Dear Holy Blossom Temple,

As you may have heard, today the Israeli Knesset passed the first of its proposed judicial overhaul laws, which will limit the power of the courts to review government policies and decisions. For 29 weeks there have been unprecedented demonstrations in Israel and throughout the diaspora, and at this very moment, protests have erupted in defence of Israel’s democracy.

In a statement made today, our Reform Movement of North America “vehemently condemns the strongarm tactics of the current coalition as they push through this divisive legislation.”

Tomorrow at 2:30 pm Eastern Time Reform congregations across the world are invited to gather for an emergency briefing regarding the constitutional crisis and next steps. Member of Knesset Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs, and Director of the Israeli Religious Action Center Orly Erez-Likhovsky will speak and address the most immediate concerns.

Register here to receive the Zoom invite. 

This is a critical time to lean into the global conversation about the future of the Jewish State.  Holy Blossom’s Israel Engagement Committee will continue to provide links to recommended articles and podcasts as the story unfolds.

To give voice to your own concerns, join the letter-writing campaign, hosted by the Israel Religious Action Centre.

As Tisha B’Av approaches, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.