The IMPJ Biennial
June 1-2 2018 | Kibbutz Shfayim
Join us in celebrating Reform and Progressive Judaism in Israel at our 23rd Biennial!
Share in a Shabbat weekend of engagement, learning, music, and prayer with fellow Israeli Reform congregants, leadership, rabbis and our friends and partners from around the world.
For the second time, the IMPJ Biennial will include an International Track, allowing our friends and partners from around the world to participate fully in our Biennial.
The International Track will be held alongside the general Biennial programming, with over 1,200 people in attendance, including members of our 50 Israeli congregations.
Between Liberty and Social Responsibility:
Marking 70 years of Israeli Independence
“And the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved upon the tablets", do not read "engraved" (Charut) but rather "freedom" (Cherut), for there is no free person except one that involves themselves in Torah” (Mishna Avot, 6:2)
The theme of the IMPJ Biennial for the year 5778 (2018) is "Between Liberty and Social Responsibility". The yearning for liberty lies in the heart of the human and Jewish story, beginning with the freedom of choice that was attained by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, to the national aspirations of the people of Israel to be a free people in our land.
“If I am not for me, who is for me; and if I am (only) for myself, what am I. And if not now, when?” (Mishna Avot, 1:14 )
The concept of freedom can also hold the risk of one ignoring their responsibilities to others and to society as a whole. The individualistic society in which we live preaches freedom and liberty as central values, but other values such as solidarity, equality and justice - which in some cases may be conflicting to the value of freedom - might be pushed to the corner.
During these days of celebrating 70th years to the independence of the State of Israel, we must find the golden path that connects liberty and social responsibility, that binds our right to realize our unique identity and our duty not the ignore the other. Explore this path together with members and leaders of the Israel Reform Movement.
Program
During the International Track, we invite you to:
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Meet with young Israeli MKs, the future generation of Israel’s legislators.
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Engage with some of the leading Israeli public figures.
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Enjoy interactive musical sessions
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Learn about the intriguing history of Reform and Progressive Judaism in Israel, through the prism of the 70th anniversary of Israel’s Independence
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Hear from our rabbis, professionals and lay leaders about current developments and challenges in the fields of community development, education, female leadership, Jewish pluralism and more.
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Discuss Israel & World Jewry relations, and share in our conversation about the future programming of the IMPJ’s Jewish Peoplehood Department.
The program will start on Friday morning, June 1st, at 9:30 am, with a special tour in Jaffa for the International track.
The program ends on Saturday, June 2nd, at 8:30 pm.
Cost
Registration:
$180 Adult | $50 Child (5-14)
Includes participation in all workshops, panels, performances and services, and Friday night Oneg-Shabbat (light refreshments). This also includes the special International Track Friday morning tour, and a free pass for the Shefayim water park.
Room and Board:
$340 Single room | $400 Double room | $200 Double shared room (full board)
Includes Friday night accommodation in the Shefayim Hotel, a festive Shabbat dinner on Friday night and breakfast and lunch on Shabbat.
Shabbat meals:
For those not desiring Biennial accommodation, festive Shabbat dinner and Shabbat lunch are available at an additional cost of $40 per meal. A Shabbat lunch light buffet is available at an additional cost of $20.
*For those Sharing a room – please contact us in order to coordinate your roommate.
**Accommodation in Shefayim can also be arranged for Thursday and Saturday night.
Registration
For further details please contact us at