Israel Matters

ISRAEL MATTERS COMMITTEE

The Israel Matters Committee strives to deepen the bond between the State of Israel and Temple Beth El of South Orange County by creating and implementing education and advocacy programs targeted to increase the congregation’s knowledge and experience of Israeli life and culture and to facilitate support of Israel. In conjunction with the Adult Education Committee, we are pleased to be offering a three-part seminar exploring Zionism, International Jewry, and Antisemitism.

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS ISRAEL MATTERS HAS COMPLETED:
•    Placed Hebrew-lettered plaques to correspond with the English wording throughout the Temple
•    Sponsor annual “Why Israel?” Lecture series on Zoom and in-person with noted speakers
•    Donation of a large movie screen to TBE for use in the sanctuary
•    Sponsored community-wide CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) presentation
•    Sponsored in conjunction with Be Sisters - “A Taste of Israel — Food & Film” featuring an Israeli film and Israeli wine tasting & a falafel lunch
•    Sponsored several Israel-style oneg Shabbat during Sukkot in the Sukkah
•    Sponsored mitzvah activity booth - letters to IDF soldiers/Israeli bracelets/get well letters to pediatric patients in Israel
•    First Friday festival booth participation - featuring Israeli games
•    Created Shabbat/Seder table in TBE foyer & displayed framed missing hostages throughout Temple post-October 7, 2024
•    Assisted with and provided a special luncheon for visiting IDF soldiers’ presentation who served in Gaza

PROPOSED FUTURE PROJECTS: 

•    Upcoming discussion series on the book, Israel; A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby
•     Lag B’Omer celebration – Israeli-style
•    Continuation of a variety of lectures relating to Israel
•    Israeli cooking class
•    Photo wall of our temple community’s family trips to Israel
•    Creation of Israeli music booklets for use during services and other gatherings

WE MEET EVERY 6-8 WEEKS OR AS NEEDED.
Interested in our committee or have questions?  Email Chair - Charlene Zuckerman czuckerman55@gmail.com