The Israel Leadership Network (ILN) is a wonderful opportunity for your congregation to join leaders from URJ congregations in North America who believe in the centrality of Israel to Jewish identity, want to advance the place of Israel in our Movement and build greater support for the Reform Movement in Israel. As a leader, you will gain new ideas, skills, and opportunities to enhance Israel programming in your congregation. You will share resources and receive up to date briefings about our Reform Movement issues, campaigns, and achievements in Israel and around the world.
In 2021, we launched a pilot cohort of about 50 participating URJ congregations. Now, in 2022, we invite Israel leaders from all URJ congregations to join the Israel Leadership Network. We will continue the development of Israel education and training for our lay and professional leadership in our congregations and provide opportunities to meet the Reform Movement partner organizations in Israel and assist and support the development of local and national initiatives regarding Israel education and advocacy.
The ILN will feature several different options for participation, including:
•Single days of learning/training on innovative methodologies regarding Israel engagement and education – including how to approach critical issues of our time.
•Opportunities to network and learn with Israeli leaders and our partner organizations.
•The chance to join a collaborative working groups to work through challenges facing our congregations/Movement, and contemporary issues that reflect our values.
As members of the URJ Israel Leadership Network you will have access to the following:
1.High level briefings and updates on Israel, the Middle East, and Reform Movement Israel activity.
2.Training and workshops on infusing Israel, Zionism, and Jewish Peoplehood into congregational life.
3.An opportunity to learn from and forge relationships with other Israel Engagement leaders – both geographically based, and demographically similar, providing opportunities to leverage resources more efficiently.
4.Support and materials for building and growing the place and impact of Israel and Zionism in your congregation.
5.A liaison from the ILN leadership who will serve as a guide to the Israel work in your congregation.
Who are we looking for: We are looking for lay leaders and professionals from congregations who are responsible for Israel activity and education in your congregation. Aspiring leaders are welcome, and we would be happy to speak with you about who might be the right fit to represent your congregation to the ILN. We would very much like for your congregation to be part of the Israel Leadership Network. please fill out this registration form to join.