Unlike Abraham, who demonstrated initiative, Noah was passive. Noah indeed did as the Eternal commanded him, but no more than that—except for one thing: “And Noah built an altar to YHWH… and he offered up burnt offerings on the altar.” What sacrifice did he offer? Perhaps it was a sin offering, or perhaps a […]
In memory of those murdered, in hope of peace for our nation, Wear Your BLUE and WHITE On Monday, 22 Cheshvan (November 6, 2023) – the Shloshim (30) of the Simchat Torah Massacre. Let us stand proudly in our national colors and show our unity as the People of Israel. As a family, as a […]
Support Schechter’s Efforts to Assist the People of Israel in Our Time of Strife! Make a Donation from the United States Helping the City of Ofakim: Dr. Yael Rakov Drori, an active member of the Schechter Institute Executive Committee, has been volunteering in the Development Town of Ofakim for over 14 years in various positions […]
Last week (week of October 22, 2023) the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, of which MERCAZ USA is a member, held a solidarity mission to Israel. Our Executive Director, Sarrae Crane, represented us on the mission. On Monday October 23, 2023 Sarrae provided us with a powerful briefing on the mission, and […]
In the aftermath of Hamas’ massacre of over 1,400 people in Israel, anger over Israel’s response targeting Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza is fueling the flames of hate on college and university campuses in the U.S. Jewish students are being assaulted, intimidated, and harassed because of their beliefs. Congress must send a clear signal […]
“And YHWH said to Avram, ‘Go forth …!’” Thus begins one of our foundational stories. Where is he to go? To what place? To what country? In that first revelation God asks Avraham to give up everything he had known, everything that was familiar. His home, his household, his extended family. To let go of […]
Today (Thursday, October 26. 2023) we launch our weekend of events around Solidarity Shabbat of the Conservative/Masorti movement with unwavering solidarity with our family and friends in Israel. Thank you all for your support of this initiative and for the robust representation and projects. Our movement organizations offer distinct ways our communities can show support […]
October 24, 2023, New York, NY … Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement: “We categorically condemn United Nations Secretary-General Guterres’ comments rationalizing the October 7 terrorist attacks by the Hamas Terrorist Army, which resulted in the worst massacre of […]
October 20, 2023 | For Immediate Release: Throughout Israel – from the El Al pilot, to TV news graphics, to bumper stickers – the slogan that represents Israel in this moment is יחד ננצח – Yahad Nenatze’ah – Together We Will Prevail. The Israel that we experienced this week is a different Israel than existed […]