I’m excited to share the beginning of my immersive training with Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship. A bit of background: I’ve been selected as part of the second cohort of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s esteemed fellowship program. This year-long initiative brings together 24 Reform rabbis from North America and Israel, providing a unique opportunity for professional development and cross-cultural exchange.
Over the course of the program, we will travel across Israel—from north to south—gaining firsthand experiences that will deepen our understanding of Zionism and Jewish peoplehood through the lens of our Reform Movement. The fellowship includes a week-long tour of Israel, followed by two-day seminars in both the spring and fall.
For the next week, I’ll be documenting the moments and insights shared with my fellow cohort members as we embark on this transformative journey. I aim to capture the intensity of our experiences, with a particular focus on the Israeli people’s remarkable commitment to the commandment u’vacharta ba’chayim— ובחרת בחיים “choose life.”
In the wake of the horrific attack on October 7th, the pain, fear, and grief felt across the country are immense. Yet, despite these hardships, the resilience of the Israeli people in choosing life remains a powerful testament to their unwavering spirit of survival and hope. As I reflect on these moments, I hope to convey the profound strength that has become a hallmark of this nation in times of crisis.
Stay tuned for my next post!