Israel at 60
Sixty years ago the democratic state of Israel was established in the Middle East. Havurah Shir Hadash Synagogue and Temple Emek Shalom in Ashland are collaborating with Rev. Ron Timens of Rivergate Church and other Jewish and non-Jewish organizations in Southern Oregon to celebrate the pluralistic, multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation of seven million people.
The celebration will span four days from Saturday, May 3, to Tuesday, May 6. Events will take place in both Ashland synagogues: Temple Emek Shalom, 1800 E. Main St. and Havurah Shir Hadash, 185 N. Mountain Ave. All of the events are free.
"Israel's cultural, spiritual and racial diversity is extraordinary," said Rabbi David Zaslow of the Havurah Synagogue. "From Ethiopia to Russia, from Poland to Iraq, people from more than 70 nations returned to their ancient homeland after the Holocaust, and now will celebrate Israel's 60th birthday."
The event begins with several presentations at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Havurah. Speakers will include Reverend Ann Bartlett of Trinity Episcopal Church, Rabbi Zaslow and keynote speaker Ismail Khaldi, the Israeli Deputy Consul General. Khaldi is a Muslim Bedouin representing the nation of Israel.
Khadi's talk, "Pluralism in Israel Today: A View of Israel Through the Eyes of a Bedouin Israeli," will discuss the various cultures and religions of Israel, including his own Bedouin background growing up in the village of Khawalid in the Western Galilee of Israel. He will address the unique challenges of being the first Bedouin in the Israeli Foreign Ministry and a Muslim representing the Jewish state.
Khaldi began his term at the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco in December 2006. Prior to his appointment he worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in both the North American Division and the Arabic Media Department, where he served as the spokesperson to Arabic media on the issue of disengagement from Gaza. Khaldi served in the Defense Ministry, the Israeli Police and the Israeli Defense Forces. He holds a master's degree in international relations from Tel Aviv University and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Haifa. The talk will be followed by a question and answer period.
The weekend continues with an Israeli Independence Day Faire from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Temple Emek Shalom. Rabbi Sirinsky will lead the opening ceremony.
"The dream of the creation of Israel was not only to be a homeland for the Jews, a place where Jews could be responsible for their peace and security in a world that could be hostile and anti-Semitic, the dream of Israel was much more," Sirinsky said. "It was to be a place where Jewish culture would evolve, transform and thrive. It was of a place were Jewish arts would flourish and inspire. Israeli artists, in all mediums, have touched the souls of people worldwide. Ofra Haza's Sephardic music is danced to by people all over this planet. Balkan Beat Box's hip-hop music is featured on MTV. And it is an Israeli artist, Yael Naim, whose music is featured on the sound track of the Apple commercial for their new Macbook Air. Each and every trip I make to Israel, I see the dream being realized, the dream of Israel being a place rich in culture, the arts and the intangible and priceless gift of creativity."
The afternoon will include Israeli music featuring Steve Berman, the Havurah Klezmer Band, Cantor Bella Feldman and Temple Emek Shalom Children's Choir. There will be a community sing with religious school students from the Havurah and the Temple. Israeli dancing for children will take place from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. and for everyone from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
Rabbi Zaslow will lead a discussion group on "What Israel Means to Me" from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
"Israel is a land of diversity," Zaslow said. "From the sciences to the arts, from spirituality to social activism, Israel celebrates 60 years of trying to make itself a better nation. Israel is rich with culture and after 60 years is not only thriving but making major technological contributions to the region and to the world."
In addition to Israeli travelogues and short documentaries there will be information booths on: The Israeli Birthright Program, Hadassah, Israel Advocacy, Chabad, and Israeli science and technology.
Israeli-made goods will be for sale. There will be arts and craft projects for children and teens and a bouncy house outside for children. Middle Eastern food will be provided by Susan Powell of Global Pantry and Pilaf and will be available for purchase.
On Monday, May 5, the Havurah will host "Challenge for Peace," an hour-long presentation that focuses on five common beliefs about Israel and a proposal for creating lasting peace in that country. The presentation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and will include time for questions and discussion. Written evaluations are also encouraged. Presenters for this session will be Rabbi Jackie Brodsky, board certified chaplain of Rogue Valley Medical Center Hospice and the South Coast Jewish Community; Stan Shulster and Gary Achateal.
After the presentation there will be an Israeli Film night featuring two award-winning Israeli films. The first film, "It's About Time," will begin at 7 p.m. For Israelis, time ticks double speed: pursued by a glorious past, an uncertain future and a dubious present. "It's About Time" is a portrait of the Israeli psyche and the notion of time in general. The international award-winning film uses a humorous post-modern approach to question the value of time in Israeli society and contains stand-up comedy and musical performances. 54 minutes.
The second film, "The Band's Visit," airs at 8:15 p.m. The film is about a traveling marching band thrown into a cultural conundrum. Through a series of mishaps, the men end up stranded in a desolate little Israeli town east of nowhere in the heart of the desert. During the band's brief visit the Egyptians and their Israeli hosts connect in ways that promote the peace process. "The Band's Visit" received critical acclaim at the Cannes, Telluride and Toronto film festivals and swept the Israeli Film Academy Awards, winning in the best picture and seven other categories, including best screenplay, best actor and best actress. 89 minutes.
Finally, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, Temple Emek Shalom will host a discussion with Southern Oregon's four resident rabbis: Rabbi Sirinsky, Rabbi Zaslow, Rabbi Avi Zweibel of Chabad of Ashland and Rabbi Brodsky. "The Four Rabbis Speak on Israel" discussion will be followed by a question and answer period, where the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of any of the rabbis.
For more information about any of the Israel at 60 events, see http:///upcoming-events-at-a-glance.htm or call 488-7716 or 48-2909.
