Israel Policy Forum, Peace and Jewish Tradition Sessions, New York City
Targum Shlishi provided the seed funding for a series of 10 class sessions entitled “Peace and Jewish Tradition,” organized by the Israel Policy Forum (IPF). The
classes, taught by rabbis, each explored a distinct topic. For example, Rabbis Adam Mintz and Michael Paley led a discussion with Congressman Jerrold Nadler about what the Jewish tradition teaches about negotiating peace.

“The sessions were enlightening, inspiring, and motivating,” said Debra Wasserman, executive director of the IPF. The program was so successful that the Reform Movement has incorporated some of the ideas, and the IPF has decided to hold another series of similar sessions.

Israel Policy Forum, Fact-Finding Mission to Israel
During the waning days of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, and shortly before Ehud Barak’s election as prime minister, the Israel Policy Forum (IPF) organized a fact-finding mission to Israel to explore ways to strengthen American support of conflict resolution in the Middle East. Targum Shlishi’s Aryeh Rubin participated in the mission. The group’s efforts focused on gaining information that would strengthen IPF’s education and advocacy efforts and on building relationships between IPF leadership and Mr. Barak’s advisors. The group met extensively with senior Israeli officials, including candidates Barak and Benny Begin. It also held talks with Dan Meridor, Chemi Shalev, the faculty of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, and others to discuss their views on issues regarding Israel’s security, Jerusalem, and the Palestinians.

Ohel Dvorah Synagogue, renovation, Rechovot, Israel
The Ohel Dvorah Synagogue in Rechovot, Israel has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It is home to a unique congregation, consisting of Jews of both Sephardic (Spanish and Mediterranean) and Ashkenazi (Eastern European) descent. The building, originally constructed in the 1950s, was very much in need of repair, nowhere more so than in the women’s section (in Orthodox congregations, men and women are segregated). The women’s section had no air conditioning, temporary walls, and poor acoustics. Targum Shlishi provided partial funding to renovate and refurbish the section. The foundation dedicated this effort to all Israeli women who served in the army or national service. This support has meant a great deal to the community; since the repairs were completed, the number of women attending Shabbat services has doubled.

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