MERCAZ Newsletter - Purim 2000

FROM MY VANTAGE POINT / EVELYN SEELIG, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

A new century, a new millenium - and thankfully, despite all the threats of Y2K meltdown, we're all here. Not only that, but these first few weeks of the new year have seen a significant push for peace in the Middle East. The dream of an Israel with safe borders, no terrorism and a relaxed state of military preparedness seems finally possible. However, we know that the negotiations will be difficult. We pray that those involved will be imbued with wisdom, and good will.

Recently, we were privileged to arrange for a visit for Sallai Meridor, Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency, with the Conservative Movement. It was our opportunity to present the wide scope of our Movement and its myriad of programs.

The meeting took place at the Jewish Theological Seminary and included the leadership of the key organizations that make up the Movement, along with representatives from Camps Ramah, the Solomon Schechter Schools, the JTS Rabbinical School and the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies. We also arranged for Mr. Meridor to meet with some of the students involved with Marom/Koach, the new North American Conservative Zionist Student and Young Leadership Movement. I am sure that Sallai now has a better picture and appreciation of Conservative Judaism and its many facets.

It is estimated that travel to Israel in the year 2000 will be very significant, with thousands of tourists, mainly Christians, visiting the Holy Land. Since Zionism means strengthening the connection between Diaspora Jewry and the Jewish State, I encourage you, your family and your friends to plan a trip to Israel during this year. As one who goes to Israel at least three times a year, I can assure you that there is no safer nor more rewarding place to be. It is not just a trip as to any other country; it is a homecoming, because Israel is every Jew's second home.

As reported elsewhere, MERCAZ is involved in helping to facilitate travel to Israel by serving as a clearinghouse for synagogue trips. While there are many ways to visit Israel, traveling as a member of a synagogue trip insures not only a general overview of the Jewish State but also a close-up and personal look at our Masorti Movement and its institutions.

I am pleased to announce that Evelyn Auerbach, Head of the MERCAZ Aliyah Committee, will be serving as the Chair of our Biennial MERCAZ USA General Council Meeting that is taking place on Sunday, March 26th, 2:30-6:30pm at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel in Philadelphia. Our meeting is bridging two other events: the United Synagogue's quarterly Board Meeting and the annual Rabbinical Assembly Convention. Placing the MERCAZ meeting between these two programs will allow many of our members who will be attending one or the other of these meetings to also be involved in the excellent program we are planning. The General Council is open to all MERCAZ members. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us in the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love.