Rabbi Greenberg’s Message
The World Zionist Organization is the largest umbrella organization within Jewish life. Its purpose is to support Jewish life in Israel and throughout the world. The WZO provides funding for numerous causes,including the Jewish National Fund, Hadassah, and the three major streams of world Judaism.
Every five years, a World Zionist Congress takes place. It will occur in the coming months, and we are all called upon to vote in an election that few of us have heard about.
The Congress is attended by elected delegates who determine the allocation of funds to institutions and causes that promote Jewish life in Israel and throughout the world.
There are fifteen slates in the election, representing all streams of Jewish life. Among them is ARZA—The Association of Reform Zionists of America. It is OUR organization promoting Reform Jewish values in Israel and support for our institutions. We are called upon, and have the opportunity to vote in this election. In fact, it’s very important that we do. Please Google WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTIONS “guide”for a good and enlightening five minutes, and you will want to vote and make your voice heard.
Yes, this is important. It involves not only the distribution of large amounts of money, but it determines support for non-Orthodox interpretations of Judaism. The election is about recognition and support for our institutions and schools. It’s about our religious/political struggle for the values we embrace as Reform Jews who believe in equality and justice. And also at stake is the recognition of Reform rabbis, and the validity of the marriages and conversions we perform.
So I ask of you: Please go online and vote for the ARZA slate. You will feel proud that you did.
I wish you a Sabbath of peace and tranquility,
Rabbi David Greenberg
