Being a Reform Rabbi in Israel with Speaker Rabbi Maya Leibovich

We welcome all those who are interested in the struggles and successes of the Reform Movement in Israel.

Rabbi Maya Leibovich from Congregation Kehilat Mevasseret Zion in Israel will talk about the challenges and the rewards of serving as a Reform rabbi in Israel.

Rabbi Leibovich serves Congregation Kehilat Mevasseret Zion, a town in the Judean hills just outside of Jerusalem. Founded in 1993 by six families, it has grown to over 130 families. In recent years they have been able to move out of their temporary quarters have built their own beautiful building. Their growth and success has been paralled by the entire Israeli Reform movement.

As a member of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and the World Union of Progressive Judaism, Kehilat Mevasseret Zion’s mission is to educate unaffiliated Jews about Progressive Judaism, to reach out to new immigrants, and to open its doors to visitors from abroad. By embracing these groups, they give them a special sense of belonging in Israel and it helps the synagogue enlarge its membership and range of activities. Because Progressive Judaism is not officially recognized in Israel and the Ministry of Religion does not allocate funds to non-orthodox congregations, the congregation operates with limited resources. Although recent Israeli Supreme Court cases have improved the prospects of the Reform movement, many struggles still remain.

About the speaker:
The first Israeli-born woman rabbi, Maya Leibovich has worn many hats throughout her career. A former teacher, tour guide and research worker, she has served as Rabbi at Kehilat Mevasseret Zion since 1993.

After following the traditional “Israeli route” of military service, university, job, marriage and children, Rabbi Leibovich returned to school at the age of 40 to take up rabbinical studies.

In addition to her position as rabbi at Kehilat Mevasseret Zion, Rabbi Leibovich works part-time for the World Union of Progressive Judaism Russian Department and has been responsible for overseeing camps and seminars in the FSU as well as writing and editing. The ‘gem” of her achievements is the publication of the Siddur Ha’avodah Sh’Balev inRussian. Additionally, Rabbi Leibovich recently edited and anotated the Mahzor “HaKavanah Sh’Balev”, as well as two manuals, one for “The Beginning of Life -Ceremonies” and one for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Our congregation has supported the summer camps in the FSU through the efforts of our Arza-World Union committee under the direction of Linda Levenson.

Relevant websites: http://www.wupj.org>, http://www.irac.org.

Free and open to all. (No reservations necessary.)