ARZA Canada Week to be inaugurated across Canada in April 2012

This year, in honour of Israel Independence Day, ARZA Canada – in conjunction with the newly-formed ARZA Canada Rabbinic Council – will launch the first-ever ARZA Canada Week across Canada from April 22 to 28, 2012. 

The aim of ARZA Canada Week is to produce programmes and activities that will enable this week to become a highlight of ARZA Canada’s calendar each year. This year, both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut fall within ARZA Canada Week, which enables us to plan memorable ceremonies, interesting programmes and entertaining activities that address the tenets of Reform Zionism, while educating and entertaining the community. It is our hope that every congregation will participate in this nationwide experience.

Israel education and programming helps to foster connections between Reform Jews in Canada and in Israel. As this is one of the key goals of ARZA Canada, we would be delighted to help in any we can with your programme.

This initiative is not intended to replace your regular Yom Ha’Atzmaut programming, but to supplement it. Ideas could include structuring an information session that provides updates on our Reform congregations, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and other organizations in Israel; or it could initiate a discussion on "Reform perspectives" on social or political issues in Israel.

ARZA Canada is willing to provide any assistance (including a financial grant) to help you create and execute a meaningful programme, which would help to promote the work of ARZA Canada and encourage new membership.

With your participation, we hope to make this a stimulating and educational week!

Thank you in advance for your help.

Rabbi Lawrence Englander, ARZA Canada Rabbinic Council           Les Rothschild, ARZA Canada