This newsletter brings you an overview of the past four months of the Masorti/Conservative worldwide movement, celebrating the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of our regional and global organizations.
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International Programming
Masorti Olami is thrilled to collaborate with the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism for this year's World Wide Wrap, which will take place on Sunday, February 9. Join us worldwide to celebrate the mitzvah of Tefillin.
We call our communities from all over the globe to register and get valuable resources in different languages, guides and program ideas to inspire and help your members to bind their hearts and minds in fulfilling this mitzvah.
The Torah teaches us, "And you shall rehearse them to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you go on the way and when you lie down and when you rise" (Deut. 6:7), emphasizing the importance of constant learning and guidance. Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about shaping character, values, and a life of purpose. This process is both a sacred duty and a lifelong journey, as we strive to cultivate individuals who will contribute meaningfully to the world.
To celebrate the International Day of Education, we shared a source sheet in English, French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish, and Ukrainian. In a world where education is more vital than ever, we are honored to provide these tools to promote learning and connection.
In the hope that everyone experienced a peaceful and joyful Hanukkah, we shared highlights from celebrations from our Masorti/Conservative communities around the world.
During a time where it’s been hard to find joy and hope, we created a video giving a glimpse into how our Masorti Olami communities around the globe found the light and joy of Sukkot.
On October 6, the Masorti/Conservative Worldwide Community gathered more than 700 participants for a global online event to mark one year since the terrorist attack, honor those killed during the Hamas massacre and the fallen soldiers and pray for the safe return of the hostages still held in Gaza.
Israel at War
Masorti and MERCAZ Olami remain committed to raising awareness about the hostages; men, women, and children that are still being held captive in Gaza, and we pray for their immediate and safe return home, and for an end to the suffering of all innocent people.
Click here to read more about our statements, different briefings, events and resources we bring to our communities.
MERCAZ Olami
With the participation of representatives from Masorti/Conservative communities in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK, MERCAZ Olami held the Zionism Under Attack seminar from January 13-15 in Israel.
MERCAZ leadership, together with representatives from the National Institutions and the Masorti Movement in Israel, spoke about the challenges facing Zionism in the contemporary world in Israel and the Diaspora, and fostered discussions on the role of Masorti/Conservative communities in supporting and defending Zionism.
With the upcoming Zionist Congress elections on the horizon, participants gained valuable insights into the electoral process and the importance of active participation.
MERCAZ Olami hosted a group of rabbinical students from Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano Marshall T. Meyer's Akiva program for two intensive days of learning and connection. In Jerusalem and Beer Sheva, the group learned about the global Masorti/Conservative movement and our vital work with National Institutions.
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MERCAZ Olami, together with MERCAZ USA, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly, held a special online briefing with Tal Schneider on how the results of the US presidential election can impact US-Israel relations.
Schneider is a political and diplomatic correspondent for Times of Israel, and one of Israel’s leading political commentators.
The World Zionist Congress is taking place in October 2025. MERCAZ Olami and its worldwide chapters are preparing for the Zionist federations elections that will take place around the world starting this March.
To learn more and make sure you can vote MERCAZ in your local Zionist Federation, visit mercazolami.org
NOAM Olami
NOAM Ukraine Winter Camp and NOAM Argentina Majane Elise Beiajad conclude our year-end camp seasons. The Ukrainian activities brought together participants from all over the country in the Chernivtsi district, while the Latin American camp brought together 389 chanichim from all Masorti/Conservative communities in Argentina.
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Abayudaya Youth Association (NOAM Uganda) held its first convention since 2020 bringing together over 120 youth from across the 9 communities in Uganda and Kenya. Themed “Our Roots and Responsibilities, Empowering the Next Generation”, the convention also welcomed Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Deputy Director Tehila Reuben, and Libi Silver, Zohar Lev and Shaiya Rubin, shlichoniot from NOAM Israel.
