Dear friends,
This past Sunday, the Israeli government turned their backs against liberal and progressive Jews in Israel and world-wide by annulling the Kotel agreement and passing an initial ultra-Orthodox Conversion bill.

This Motzei Shabbat, we will all meet in front of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem to say
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
NO LONGER will we stand to be treated as second-class Jews in our national homeland!
NO LONGER will we let the government drag its feet and play around with our right to pray at the holiest site for the Jewish people!
NO LONGER will we allow a small group of extreme ultra-Orthodox rabbis to decide who is and who is not a Jew!
Join us, together with the Masorti (Conservative) Movement, speak up and make your voices heard!
We will meet this Saturday night, July 1, at 9:30 PM (1:30 PM MDT) at 1 Balfour Street in Jerusalem
For those who cannot join us in person, the Havdallah service and rally will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.

As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we wanted to share with you a prayer by Rabbi Yehoyada Amir, Chair of MARAM – Israel Reform Rabbinic Council, in light of recent days’ events.

We also take this opportunity to remind you that we will be meeting this coming Saturday night, July 1 at 9:30 PM (1:30 P.M. MdT) by the Prime Minister’s residence to conduct Havdallah and rally against the government’s recent actions.

Protector, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, which marks the dawning of hope for our redemption. Shield it beneath Your steadfast love and spread over it the shelter of Your peace. May a spark of Your spirit inspire the actions of its President, Prime Minister, officials, judges and advisors that they may follow the path of righteousness, liberty and freedom.

Return wisdom into the hearts of the leaders of Israel, so they will strengthen the bonds of the Jewish people in all of its dwellings, and increase equality, open-heartedness and wisdom in our land. Give us the strength to rid ourselves of injustice which weaken the walls of Jerusalem and keep women and men away from praying in its midst. Release the fetters of wickedness and open a passageway for those wishing to bring into the house of Israel converts coveting goodness and calling upon God in all of their hearts. And may the words of our Prophets be fulfilled in our time: “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56; 7).

Strengthen the hands of those who build and protect our Holy Land and grant them salvation and life. Grant peace to this land and everlasting joy to its inhabitants.

Be near to all the people of Israel throughout the lands of their dispersion. Plant within their hearts the love of Zion, and may those of our people who are so inspired, come to Jerusalem, Your city, which bears Your name. Spread Your spirit over all the inhabitants of our land. Uproot hatred, jealousy, and evil. Plant in our hearts love and peoplehood, peace and friendship. And speedily fulfill the vision of Your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2; 4).

For Hebrew and transliteration, go to our web site.

Shabbat Shalom!

The Israel Movement for Reform AND Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is the umbrella organization of all the Reform communities and institutions in Israel.
We seek to integrate Jewish tradition with the realities of modern life, and believe in the right of each individual to shape their own Jewish way of life through a process of study and reflection. The Reform movement emphasizes the commandments concerning relations between humans, religious tolerance, and full equality between women and men in the synagogue and in all walks of life.