Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky

I am writing to you today to ask that you join your voice to mine in the World Zionist Congress elections. Founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897, the WZC is the parliament of the Jewish People. This is the most important election you likely never heard of.

Until June 15th, we, Canadian Jews, can help allocate five billion dollars over the next five years. These funds will help to shape future directions for the State of Israel, for Jewish life throughout the world, and for our own community here in Canada.

How? By voting #2 ARZA REFORM.

Twelve leaders from Holy Blossom Temple, including me, are represented on this slate. When you vote for ARZA (Association for Reform Zionists of North America), you are voting for your own Jewish values.

• If you want Israel to recognize the Jewish status of Reform Jews and to recognize our marriages and conversions, VOTE REFORM.
• If you want Israel to provide funding for Reform congregations and Reform rabbis, as it does for Orthodox congregations and rabbis, VOTE REFORM.
• If you want Israel to protect the rights of women, of non-Jewish citizens of Israel, of LGBTQ+ individuals and families, VOTE REFORM.
• If you want Israel to prioritize funding for community-based development within the Green Line, VOTE REFORM.
• If you want the WZC to invest in strengthening the bridges between Israel and the Diaspora, VOTE REFORM.
• If you want to ensure that synagogues, schools, and summer camps like ours continue to welcome Shinshinim (young Israeli ambassadors), VOTE REFORM.

This election is very important. The stakes are high. I hate to say it, but it’s true…If you do not vote, you are forfeiting your vote to Jewish extremists who do not share our vision for the Jewish future.

When you ask yourself: “What can I do for Israel and the Jewish People?” This is it. Please do two things TODAY.

1. Go to arzacanada.org for instructions on how to vote. 2 minutes and 2 dollars is all it takes to make your voice heard.
2. Then tell your family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to do the same. ANYONE who is Jewish, Canadian, and over 18, is eligible and invited to participate. Please share a “Get out the vote!” message on social media and every way you can to broaden our reach.

Nearly three thousand years ago, when the First Temple stood in Jerusalem, the prophet Isaiah dreamt of a Jewish future and was willing to work for it. He said:

לְמַ֤עַן צִיּוֹן֙ לֹ֣א אֶחֱשֶׁ֔ה וּלְמַ֥עַן יְרוּשָׁלַ֖͏ִם לֹ֣א אֶשְׁק֑וֹט
For the sake of Zion I will not be silent.
For the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still.

Thank you for joining me in working for our shared commitment to Israel and for our shared Jewish values. Am Yisrael Chai!

Rabbi Yael Splansky
Senior Rabbi
Baskin-Garson Senior Rabbinic Chair
Holy Blossom Temple