peter Edelman will cover the topic at the center of the Feb. 12 forum in New York.

For more information about the talk at Shomrei Emunah, contact the synagogue at 973-746-5031. For more information about the talk at Temple Ner Tamid, call 973-338-1500.

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