Hod Ve-Hadar is a Masorti (Conservative) synagogue, founded in the Sharon region in 1978, and functioning in its own building in Kfar Saba since 1996. The 210 member families – about 1000 people – include Israelis who were born in the cities as well as in the agricultural settlements, new immigrants and immigrants of many years standing who came here from many different countries. Our members are
engaged in a wide variety of businesses and professions and reflect the whole spectrum of political positions. Hod Ve-Hadar, as part of the Masorti Movement, holds fast to the Jewish tradition but adapts it to the world of today. Our religious services, which are traditional in form and music, are further characterized by our central principles – openness and tolerance – and full opportunity for participation by all our members, men and women alike. Those of us who seek some fresh nuances in the prayers hold a special creative service about once a month. This provides an opportunity for delving into chosen prayers and for discussion. The congregation views itself as an integral part of the larger community, our city, our region and the whole society of the State of Israel. We are involved in works of charity, mutual aid – as Judaism requires – and we make every effort to participate in a dialogue with other sectors of the population to promote and increase mutual understanding. A Family Atmosphere
Since we sit together as families during our religious services, this is the atmosphere that pervades our synagogue. A mother may encourage her son, anxious as he faces being called to the Torah at his Bar Mitzvah, a father may look after the young ones while a mother chants the Torah portion, sisters and brothers may look forward to identical Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Congregational Activities
Hod Ve-Hadar holds services every Shabbat eve and Shabbat morning, every eve of holiday and holiday morning, and a week-day morning service every Monday. We also hold late afternoon (minha) services on Shabbat which provides for those who may want a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at that time, as well as Monday and/or Thursday morning services, as requested. Study groups for adults to enrich our knowledge of many aspects of Judaism have been a feature of Hod Ve-Hadar since its inception. Most of these groups have been led by volunteers from within our membership who have special expertise in a variety of subjects. In 2004 this educational effort was expanded with the hiring of an educational director, Rabbi Lionel Levy. A Beit Midrash was founded to encourage the spread of Jewish knowledge to the larger community. Here one may study in small groups, or hear lecturers and attend classes given by the best of educators and scholars. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
Hod Ve-Hadar provides a very special experience to those interested in celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah with us. The congregation enables these boys and girls to take part in study groups which prepare them for this significant occasion and give them a wider background of acquaintance with Judaism. Among our post-Bar Mitzvah youth there are people who are well trained and can teach the aspirants the Bar Mitzvah skills necessary to read the Maftir and the Haftarah. Children's Activities
We give special attention to the coming generation even when they are still little ones. There are regular services for small children, helped by older children, and together they learn selections of prayers and poems. Special activities are provided for children during the long services of the High Holy Days. After Shabbat services an activities room is open for the children and youth to play games and just have fun. A Warm "Kehilla"
Hod Ve-Hadar is first and foremost a synagogue, but it is also a "kehilla", truly a social setting for its members. We come together on the solemn days commemorating the Holocaust, the Fallen in our wars, and on national holidays not found in the religious calendar. But we also meet to celebrate joyous occasions, family-centered outings and picnics on Yom Ha'atzmaut, as well as weekends away together at hotels and field schools. We have a joint Shabbat meal about once a month in the synagogue on Friday evening, and we are ready to add any new congregational experience that the members would like. For example, this past year the kehilla hosted three remarkable concerts featuring well-known musicians and several memorable lectures delivered by prominent Israeli statesmen and a doctor from the Hadassah medical program. Hod Ve-Hadar is our second home in joy and sorrow, it is where we mark births, significant birthdays, marriages, the induction of our children into the Israeli Defense Forces, and the various distinctions or achievements that may come to our members. On the other hand, when the end of life comes, we try to extend comfort and to ease the pain of mourners. Our Financial Needs
Hod Ve-Hadar (as well as all the Masorti congregations in Israel) receives no financial support from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. However, the city of Kfar Saba has been helpful to us over the years. They made it possible for us to have temporary quarters in schools before our present home was built and granted us the land for erecting our sanctuary. All our regular activities are funded by the dues and special events contributions of members and supporters. Although our members contribute generously of their time, efforts and talents, we still have to meet many expenses. In November 2004, we proudly opened the doors of the new ground floor Tamar Dvoskin Youth Activities Center and the Educational Center. This facility is being used every day for educational, social, religious and cultural activities. It is open to our members and to the general public. With the doubling of our physical space, our expenses for water, electricity and maintenance have doubled, while our cleaning costs have tripled. We have important capital improvements to make to the main sanctuary which we built 10 years ago. To cope with these increased expenses on a long term basis we have created an unrestricted Hod ve-Hadar endowment fund which accepts bequests made in wills and life gifts. On a more immediate basis we urgently need your annual contribution and special events financial support so that we can continue to offer all our excellent activities and shine as the leading Masorti congregation in central Israel. Thank you very much for your generous donations and support.