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NOAM Olami created a special Hanukkah activity inspired by Keith Siegel, an Israeli hostage still held in Gaza to this day, and the gratitude circle he led with other hostages in captivity. Despite the harsh conditions, Keith found strength in focusing on gratitude, a powerful reminder that even small moments of light can make a difference.
Marom
MAROM is launching CONNECT, a new project for young adults that offers participants the chance to develop their own paths toward personal and professional growth.
They will spend four months in Tel Aviv connecting with the community, country, and self through internships, volunteer work, language and university courses, or even remote work. Marom also provides housing, educational and cultural activities, Israel tours, and medical insurance and security.
AmLat
Masorti Argentina and Masorti AmLat organize Shabbaton in Tucuman bringing together over seven communities from Argentina. The leaders of the communities of Chaco, Corrientes, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, San Luis and Tucuman shared their experiences and visions about Masorti life today.
Committed to listening to the reality of each kehilah, Masorti AmLat proposed this exchange in pursuit of our mission: to generate tools to strengthen Masorti life in the region.
Europe
In early January, Masorti Germany held a Shabbaton in Berlin to learn more about Masorti Judaism and Masorti life in the country.
The occasion, which offered learning and discussion sessions, meals, and social time spent at both Fraenkelufer Synagogue and Synagoge Oranienburger Straße, brought together over 60 participants from across Germany, including Masorti rabbis, rabbinical students, and educators. Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Deputy Director Tehila Reuben attended the event representing Masorti Europe and Masorti Olami.
To share the thriving and prosperous European Jewish life and celebrate and strengthen our communities, Masorti Europe launched a special series of Hanukkah messages from across the continent throughout the eight days of chag.
At the end of September Masorti Europe Coordinator Carmen McPherson and Andrea Ausztrics, Marom Jewish Culture Project leader, attended the 6th Meeting of the Working Group on the Implementation of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life hosted by the Hungarian Government in cooperation with the European Commission.
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Ukraine
We are proud and happy to share exciting news about the launch of the first ever Masorti/Conservative children’s siddur translated into Ukrainian with transliteration: СПІВ СЕРЦЯ (Singing of the Heart).
The joint project led by Rabbi Irina Gritsevsky from Midreshet Schechter; together with Tali, The Schechter Institutes' education center for Jewish pluralism, and Masorti Olami, was made possible by the generous support of Betsy Gidwitz - Greenwood Philanthropic Fund and Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries.
Our Masorti/Conservative community in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Kehillat Aviv, organized a Shabbaton from December 13-15, bringing together 45 participants for prayers and activities on how community members and staff can strengthen and support the kehillah.
Community leader Lev Kleiman shared, “The goal of the activities was to help bring the community to a higher level: to make them reflect on what it really means to work as a community and how to give back to what the community offers them.”
“And the best part is that this Shabbaton was entirely self-funded. It was the first time we had raised funds from our community members for a large event like this,” said Kleiman.
Our Masorti/Conservative communities in Ukraine continue to struggle with the repercussions of the ongoing war, which began in 2022. Click here to support our Ukraine Emergency Campaign and help us continue our efforts to assist our Ukrainian communities and refugees who fled Ukraine.
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Africa
As part of her trip to Uganda to help organize the Abayudaya Youth Association (NOAM Uganda) Convention, Masorti and MERCAZ Olami’s Deputy Director Tehila Reuben met with the Rabbinic Union of the Abayudaya Communities and visited some of our more remote Ugandan Masorti/Conservative communities including Namutumba II, Nalubembe, Nasenyi and many more.
We are proud of how much our Abayudaya communities are growing and developing. Click here to learn how you can help us continue supporting them.
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Australasia
In early December, our Australian Masorti/Conservative community in Melbourne, Kehilat Nitzan, celebrated its 25th anniversary by commissioning a new Sefer Torah. The event, attended by community members and friends, was marked by the writing of the first word of the Torah scroll by Rabbi and Sofer Gustavo Surazski.
Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter joined the celebration with a video greeting congratulating the community on its quarter-century anniversary, sharing words of support and encouragement.
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