Our congregation gives an annual grant to a worthy general Israel charitable organization and to an Israel Reform/Progressive movement (IMPJ) project/organization. This year’s general Israel recipient is Hillel : the Right to Choose. (This organization is unrelated to the college-centered American Hillel). We are also working with the IMPJ to partner with a synagogue so that we can develop a bi-directional community relationship between Congregation Rodeph Sholom and a IMPJ synagogue in Israel.
Hillel: the Right to Choose is a long-standing and very well run multifaceted organization that helps individuals who were ultra orthodox and who have decided to enter secular life to get the necessary education, counseling and support they need to become independent and full fledged members of Israeli society.
It is estimated that between ten and fifteen percent of ultra orthodox Israelis leave their movement each year. In addition to long range planning and educational support Hillel also provides emergency housing and drop-in centers for mothers and young children.
Funds collected by us will help underwrite Hillel’s new center in Beersheba where there are many unmet needs. Given the makeup of the new Israeli government, Hillel’s work is more important than ever. We are proud to partner with them, to the extent we can, to foster self determination and independence for those who need help in charting a new path for themselves.
Contributions to both organizations can be made here.
Read more about Hillel : the Right to Choose and our new partnership with Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ).
