Mission Statement

Temple Sinai recognizes our responsibility as a synagogue community to the State of Israel, as a Jewish and democratic state, within the broader context of our responsibility to k’lal Yisrael, Jews world-wide.  We bear that responsibility to the State of Israel through action, words and learning.  The Israel Education & Action Committee is charged with carrying out our congregational responsibilities to the State of Israel.

Core Mission

The Israel Education and Action Committee will:

• provide opportunities for Temple Sinai members to take action regarding the State of Israel and her welfare;
• provide opportunities for Temple Sinai members to advocate in the Boston community on issues of concern regarding the State of Israel;
• oversee and facilitate learning opportunities that broaden our understanding of the State of Israel’s history, politics, and culture;
• work to support the institutions and synagogues of Progressive Judaism in Israel;
  convene the congregation, with the rabbi, in times of crisis, celebration and commemoration regarding the State of Israel;
• promote opportunities for travel to the State of Israel; and,
• work to ensure tolerance and respect for the multiplicity of opinions within our congregation regarding the State of Israel.
  Guiding Principles

We recognize that within our congregation there exists a wide variety of opinions and experiences regarding the State of Israel.  (We acknowledge, for example, that it is possible to support the mission and purpose of the State of Israel without supporting the policies of any particular government of the State of Israel.)  We are dedicated to creating a “safe” and respectful atmosphere for Temple Sinai members to pursue advocacy on behalf of Israel, even while we recognize the possibility for divergent views and disagreements. 

In our learning opportunities about Israel, we will strive to present reasonably objective perspectives when possible, and/or identify a bias or otherwise provide balance. 

Israel Education & Action Committee

Co-Chairs:  Caryl Hull, Karen Stoler

EVENTS IN 2008

The Israel Action/Education Committee is committed to creating educational opportunities for our congregation to learn about Israel.

“Striving for Social Justice in Haifa”
Sunday afternoon, March 30th  (time TBA)
Guest speakers Donna Haig Friedman, Ph.D., 2007 Fulbright Scholar and Lead Researcher of the Haifa-Boston Learning Exchange Research Project & Jenny Cohen, MSW, Project Manager of the Haifa-Boston Learning Exchange Research Project, will present their research on the impoverished “Third Sector” residents of Haifa.

Book Discussion: A Trumpet in the Wadi, by Sami Michael, Sunday, April 13 
Sponsored by the Israel Edcuation/Action Committee and the Sinai Book Group.  This novel illuminates the vast range of interlocking relationships between Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians, men and women.  (time TBA)

Shabbat of Yom Ha’atzma’ut:  Friday, May 9, 6:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Israel’s 60th Birthday!
Join the entire congregation for a festive service and “Israel Seder” in celebration of Israel’s 60th Independence Day.  A special Israeli dinner will be followed with Israeli folk dancing.  First, we will celebrate Shabbat in the Sanctuary with a brief service, then the entire congregation will convene in Ehrenfried Hall for dinner and a telling of the amazing story of the State of Israel through a special “Israel Seder,”  We’ll also have a presentation of the year-long Israeli activities of our religious school students.