The newly created IberoAmerican Institute for Reform Rabbinical Education (IIFRR) began its activities on September 7th . The opening ceremony was attended by the Israeli Ambassador in Argentina Mr. Ilan Sztulman and the Chairperson of the Department of Zionist Activities for the Diaspora of the World Zionist Organization, Ms. Gusti Yeoshua Braverman, as well as community leaders and national authorities.
WUPJ-LA, in partnership with Fundación Judaica and Centro de Espiritualidad Judía Mishkan, put into action this project to create an institute that will be in charge of training educators, community leaders and rabbis, which will allow for growth and continuity in our region. A Judaism based on inclusion and welcoming.
The program, which combines theoretical knowledge and daily practices, is aimed at those who have a vocation of study and service, as well as an active commitment to building a vibrant and sensitive Jewish community to the needs of contemporary life that are constantly changing. The academic staff will assist students with both distance learning and field work and intensive face-to-face meetings.
At this time, the Instituto has 20 candidates from 4 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Spain) who have already been interviewed by Rabbis Roberto Graetz and Damian Karo.
In parallel to the IIFRR, the Reformi Beit Din (Reform Rabbinic Court) was formed by Rabbis Reuben Nisenbom, Roberto Graetz and Sergio Bergman, who, together with teachers and tutors, will be responsible for the spiritual and academic development of each student in a personalized way.
The education of reform rabbis, born and raised within our communities, knowledgeable of our idiosyncrasies and needs is the key to the future of a living, modern, Zionist Judaism connected to the core values of our tradition.
For more information, visit the website of the World Union for Progressive Judaism – Latin America.
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