Weekly D'var Torah

This week we read about the Machatzit HaShekel, the Half Shekel donated yearly by every adult Jew for the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem.   In our time, we have the opportunity to support Israel and the world Jewish community by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections.  Each one of us has the ability to use that power to have a real impact. 

Since its establishment in 1897 by Theodore Herzl, the World Zionist Congress (WZO) brings the Jewish people together every five years to vote on positions, allocate funds and decide on directions for world Jewry and Israel.  

Mercaz is the political party in the World Zionist Congress of the Masorti (Conservative) Movement.  Every Jewish adult living outside of Israel has a voice and a vote!  In a time when extremism, exclusion and undemocratic values endanger the Zionist project, it is very important that we use that voice and vote to take a stand.   Please look at the platform below. 

Please visit the Mercazusa.org website and pay five dollars for membership to cast your vote.  The World Zionist Organization is a worldwide movement with a budget of over a billion dollars a year that is channeled to the Jewish National Fund and other organizations on the ground in Israel and around the world.  The decisions made directly impact Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.  

Make your voice heard- cast your vote.  The elections began on March 10th and run through May 2nd, but please don’t wait.  Click HERE and cast your vote today!  Am Yisrael Chai!

MERCAZ USA advocates for the following principles and goals:

1. Rebuilding Israel in the aftermath of October 7 and Supporting Our Hostages: We will work to ensure the WZO and its affiliates help rebuild the communities devastated on October 7 and provide vital support to those who have been held hostage and their families.

2.  Combating Antisemitism: We direct resources into our communities to combat antisemitism and provide education that addresses the root causes of hate.

3. An Equitable and Inclusive Democracy in Israel: We are committed to upholding democracy and civil rights for all in Israel and to all Jews in the Zionist vision of a democratic Israel, especially with extremists seeking to take control and impose their will on us all.

4. Educating on Zionism and Addressing Misinformation: We promote understanding of the Zionist vision, dispel misconceptions about Zionism, counter anti-Zionist actions, and challenge rhetoric that threatens Israel’s safety and security.

5. Preserving a Pluralistic Jewish Society: We envision a future where Jewish people of all backgrounds can realize the dream of a secure, pluralistic and democratic Israel with fair treatment of Jews and non-Jews who call Israel home, regardless of beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

6. Strengthening the Bond Between American Jews and Israel: We claim space for Conservative/Masorti Jews in the Zionist future and bring more resources into our communities to connect the next generation with Israel and their Jewish identity.

7. Funding, Resources, and Support for Conservative/Masorti Movement’s Values: We advocate for funding to enrich Jewish life in the U.S., including synagogue programming, comprehensive Israel education through Ramah and USY, and more. We will fight to secure government recognition of all streams of Judaism, implement the Kotel Agreement and oppose all attempts to restrict the Law of Return.

8. Achieving Peace and Stability in the Region: We stand in support of the vision of an Israel integrated within the region and at peace with all its neighbors, including the Palestinians.