“What Unites Us is Greater Than What Divides Us” OTS’s Monique & Mordecai Katz Yachad Program for Jewish Identity strengthens Jewish-Israeli identity through welcoming programs where Jews of all backgrounds feel comfortable celebrating their shared heritage. In the aftermath of a divisive election campaign that immediately preceded the Memorial Day marking the assassination of Prime …
Welcoming Shabbat B’Yachad – Together The Yachad Jewish Identity Program harnesses the long, sunny Fridays of Israeli summer to run communal Kabbalat Shabbat programs across the country, bringing thousands of Israelis closer to their heritage and their communities “Not all of us bring the Shabbat into our homes through the traditional songs or with Kiddush,” …
From Baseless Hatred to Baseless Love The Yachad Program for Jewish Identity operated meaningful Tisha B’Av programming throughout Israel designed to bring contemporary relevance to a seemingly archaic Jewish observance As Israel prepares for its second round of elections, it seems that hatred, stereotypes, and rifts among different segments of the population have never been …
Opening the Window to Spirituality Shabbat in Israeli society is often viewed as a day of conflict, not a day of rest. The perception amongst many secular Israelis is that the religious are unwilling to allow any public transport or the opening of any public places of entertainment, thereby forcing many people to stay at …
How was this Pesach Different? For generations of Jewish children, one of the highlights of the Pesach Seder has been standing on a chair and reciting the Four Questions. And yet – in the Jewish state of Israel – the concept of the Ma Nishtana does not ring a bell with many young children from …
“Go, gather together all the Jews…” (Megillat Esther, 7:16) – Celebrating Purim Together Though gourmet Hamantaschen make their appearance in the trendiest Israeli bakeries and everyone dresses up for the holiday, Purim for many Israelis has little meaning beyond face-painting or getting intoxicated. How can we connect Israelis with no interest in the synagogue to the …
