Masorti Israel Foundation

06/09/2026

At the beginning of this week, after schools across Israel were canceled late at night due to renewed hostilities with Iran, Kehillat Moreshet Avraham opened its doors by 11:00 the next morning.

Sixty children came for games, activities, and a few hours of joy. Their parents found a rare moment to breathe, drink coffee, speak with one another, or open a laptop and work.

In a reality that can change overnight, our Masorti kehillot continue to create islands of stability, care, and community.

This is the power of partnership: a devoted local kehillah, inspiring young volunteers from a nearby pre-army program, and a community center ready to support grassroots action. Together, they offered children a safe and joyful place to be, while giving parents the gift of a little calm in the middle of uncertainty.

Rabbi Harold Kushner taught that we cannot always control the troubles that come our way, but we can choose how we respond.

Across Israel, Masorti kehillot are responding with compassion, resilience, and hope.

This is what kehillah looks like in a time of crisis. ❤️

06/05/2026

This Shabbat, Masorti's Director of Development, Rabbi Mikie Goldstein, will be guest speaker at Ansche Chesed in NYC. If you're in the area, Rav Mikie will be happy to meet you.

Join us this Shabbat to celebrate Pride Month! We will be joined by Rabbi Mikie Goldstein, director of resource development for the Masorti movement (and an AC member during his NY days), to reflect on issues facing LGBTQ Jews. Learn more: https://anschechesed.shulcloud.com/form/pride-shabbat-2026.html

Sign up for dinner on Friday night to hear Rabbi Goldstein share about his personal journey from his Orthodox youth in Liverpool to his life as a Gay Masorti rabbi in Israel.

On Saturday morning, Rabbi Goldstein will speak about the institutional challenges and opportunities for Gay-affirming religious life in the Jewish state.

05/25/2026

While the Knesset debates the proposed bill threatening egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, which could impose 7-year prison sentences for non-Orthodox prayer, the כותל המשפחות Egalitarian Kotel is alive and vibrant.

Even as flights to Israel remain challenging and Diaspora Jews visit less frequently, the need for a respectful, inclusive space for egalitarian prayer is urgent and undeniable.

Join us in supporting this sacred space for all Jews, today and every day. Learn more about the כותל המשפחות Egalitarian Kotel: https://www.masorti.org.il/egalitarian-kotel/

05/20/2026

The Kotel belongs to the entire Jewish people.

This week, the Knesset is discussing a bill that would give the Chief Rabbinate expanded authority over prayer at the Western Wall and could turn Jewish prayer that does not follow its interpretation into a criminal offense.

That could include women reading Torah, women wearing a tallit, or families praying together in an egalitarian space.

This is not about protecting the Kotel.
It is about controlling who gets to belong there.

For Jews around the world, this is personal. The Kotel is part of our shared Jewish story, and no one authority should be able to decide that only one way of praying belongs there.

Women praying are not a provocation.
Egalitarian Judaism is not desecration.

The Kotel belongs to all of us. Jewish prayer must never be a crime.

05/18/2026

🌷Community in Bloom: Kehillat HaYovel🌷

Across Israel, Masorti kehillot are creating spaces of belonging, tradition, and renewal. Today, we’re shining a light on Kehillat HaYovel in Jerusalem, where something special is growing.

After a challenging period, this Masorti kehillah is experiencing a beautiful renewal, with new energy growing between the community garden, musical Kabbalat Shabbat services, holiday gatherings, and the synagogue benches once again filled with the laughter of children.

From communal matzah baking before Passover to moving ceremonies for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, from music-filled prayer to outreach that welcomes new families and friends, Kehillat HaYovel is becoming a beacon of Jewish life rooted in halakhah, openness, mutual responsibility, and joy.

This is Masorti life in Israel: alive, growing, and full of heart.

05/14/2026

The Masorti Movement In Israel-התנועה המסורתית בישראל celebrates Yom Yerushalayim at the כותל המשפחות Egalitarian Kotel!

05/12/2026

On Saturday night, our Tzeirim young adults gathered for an evening of s’mores, conversation, and community.

They began before Shabbat ended with meaningful discussions about values — the values that guide them, the values they learned at home, and the values they hope to see more of in the world. Together, they marked Havdalah, and then ended the night the best way possible: with sweet, sticky s’mores.

A beautiful reminder that Jewish community is built in moments of learning, reflection, tradition, and simple joy. ✨🔥

05/07/2026

Here’s a quick recap of what NOAM was up to in April! 🧡💚

From Passover fun and volunteer projects to teen leadership, a delegation to England, Negev Garin training, and plenty of NOAM spirit, our youth were on the move all month long.

Take a look! ✨

05/05/2026

There is something about a bonfire that draws us in, no matter our age. But this year, beyond the potatoes, marshmallows, and songs around the fire, Lag BaOmer feels especially meaningful.

Jewish tradition teaches that the plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students ended on this day. Why had it begun? Because they failed to treat one another with respect.

That lesson feels painfully relevant today.

In a time of deep security, political, and social tension in Israel, Lag BaOmer reminds us that disagreement does not have to mean division. We can argue. We can hold different views. But we must continue to see one another, listen to one another, and honor the dignity of those with whom we disagree.

This year, as Masorti kehillot and NOAM youth gather around smaller, safer, and more environmentally responsible fires, we also hope to kindle something deeper: a renewed commitment to respect, responsibility, and shared community.

Wishing you a joyful, meaningful, and safe Lag BaOmer from Masorti Israel. 🧡