Page 9 - HaMizrachi Sukkot 5783 USA

Why is the Congress being convened in Israel and largely receded, we are delighted – and deeply appreciative
at this time? – to have returned to in-person education, which is certainly
the ideal.
RDP: The historic milestone of the 75th anniversary of our
miraculous State of Israel provides an ideal opportunity. At the same time, the global pandemic ironically enabled
Now more than ever, Diaspora Jewry is defined by its rela- us to significantly expand our reach to even more countries
tionship with the State of Israel, and so it is critical that we around the globe, effectively shrinking the distance between
all deepen our appreciation of the enormous spiritual and Mizrachi branches and communities. It also brought many
religious significance of Israel today. To this end, we are of our branches closer to one another; when everyone was
planning mega events to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and stuck at home on Zoom, it didn’t matter if you were speaking
celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut. These will include a “Mothers of with your neighbor or someone living thousands of miles
the Nation” event at Binyanei Ha’uma for Yom HaZikaron away. The pandemic effectively shrunk the distance between
and a Yom HaAtzmaut concert featuring Ishay Ribo, along Mizrachi branches and communities.
with other exciting events.
The Congress is timed so that the many community leaders What excites you most about the Congress?
coming to Israel for these special events can conveniently RRT: Perhaps not since our exile began nearly 2,000 years
stay on to participate in the Congress which will take place ago has there been such a gathering! Bringing institutional
right after Yom HaAtzmaut. Those community leaders who representatives of the Orthodox community in an official
need to be in their communities for Yom HaZikaron and Yom capacity in a centralized way is truly unique.
HaAtzmaut can join immediately thereafter to participate
in our Congress. Before the telecommunication revolution, such represen-
tation was harder and less necessary. Modern technology
has created a global village, bringing the world much closer
This will be the first worldwide Mizrachi gathering together. Our global Orthodox village presents us with global
since the pandemic. How will the experiences from challenges, which require coordinated global responses.
the last two years impact the meaning and signifi- The Congress will have representatives of Orthodox schools,
cance of the Congress?
shuls and institutions from over 40 countries across the
Rabbi Reuven Taragin: During the COVID pandemic, world, a truly unprecedented gathering. This will allow us
World Mizrachi quickly moved many of its activities online, to develop international support networks for Orthodox
enabling us to continue reaching global audiences at a time professional and lay leaders, essentially creating a global
when our regular programs of scholars-in-residence and community that can continue long after the Congress is
missions were not possible. Now that the pandemic has finished.

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