Temple Habonim rabbi to attend CCAR conference in Israel

Rabbi Andrew Klein of Temple Habonim in Barrington will attend the upcoming 127th Annual Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Hundreds of Reform rabbis from around the world will join together February 23-28. The CCAR is the official rabbinic leadership organization of Reform Judaism.

During Klein’s time at the Convention in Israel, he will be meeting with Knesset members, as well as with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin. CCAR members will also have learning sessions, off-site visits and in-person meetings with Israeli thinkers, activists, politicians, artists and leaders. The rabbis will explore topics such as the status of minorities in Israel, hopes for the peace process, innovations of Start Up Israel, and human rights in Israel. There will also be in-depth study opportunities with major scholars like Rabbi Michael Marmur and Ruth Calderon, a havdalah concert with Kobi Oz, and Shabbat services at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Rabbis will also travel to the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel, where they will participate in a mini-conference on national Israeli policies. 

“It’s important for Reform rabbis to have a presence in Israel, to show that we are committed to an Israel that is based on our shared values of democracy, pluralism, peace and inclusivity,” said Klein, “This valuable on-the-ground experience in Israel, including with Israeli leaders, will enable me to share the insights I gained with my community and deepen our ongoing learning and relationship with Israel.”

CCAR rabbis will be participating in the Tel Aviv Marathon, half-marathon, 10k, and 5k. During their participation in this event, the rabbis will fundraise for Reform Judaism in Israel. Hundreds of Reform rabbis will run and walk side-by-side with community members in the Tel Aviv Marathon. 

In addition, Klein will have the opportunity to take part in a March of Tolerance in Jerusalem, in support of the LGBT community in Israel. The march will take place at the site of the murder during the Jerusalem Pride Parade in 2015. 

“What a powerful image it will be to see so many Reform rabbis come together in solidarity in Israel, walking or running together, demonstrating our connection to the people and country of Israel,” said Rabbi Steve Fox, chief executive of CCAR, “The CCAR is proud of rabbis like Rabbi Klein and his community for their commitment to Reform Judaism in Israel.”