A Movement United: Reflections from the World Zionist Congress
Shelley Niceley Groff and Rabbi Rick Jacobs
I am in “over-kvell” as I reflect on my nine days in Israel for the World Zionist Congress, preceded by the World Union for Progressive Judaism Connections conference and Rosh Chodesh with Women of the Wall. It is crystal clear that our Movement is showing up where and how we need to. We are leading the way to a more just, compassionate world where all Jews can live Jewishly and lean into our Reform Jewish values in more ways than I could possibly enumerate.
On the morning of October 23, Reform women leaders from all over the world were present at the Kotel to celebrate Rosh Chodesh with Women of the Wall, praying and singing loudly and proudly. We sang over the din of the loudspeakers blasting from the men’s side of the Kotel for the sole purpose of drowning out our voices, over the yelling of the women next to us, and under the watchful gaze of some young Israeli girls just taking it all in. I’ve prayed with many of these women before; to do so at the Kotel was extraordinarily powerful. We were escorted out by police, for our safety, and I was strengthened by the courage and commitment of the Israeli women who do this every month.
From October 22-25, we were present at the World Union for Progressive Judaism Connections conference, learning with and from Reform leaders from all over the world, of all ages and backgrounds. I will always smile as I remember Kabbalat Shabbat
and hearing the same text prayed out loud in Hebrew and then about 15 different languages, uniting us all in Torah. We concluded the conference having strengthened our bonds among our URJ colleagues and making new colleagues and friends who are leading Reform communities all over the world.
From October 28-30 at the World Zionist Congress, we joined with our partners and colleagues from other denominations and organizations, negotiating and advocating for resolutions and positions, bringing our values to Israeli policy and funding decisions. Our arzenu delegation showed up big time. Led by arzenu co-chairs Shoshana Dweck and Harry Levy, we were The Bear – united, determined, our foundation of strength being our Reform Jewish values. We were prepared, we were nimble, and we came to make our mark. And we did. Our resolutions passed overwhelmingly. We made a difference.
I cannot say enough about our Congress team. ARZA Executive Director Rabbi Josh Weinberg, WZC Campaign Manager Rabbi Lindsey Danziger, and ARZA Program Manager Molly Blumenthal, together with arzenu Co-Chairs Shoshana Dweck and Harry Levy, and ARZA Chair Daryl Messinger, worked literally around the clock for months to make sure we could make the impact we did. The next time you see them, on Zoom or in person, please thank them. They are already planning for how we will continue to raise the bar of ensuring a Jewish, inclusive, democratic Israel – an Israel that is a home for all Jews and lives the recognition that all people are created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of the divine.
Finally, we were there as a Movement. We have extraordinary partners in the leadership of the IMPJ, led by CEO Anna Kislanski and Chair Lesley Sachs. They are on the ground in Israel, fighting for justice and inclusion for all people through the tireless efforts of the IRAC, led by Orly Erez-Likhovsky and her team of lawyers, and for equitable support of our now 54 (and growing) Reform congregations in Israel. Our delegation included senior leadership of CCAR, ACC, ARJE, and WRJ.
You will certainly be hearing more about this extraordinary week over time. Chevrei, we felt you all there with us. We made good progress, and there is much more to be done. Todah Rabbah for all your good work to get out the vote to make sure we could indeed be a strong force during the Congress. Your leadership and good work were very apparent in Israel, and I see the impact everywhere I go in North America. It’s clear that together, we make a real difference.
I hope you are as proud as I am.
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her), Chair of the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism, leads a Board and Executive Board of more than 200 members from across North America. The North American Board works in close partnership with Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President, the URJ Senior Leadership Team and staff, and Reform Movement partners, to advance the mission, vision, and values of the URJ.
Prior to serving as Chair, Shelley served as URJ Vice Chair and led in diverse roles including in the areas of camping and youth engagement, ethics accountability, budget oversight, congregational support, and lay leader engagement. Along with that experience, Shelley holds a deep belief in the values of Reform Judaism and a firm commitment to the Reform Movement. Learn more about Shelley Niceley Groff.
