Beth Emet The Free Synagogue - Israel/ARZA Committee You are here: Home | Community | Israel/Arza Committee | About the Committee

About the Committee

The Beth Emet Israel/ARZA Committee was founded over forty years ago by founding Rabbi David Polish z’’l.

Rabbi Polish was an ardent Zionist who was barred from speaking out in support of Zionism at his Reform pulpit at a time when the Reform Jewish movement in America did not actively promote Zionism.

Rabbi Polish’s response, with dedicated followers, was to create Beth Emet the Free Synagogue, where “Free” refers to rabbinical freedom of the pulpit.

Today, our committee is dedicated to linking members of Beth Emet to Israel through educational programs, speakers, and celebrations (such as the annual Yom Haatzmaut - Israeli Independence Day celebration).