From the Rabbi - March 2000

Dear Friends,

As I write this article, I have just returned from 10 days in Israel with 36 other Rabbinic Colleagues on an ARZA (American Reform Zionist Association) Rabbinic Mission.

The trip was quite memorable for several reasons. We saw just how precarious the peace process can be. No one is expecting miracles overnight - and yet, as of this writing, there is some progress being made - slow progress, to be sure, but progress nonetheless. While peace with Syria will not come overnight, there is little doubt that eventually it will occur. The issue of the return of the Golan Heights is being hotly debated on many fronts. The question is not IF the Heights will be given back, but WHEN - and with what kind of security arrangements.

We visited with officials of the PLO in the West Bank. This visit was followed by a discussion with a leader of the Jewish settler's movement. Both representatives spoke passionately about the wrongs done to them by the other. The hatred was palpable. There are no easy answers to the questions posed by a Palestinian State. Those who present the situation in simple, black and white extremist positions are very dangerous. Peace can only be found in cooperation and mutual respect. Fortunately, along with the demagogues, there is also a growing movement in Israel to see the "other" as "brother."

Observing the current status of the Reform movement in Israel was, for most of us, the highlight of the trip. Simply put, our movement in Israel is making great strides. Unlike previous Rabbinic missions to Israel in which I have participated, Government officials were eager to meet with us and show how they have worked to support the development of an alternative to ultra-Orthodox on the Spiritual life of the Jewish State. We prayed with newly forming Congregations that were overflowing with young children. Reform nursery schools are at capacity - with waiting lists in many communities. Now is a pivotal time for our movement. With success comes a critical need for funds to help build up these new institutions. I will be contacting you in the near future about how you can help to provide these funds. I hope that you will respond generously.

I plan on leading a Congregation Albert trip to Israel a year from now. I hope that many of you will consider coming along.

On another note, upon my return from Israel I was faced with the difficult task of burying several long-time members of our congregation. These sad occasions help us to understand the importance of community. While it is imperative that we support one another in sad times, it is also vitally important for us to come together for moments of joy and spiritual enlightenment as well. I look forward to seeing you at all of our Purim celebrations and with our Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Rachel Sabath.

B'Shalom V'ydidiut (in peace and friendship),
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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