WUPJ News
[GERMANY] First University Synagogue Opens in European Progressive Center for Jewish learning
The European Center of Jewish Scholarship with rabbinical training and synagogue was opened at the German University of Potsdam on Wednesday. It is the first university synagogue in Germany. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised the new facility as a “gift for our country.“
Mourning the passing of Rabbi Richard Hirsch Z”L
With heavy hearts, we are writing to share the news of the loss of our honorary life president, mentor, leader, friend, and visionary builder of the world Reform movement, Rabbi Richard (Dick) G. Hirsch Z”L. We embrace his family, his four children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and join millions of Reform and Progressive Jews around the world in mourning.
[AUSTRALIA] A Magical MachaNetzer Wonderland Camp
In her own words, Noa Abrahams, Mazkira (Chairperson) of Netzer Melbourne, shares highlights and reflections on their week-long Netzer winter camp which welcomed 120 chanichim/ot (participants) ages 3-12 by 20 counselors.
[INDIA] World Union, Union for Reform Judaism, and JDC Launch Campaign to Provide Israeli-Made Ventilators to Hospitals Across India
Every day, thousands of people are dying in India from the COVID-19 crisis. Donate now to give the gift of breath to those in need.
[ISRAEL] Global Reform Movement Responds to 36th Israeli Government
On the first day of Israel’s 36th government, Rabbi Sergio Bergman, WUPJ President, shares his reflections on the impact of this moment on our global movement.
[ISRAEL] MK Yair Lapid Tells Progressive Jews – “We Are Family and I Will Defend Your Rights”
MK Yair Lapid, Israel’s Opposition Leader, has told a global gathering of Progressive and Reform Jews how he will fight for their rights and their voice in Israel and beyond.
[ISRAEL] The World Union Congratulates Isaac Herzog, Elected 11th President of the State of Israel
Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog will be the 11th president of the State of Israel after he received 87 votes from MKs in a secret ballot vote in the Knesset plenum. It was the largest victory in any presidential election in Israel’s history.
[ISRAEL] Congratulations to Member of Knesset Rabbi Gilad Kariv
The extended global family of the World Union for Progressive Judaism extends its best wishes and a hearty Mazal Tov to Rabbi Gilad Kariv, President and CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, on his election to the 24th Knesset – the first Reform rabbi to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. We wish Rabbi Kariv much success as he embarks on this next chapter of his incredible career.
[SOUTH AFRICA] Netzer South Africa Shnat Seminar – Kicking off the Shnat Year Locally!
As they await entry into Israel, youth movement members from South Africa, who were expecting to be at Machon in Jerusalem these days for their Shnat 2021 program, came together to run multiple seminars in South Africa as a kick off their gap year experience which was to have begun on March 1st in the Crags in South Africa.
[AUSTRALIA] Summer Camp Success in the Time of Corona
uring the recent summer in Australia, Netzer Olami snifim (branches) in Sydney and Melbourne managed to host two successful – and safety compliant – summer camps for close to 190 children and youth with 35 counselors. MachaNetzer, for seniors, ran from January 6-12 and MachaNoar, for junior campers, ran from January 19-23. Summer camps in Sydney were held at Emanuel Synagogue and North Shore Temple Emanuel and summer camps in Melbourne were held at the King David School, TempleBeth Israel and a campsite.