Israel Engagement
We are a people with a long memory of our roots in the Land of Israel, a people that reminds itself on a regular basis of the hope of "next year in Jerusalem". Within this sacred land, our prophets called out for justice, peace and mercy and our ancient sages developed the Judaism that we practice in our homes and congregations.
The language of Israel, Hebrew, is the language of our sacred texts; the holidays of our holy calendar are derived from the agricultural and geographic climates of the Land of Israel. Judaism without Israel would be like a tree with no roots or branches.
Our ShinShinim
Temple Har Zion continues to participate in UJA’s Israel Engagement by embracing and hosting young Israeli leaders who have chosen to defer their army service for one year to volunteer in the GTA.
THZ’s ShinShinim have always worked diligently and tirelessly to plan engaging programs for our Temple community. Just as they are thrilled to teach us about Israel and share their lives with us, we are honoured to share what Reform Judaism is all about with them. They are often surprised to learn just how much we Jews in the Diaspora care about their home, and are also amazed to learn that we consider Israel our homeland as well.
Our ShinShinim have joined our community, becoming a part of the THZ family through their involvement in synagogue life in a variety of ways, including providing programming for all ages.
We look forward to their monthly Israel Culture Club sessions for members of all ages to enjoy these young adults teaching us about their culture. Please click here for a list of upcoming programs.
Israel Culture Club
Each month, from September to June, our ShinShinim lead an interactive session on various aspects of Israeli culture. Come out to experience their creativity as they engage us with an evening of learning and fun.
Israel Culture Club with our 2021/22 ShinShinit, Mika Sela
Holocaust Education Week 2021 with our ShinShinit, Mika
2020/21 ShinShinit - Lior Weichhendler
Watch as Lior from Israel delivers a D'var Yisrael for Yom HaShoah , April 7, 2021
Shalom everyone!
I’m from a small town in the north of Israel called Ramat Yishay. My family includes my mom- Hagit, my dad- Shimon, and my older sister- Adi, as well as Pitzi & Bobo, our dogs, that I love very much. I went to high school in Kibbutz Yagur and majored in theater and biology. I was a counselor at HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (The Working and Studying Youth) youth movement for two years. My hobbies include acting, playing guitar or ukulele and singing, cooking, reading, and hiking!
I was supposed to be with you in Toronto this year as your Shinshin at Temple Har Zion. Unfortunately, this became impossible because of the Covid pandemic, but I didn’t give up, and together with UJA Federation and The Jewish Agency for Israel, we created a new gap year program in Eilat that allows me and the rest of the UJA Shinshinim to connect with you online during this year. Hopefully, we will get to Toronto in the summer and meet all of you in person! I can’t wait to meet you! I'm sure we will have fun and get to know each other well, even through the screen.
See you soon,
Lior.