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About ARZA The Committee also serves as Beth Emet’s representative to ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America. ARZA’s mission is to connect Reform Jews and Israel. As the Zionist arm of the Reform Movement in the USA, ARZA champions activities that enhance Israel as a pluralistic, just and democratic Jewish state. ARZA provides significant financial support to the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and its 25 member congregations in Israel. ARZA also supports the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) in its struggle for religious rights for Reform Jews and civil rights for all Israelis. Since the beginning of the modern State of Israel, Orthodox Judaism has maintained a monopoly on Jewish religious practice and identity (including marriage, conversion, and burial). While we as Reform Jews respect Orthodox denominations, we note that the lack of Jewish religious pluralism in Israel has led to a Jewish state that is less Jewish, not more. Approximately 80% of the Israeli population are secular, which means their religious ties are negligible or have little institutional outlet. The homegrown Israeli Progressive (Reform) and Masorti (Conservative) movements have provided Israelis with modern alternatives to Orthodoxy. They have made small but steady inroads into Israeli society as more Israelis seek out their Jewish identity. At this stage, these movements still need the support of the larger and better-organized Jewish communities in North America. ARZA provides much of this support. ARZA and You
We as members of Beth Emet help support ARZA via a small voluntary membership
fee that is collected as a check-off item along with Beth Emet dues. |
