Our View of Judaism
We celebrate our Judaism by ensuring our openness, sense of equality between the genders, and respect for all human beings, while assuring our adherence to Halacha.

Every person is unique and precious. We therefore believe that being Jewish begins with the Mitzvot Sheben Ha'Adam LeChavero (the interpersonal commandments).

There are many ways to be Jewish, and we respect each person’s individual choice, even when that choice is different than our own. Furthermore, we do this within the framework of a friendly and egalitarian family setting.

ואהבת
הקהילה המסורתית קונסרבטיבית בזכרון יעקב

V'Ahavta, The Masorti Kehilla of Zichron Ya'akov

Judaism is rich, alive, breathing, and relevant as ever. The ancient Jewish tradition has much to teach and inform the modern Jew:

• From the routine of our daily lives, to life’s peak moments;

• From moments of joy, to life’s challenges and difficulties;

• From the weekly day of rest, to the festivals of the seasons;

• From the Torah to the Sages;

• From the wise men of old, to the wise men and women of today.

_{Our Beginnings}
Our Kehila was started in 2003. From a core of eight enthusiastic and energetic families, we have grown to a congregation of 50 dues-paying families and at least 100 additional non-member families that attend our programs throughout the year.

Some of our participants are native born Israelis, others are new immigrants, and some made Aliyah many years ago. We reach out to non-observant Israeli families, opening the doors to Jewish spirituality that they did not know existed. This requires tolerance, love, acceptance, and creativity. Many contact us at times of life cycle events. In 2004 alone we had the privilege of teaching, hosting, and celebrating 24 Bar/t Mitzvahs.

This success resulted in the gradual expansion of the frequency and types of activities that we held.

Today, we are sponsoring a wide variety of events:

• Friday evening spirited services, preceded by communal singing of Israeli songs.

• Monthly family Kabbalat Shabbat program, geared towards the younger kids in the Kehilla.

• Study of the Weekly Parashat HaShavua (Torah portion of the week).

• Monthly study sessions on a variety of topics.

• A bi-weekly Seuda Shlishit followed by a spiritual and magical Havdalah service.

• A monthly Shabbat Shacharit service, followed by a potluck family lunch.

• Celebration of all the Jewish holidays such as Purim Megilah reading, which brings in 150 people; a unique Tu B'Shevat seder, focusing on environmental issues in our daily lives; and a Pesach hike in the Zichron Yaakov environs.

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah program (20 sessions of Jewish Values and Concepts -101)  Other life cycle events : Pidyon ha-ben, weddings, funerals, and memorial services.

• Tikun Olam (providing food for Shabbat to families in need in Zichron Yaakov)

• Bet Midrash V'Ahavta   Every Thursday, the Institute offers a stimulating class -- "This Week's Torah Portion", under the leadership of Rabbi Elisha, which meets  20:30 – 22:30

_{Our Future}
Our future plans are many and creative. Our children are our future, so we have decided to develop our "Next Generation" program, to focus on children and youth programs. We are now busily working on plans to open a "Noam" youth chapter for our Bar/t Mitzva graduates.

We invite you to check out our website www.ve-ahavta.com, and click on the English tab on the right, to find out more about our current activities.

But moreover, when you visit Israel in the future, stop by 'V'Ahavta, our Kehilla in Zichron Yaakov – a place where you will be welcomed into a warm and inviting environment, as your home in Israel.

Shalom and L'htra'ot from Zichron Yaakov !
 

Congregational Bulletin