Shalom Israel RVA Program

New Program for 2019-20

Join us for this exciting new program, open to all in the community!

Our mission is to lead members of the Richmond Jewish community and allies of all backgrounds into mature relationships with the land, people, and State of Israel. Through nuanced educational and cultural programming, facilitated conversations, guest speaker programs, panel discussions, cultural engagement opportunities, and travel experiences, SHALOM Israel RVA will engage people intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually about Israel, inspiring them to contribute to a more compassionate, just, and peaceful future for Israel and its neighbors.

The polarized nature of the public and internal Jewish conversation about Israel, where Israel is  either all-right or all-wrong, victim or oppressor, hero or villain, encourages tribal loyalty rather than honest and nuanced discussion about complex subjects.  Many of us avoid talking about it altogether — at least in any meaningful way — for fear of angering or alienating others. 

We have ceased to speak with each other about one of the most important Jewish subjects of our time because it is too “divisive.” A middle ground is desperately needed between propaganda and knee-jerk criticism, a space required for open dialogue, so people can form mature relationships and a nuanced understanding of Israel. 

We’d love your help to build SHALOM Israel RVA. If you are interested in taking a leadership role, please email Rabbi Knopf or  Cantor Rosenblatt. 

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