Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Rachael Miller

 “What if I told you that you could do something simple that would have a significant impact on the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people? 

Over the past 5 years, especially the past 16 months, many of us have supported or traveled to Israel, donated, and attended programs with inspiring leaders in our congregations and communities. Those things are critically important, but what if you could make a real impact democratically? It would only take a few minutes to do so, only cost $5, and your voice would be heard loud and clear throughout the Jewish world. 

Once every five years, we Jews all over the world have the right and civic duty to cast our votes and make our Reform voices heard in Israel through the World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections.” – Rabbi Josh Weinberg 

How to Vote: 

• Click HERE  to confirm your eligibility and cast your vote. Vote #3 Vote Reform. 
• After voting, let us know you voted by clicking  HERE.  
• Sign up to staff a table to encourage other TE Members to vote by clicking HERE 

Why It Matters: 

• The WZC manages a $1 billion annual budget impacting democracy and Jewish rights in Israel. 
• Rabbi Max and I are on the slate of representatives. If Vote Reform receives enough votes, one or both of us may have a seat at the Congress and a say in fund allocation. 

The Goals of Vote Reform: 

• Maintain the ceasefire and return all hostages. 
• Recognize diverse expressions of Jewish religious identity and support Reform Judaism and other liberal streams. 
• Ensure equal financial support and resources for liberal streams of Judaism. 
• Pursue a lasting peace through a Two-State outcome. 
• Support a strong shared society and democratic civil society in Israel. 
• Prevent annexation of the West Bank or resettlement of Gaza. 

Opposition: Our opponents are motivated religious fundamentalists whose vision for Israel opposes ours. They aim to: 

• Undermine Israel’s democracy. 
• Strip our Reform clergy and communities of their rights and resources. 
• Exclude converts and children from the Jewish state. 
• Expand settlements and block Palestinian self-determination. 
• Roll back gains for gender equity and religious pluralism. 

Voting Requirements: 

• Be 18 or over. 
• Self-identify as Jewish. 
• Live in the United States. 
• Pay a $5 administrative fee. 

Voting Deadline: May 4th. Don’t wait to vote! 

Shavua Tov, 

Rabbi Rachael