March 28, 2025 - March 30, 2025, 7:00 pm - 12:00 pm
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Scholar-in-Residence – Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon – Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
In support of the World Zionist Congress elections, Temple Beth-El is pleased to host Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon as our Scholar-in-Residence.
Rabbi Shiryon is the first woman to function as a rabbi in the State of Israel and the first woman to lead one of Israel’s rabbinical organizations. She was the founding spiritual leader of YOZMA, Modi’in’s Reform Synagogue and Community Center and is presently rabbi emerita. YOZMA set a historical precedent as the first non-Orthodox synagogue in Israel to receive public funding.
Rabbi Shiryon was awarded Career Woman of the Year, 2000 for her outstanding contribution to the city of Modi’in. She served as the chairperson of Israel’s Council of Progressive Rabbis (MARAM) from 2002-2006. In 2013, she was granted the Cohon Memorial Foundation Rescue Award for promoting Jewish life in the State of Israel. Throughout her career, she has helped introduce Israelis to the possibilities of liberal Judaism and significantly advanced religious equality in Israel. Although now retired from YOZMA, she continues to be an outspoken advocate for Reform Judaism in Israel.
On Friday evening, Rabbi Shiryon will speak during Shabbat services on the topic “Breaking Barriers: The First Woman Rabbi in Israel and the First Reform Public School Supported by the State.” Join us during Shabbat services in the sanctuary, or on Zoom (Links will be sent in the weekly email and in the Friday Shabbat message. If you don’t get those emails, or can’t find them, you can use this link to request that the Zoom links be sent to you.)
In partnership with Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, Rabbi Shiryon will speak on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. on “An Intimate Conversation with the First Woman Rabbi in Israel: Right Wingers, Hostages and Hope.” More information on the Temple Emanu-El event coming soon.
Rabbi Shiryon will share her keynote address on Sunday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. “The Power of Pluralism – Your Voice, Your Vote Counts,” with a special commentary from Yair Lootsteen, the Chairperson of IMPJ (Israel Movement of Progressive Judaism); followed by an Israeli Pot-luck Breakfast. Yair Lootsteen is an attorney and leading advocate for Jewish pluralism in Israel. He currently serves as the chairperson of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ). Lootstein served in the IDF’s Military Advocate General Corps for 23 years.
Join us for an Israeli Pot-luck breakfast, celebrating culture and Reform Movement accomplishments in Israel. Click here to register. Here are some breakfast ideas.
The World Zionist Congress elections are now OPEN through May 4. VOTE NOW.
