Page 50 - HaMizrachi Chanukah 2021 - USA

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
PARTNER PROFILE a

The World Organization of
Orthodox Synagogues and Communities MIZRACHI

Connecting

Communities

F We also hope to help Israeli commu- Arranging joint mishloach manot
or the first time since Israel
was established in 1948, there
has been widespread concern nities become more aware of the state and matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the
of Judaism in the Diaspora and to
needy) between the communities
in the Jewish community increase their sense of responsibility in preparation for Purim.
about the growing distance between toward all world Jewry.
Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora. Coordinating joint events for Yorn
To counter this trend, the World Orga- The program includes: HaAtzmaut and Yorn Yerushalayim
nization of Orthodox Synagogues and and pre-Rosh Hashanah and Yorn
Studying the needs of each Dias-
Communities, together with our part- Kippur singing and melodies on
pora community to find an appro-
ners, runs a program to broaden and Zoom.
priate sister community in Israel.
strengthen the connection between
communities in Israel and the Diaspora. Providing training for rabbis in Working with communities
Israel and the Diaspora that gives to "adopt" lone soldiers, yeshi-
"Connecting Communities" is a pilot
them in-depth knowledge of a vah students and even foreign
program that creates an affinity, con-
nection and familiarity between com- broad spectrum of communities exchange students from their
munity rabbis, synagogue members, around the world, introductory sister community.
and Jewish communities worldwide courses in communication, and Arranging Zoom chavrutot between
with communities in Israel. We locate practical tools for forging connec- students from Israel and the
Israeli and Diaspora communities tions between communities.
Diaspora.
interested in participating in the proj-
Oversight by the management
ect and match communities based on Hosting members of the sister
character, age, interest and style. The team and providing support community visiting the area.
regarding the content, activities,
program begins by introducing the
leaders of the two communities and and various challenges involved in Bar /Bat Mitzvah ceremonies in
then working with them to bring the building community connections. Israel for families from their sister
two communities together. Examples of joint activities we offer to community abroad
The "Connecting Communities" communities: Assisting Israeli communities with
program was developed during the the absorption of olim from their
Working with groups of teenagers
height of the Covid-19 pandemic when sister community in the Diaspora.
to help them develop friendships
communities worldwide were coping
across communities.
with unprecedented challenges. Many This program, which began several
people were lonely and distressed, and Helping sister communities create months ago, now involves ten commu-
the prolonged separation from Eretz a joint newsletter, published in nities from Israel and ten correspond-
Yisrael only increased their suffering. preparation for the holidays, ing communities in the Diaspora.
The need to unite, draw close, know containing Divrei Torah written by
and create a "family" relationship and If your community is interested in par-
community members.
connection between the Jews living ticipating in this project, please contact
in Israel and their brethren living in Compiling a list of community the World Organization of Orthodox
the Diaspora spurred us to provide an professionals who can assist and Synagogues and Communities by email
appropriate response. generate future collaboration. at info@unisyn.org.il. ■

50 I HAfv11ZRACHI