We wrote the book on Why to Vote MERCAZ! Download a copy of this volume by Rabbi Alan Silverstein, PhD, President of MERCAZ Olami, to learn why MERCAZ offers a voice about Zionist issues, and advocates for Jewish religious pluralism in Israel. Also learn the history of Conservative Judaism’s Zionism …
By Rabbi Amy Levin | Rabbi Levin has led congregations both in the United States and Israel, as well as teaching, mentoring, and advising congregational leaders. She is a trained congregational consultant, served as a mentor for senior rabbinical students, and helped two congregations in transition as their interim rabbi. Amy’s expertise includes supporting congregational […]
From Ancient Persia to Modern U.S. Campuses: Echoes of Purim Continue BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – EVENTS – STORIES Book of Esther: The Story of Purim The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a massacre in ancient Persia, now known as Iran. The decree for the annihilation of […]
Resolution Proposed and Debated at the 2023 Extraordinary Congress. | Photo by Eric M. Leiderman By Eric M. Leiderman, Secretary, MERCAZ USA Rabbi Eric Leiderman is a Chicago-based educator and community builder. He is a dedicated advocate for vibrant, inclusive Jewish life, working to inspire the next generation through education, activism, and leadership. In October […]
By Dr. Yizhar Hess | Dr. Yizhar Hess is the Vice Chair of the World Zionist Organization and the senior representative of MERCAZ in the World Zionist Congress. The fabric of Jewish and Israeli society is at stake as are billions of dollars that could end up funding divisive extremists Theodor Herzl was not the […]
A Shabbat prayer says If our mouths were filled with song like the expanse of the sea … we could not thank you enough, Gd, for the good that you have done for us and for our ancestors. After 2,000 years of suffering the cruelty of our enemies, how have these words continued to be […]
Ethiopian Immigration: A Story of Faith, Freedom and Fulfillment BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES The daring Israeli rescue of Ethiopian Jews 40 years ago proved the resilience of the Jewish people and commitment to their protection worldwide – demonstrated throughout history – found a powerful expression in Operation Moses. Recently commemorated, this […]
In Terumah, we read about the house that God asks the people of Israel to build so that the Shekhinah may dwell among them. The structure is beautiful yet practical. Although there will be a principal contractor, the entire nation is invited to participate — especially by contributing from their own possessions. We should learn […]
Moral Decay: Equating Terrorists with Innocent Victims BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – DISPELLING MYTHS – STORIES Anyone who refuses to condemn the evil acts of Hamas abandons their basic human values and morals. The staged hostage releases have been cynical, humiliating and depraved – produced for live broadcast by Hamas and spread to […]
President’s Message | February 21, 2025 Rabbi Hillel Skolnik President, MERCAZ USA One of the most central aspects to our observance of Shabbat is the idea of Shabbat Menucha – Shabbat rest. Shabbat, among many other things, is meant to be a time that we set aside the work and labor of the other six […]